Curriculum Ideas and Homeschooling Approaches
One of the advantages of homeschooling is that there is no single right way to do it. Families can choose an educational approach that fits their children, their goals and the way their family lives.
You also do not have to commit permanently to one philosophy. Many homeschool families combine ideas from several approaches and change what they are doing as their children grow.
Common Homeschooling Approaches
Traditional or School-at-Home
This approach looks most like a conventional classroom education. Families may use textbooks, workbooks, scheduled subjects, grades, tests and a regular school-day routine. Complete grade-level curriculum packages are often designed for this style.
Resources: Abeka, BJU Press Homeschool, Calvert, Christian Light Education and Rod & Staff.
Classical Education
Classical homeschooling generally emphasizes literature, history, logic, writing, languages and the development of critical thinking. Many classical programs organize learning around stages sometimes called grammar, logic and rhetoric.
Resources: The Well-Trained Mind, Well-Trained Mind Press, Memoria Press, Classical Academic Press and Veritas Press.
Charlotte Mason
The Charlotte Mason approach emphasizes high-quality “living books,” short lessons, nature study, narration, art and music, and learning through ideas rather than relying heavily on textbooks and worksheets.
Resources: AmblesideOnline; Simply Charlotte Mason.
Montessori-Inspired Homeschooling
Montessori education emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, practical life skills and giving children opportunities to work at their own pace. Homeschool families often borrow Montessori methods without trying to reproduce a complete Montessori classroom at home.
Resources: Teaching Montessori in the Home by Elizabeth G. Hainstock; The Montessori Foundation
Waldorf-Inspired Homeschooling
Waldorf-inspired education often emphasizes imagination, storytelling, art, music, movement, nature and hands-on activities. Formal academics are traditionally introduced gradually, particularly in the younger years.
Resources: Christopherus Homeschool Resources; Waldorf Essentials.
Unschooling and Child-Led Learning
Unschooling places greater emphasis on a child’s interests, curiosity and everyday experiences rather than following a predetermined curriculum. Learning may happen through books, projects, hobbies, travel, conversations, work and ordinary family life.
Resources: Sandra Dodd’s Unschooling website, Living Joyfully with Unschooling, the Alliance for Self-Directed Education and local libraries, museums, nature centers and community programs.
Unit Studies
Unit studies organize several subjects around one topic. A family studying the ocean, for example, might combine science, geography, literature, writing, art and history into the same unit. This can work particularly well when teaching children of different ages together.
Resources: Homeschool Share; Guest Hollow; Moore Formula
Christian Homeschooling
Christian homeschooling incorporates Christian faith and teaching into a child’s education. Some families use a complete Christian curriculum, while others select individual Christian resources or simply incorporate their faith into an otherwise eclectic program.
Resources: Sonlight, Master Books, Abeka, The Good and the Beautiful, Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool and My Father’s World.
Eclectic Homeschooling
Many families are eclectic homeschoolers. They choose different approaches and resources for different children or subjects - for example, a traditional math program, Charlotte Mason literature, unit-study science and child-led projects.
Resources: Cathy Duffy Reviews, Rainbow Resource Center, Homeschool Buyers Club, Homeschool Share and local used-curriculum sales or homeschool groups.
No particular homeschooling philosophy is required by Freedom Academy. Families are free to choose the curriculum and educational approach that works best for their children.
Finding Curriculum
Finding curriculum today is usually not difficult; narrowing down the choices can be.
There is no curriculum that works best for every family or every child. Before purchasing an expensive complete program, consider your child’s learning style, your preferred approach to homeschooling, how much parent involvement a program requires and whether you want primarily books, online instruction or a combination of both.
The resources below include programs that Freedom Academy families may find useful. This is not an exhaustive list, and inclusion does not mean that a particular curriculum is required or endorsed for every student.
Purchase Options
Places to purchase everything:
- Christian Book Distributors - Homeschool - loads of options - free shipping $35 or more - ships from MA
- Rainbow Resource Center - massive site with options for just about everything
- Amazon
- Homeschool Buyers Club - Offers discounted homeschool curriculum and educational programs through group purchasing.
- Homeschool Classifieds - Good source for used curriculum, including complete sets and older editions.
- ThriftBooks and AbeBooks - Useful for literature, read-aloud books, history books and other non-consumable materials, especially when buying used.
- Local homeschool groups and used-curriculum sales - Often one of the least expensive ways to find curriculum and allows you to look through materials before buying.
Complete or Multi-Subject Curriculum Programs
Some families prefer to purchase most or all of their curriculum from one provider rather than choosing a different program for every subject. These programs can provide more structure while still allowing families to adapt the material to their children.
Oak Meadow - A secular, book-based curriculum available from preschool through high school. It uses a flexible, experiential approach with literature, projects, nature study and hands-on learning.
The Well-Trained Mind - A strong resource for families interested in classical education. The approach emphasizes history, literature, writing, grammar and critical thinking. Families can use individual Well-Trained Mind Press programs or combine them with other curriculum.
The Good and the Beautiful - A Christian curriculum offering courses in language arts, math, science, history and other subjects. It is designed to be visually appealing and relatively easy for families to use, with both printed and downloadable materials available.
Sonlight - A complete, literature-based Christian curriculum from preschool through high school. It is built around real books, read-alouds and structured instructor guides, with all-subject packages available.
BookShark - A secular, literature-based program with a four-day schedule. It offers all-subject packages as well as individual language arts, science, math and history options.
Master Books - A Christian curriculum covering preschool through high school. It offers grade-level packages as well as individual courses in math, science, language arts, history and electives. Its programs are designed to be parent-friendly and include structured lesson plans.
Abeka - A traditional Christian school-at-home curriculum with textbooks, workbooks, lesson plans, tests and video instruction. Families can purchase complete grade-level kits or individual subjects.
Calvert - A long-established name in home education. Calvert programs have changed over the years, so families interested in using Calvert should check what is currently available, especially when purchasing used or older editions.
Specific Subject Options
Language Arts:
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) - Well-known writing curriculum that also offers Fix It! Grammar and other language arts resources.
Rod & Staff - Mennonite curriculum publisher offering language arts and other subjects. Its spelling program is phonics-based and traditional in approach.
Well-Trained Mind Press - Offers programs such as First Language Lessons, Writing With Ease and other classical language arts resources.
Math
Teaching Textbooks - Online math program with instruction, practice and automatic grading. It can be particularly useful for families who want students to work more independently in the upper grades.
Math Mammoth - Inexpensive, concept-focused math curriculum particularly popular in the elementary and middle grades.
Math-U-See - Mastery-oriented math curriculum that uses manipulatives and visual models. It can work well for hands-on and visual learners.
Science
Apologia - Christian science curriculum with courses for elementary through high school students.
Science Through History by Jay Wile - Science curriculum designed to connect scientific development with history.
Master Books Science - Christian science courses covering numerous grade levels and topics.
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock - A classic nature-study guide covering plants, animals, insects, birds and the natural world. Originally written for teachers, it became especially influential among Charlotte Mason-style homeschoolers. It works well with outdoor observation, nature journals and informal science stud
Families should select high school science courses with their student’s future goals in mind, particularly if the student intends to pursue college programs with specific laboratory science requirements.
History and Social Studies
Story of the World - Narrative world history series especially popular with elementary-age homeschoolers. Activity guides provide maps, projects, reading suggestions and additional activities.
Notgrass History - Christian history curriculum for middle school and high school, with some programs incorporating literature and Bible study.
Mystery of History - Christian world history curriculum integrating biblical and secular history, with mapping and other activities.
Guest Hollow - Literature-based programs using books, videos, projects and other resources. Guest Hollow offers history as well as courses in other subjects.
A Child’s History of the World by V. M. Hillyer - A narrative world history written for children, presenting major people, civilizations and events in a chronological, story-based format. It is especially useful for elementary and middle-grade students and fits well with literature-rich or classical homeschooling approaches.
Complete Online Free Curriculum
These are sites that have lessons plans and programs available for K-12. Most are fully online. Some are just lesson plans that use off line books. Some are a mix of both.
Easy-Peasy Homeschool (K-8)
Easy-Peasy Homeschool High School
Ambleside Online (Charlotte Mason style)
An Old-Fashioned Education
CK-12
Unit Studies and Lapbooks
Homeschool Share - One of the best-known free sources for unit studies and lapbooks, including many based on children’s literature.
Guest Hollow - Offers literature-based programs that combine books, videos, activities and other resources.
Families can also create their own unit studies around almost any subject that interests their children.
For example, a study of apples could include botany and plant science, Johnny Appleseed and American history, geography, cooking and measurement, literature, art, writing and a trip to an orchard.
Unit studies can be particularly useful for teaching several children together.
Montessori Resources
Families interested in Montessori-inspired homeschooling may wish to explore Montessori materials focused on practical life skills, sensory learning, mathematics, language and independent work.
Teaching Montessori in the Home by Elizabeth G. Hainstock - A practical series for parents who want to use Montessori methods at home. Pre-School Years focuses on practical life, sensory development, early reading, writing and mathematics, while The School Years extends the approach into school-age language and mathematics. The books include activities and instructions for creating many Montessori-style materials at home.
The Montessori Foundation provides information about Montessori education and educational principles.
Parents can also incorporate individual Montessori activities and materials without adopting the entire method.
Waldorf Resources
Christopherus Homeschool Resources - Provides Waldorf-inspired curriculum and materials developed specifically for homeschool families.
Waldorf Essentials - Offers Waldorf-inspired curriculum, planning materials and parent resources.
Families can also borrow individual Waldorf ideas such as nature study, seasonal rhythms, storytelling, handwork, art and delaying excessive screen-based instruction.
Art and Music
Easy Peasy Art and Music - Free art and music courses included within the Easy Peasy program.
Smithsonian Learning Lab - Offers extensive resources in art, design, music and culture.
National Gallery of Art - Provides free artwork, educational materials, lessons and activities related to art and art history.
Art education can also include drawing, painting, photography, crafts, sewing, woodworking, pottery and other creative work.
Computer Science and Technology
Khan Academy - Offers computer programming and computing resources.
Code.org - Provides free computer science and coding courses for elementary through high school students.
Scratch - A free programming platform that lets children create games, animations and interactive projects while learning basic programming concepts.
Foreign Language
Duolingo - Free language-learning program useful for introductory vocabulary and regular practice.
Easy Peasy - Includes foreign-language options among its courses.
For high school students, families may want to supplement language apps with more structured reading, writing, speaking and listening practice.
Health and Physical Education
Easy Peasy PE and Health - Offers free health and physical education coursework.
Physical education does not have to resemble a traditional gym class. Hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, dance, martial arts, running, team sports, strength training and other regular physical activities can all be part of a student’s physical education.
Electives and Everyday Learning
Homeschool electives can grow directly out of a student’s interests and real life.
Possible subjects include:
Libraries, museums, historical societies, state and national parks, colleges, community organizations, 4-H, scouting organizations and local businesses can also provide valuable educational opportunities.
Online Classes and Virtual Co-Ops
Virtual Homeschool Group - A volunteer-run online homeschool co-op offering both live and at-your-own-pace courses.
Course availability varies from year to year depending on available instructors and volunteers. Courses may include math, science, language arts, foreign language, history and other subjects, particularly for middle school and high school students.
Because course offerings, enrollment procedures and deadlines can change, families should check Virtual Homeschool Group directly for current information.
A Final Note About Curriculum
It is easy for new homeschoolers to believe they have to find the perfect curriculum before they can begin. They do not.
A curriculum is a tool. If something is working well for your child, keep using it. If it is making everyone miserable or your child is not learning from it, consider changing it.
You can use textbooks, online courses, library books, unit studies, educational trips, projects, hands-on experiences or a mixture of all of them.
Freedom Academy does not require families to follow a particular educational philosophy or purchase a particular curriculum. Families have the freedom to build an education that works for their children.
Some families prefer to purchase most or all of their curriculum from one provider rather than choosing a different program for every subject. These programs can provide more structure while still allowing families to adapt the material to their children.
Oak Meadow - A secular, book-based curriculum available from preschool through high school. It uses a flexible, experiential approach with literature, projects, nature study and hands-on learning.
The Well-Trained Mind - A strong resource for families interested in classical education. The approach emphasizes history, literature, writing, grammar and critical thinking. Families can use individual Well-Trained Mind Press programs or combine them with other curriculum.
The Good and the Beautiful - A Christian curriculum offering courses in language arts, math, science, history and other subjects. It is designed to be visually appealing and relatively easy for families to use, with both printed and downloadable materials available.
Sonlight - A complete, literature-based Christian curriculum from preschool through high school. It is built around real books, read-alouds and structured instructor guides, with all-subject packages available.
BookShark - A secular, literature-based program with a four-day schedule. It offers all-subject packages as well as individual language arts, science, math and history options.
Master Books - A Christian curriculum covering preschool through high school. It offers grade-level packages as well as individual courses in math, science, language arts, history and electives. Its programs are designed to be parent-friendly and include structured lesson plans.
Abeka - A traditional Christian school-at-home curriculum with textbooks, workbooks, lesson plans, tests and video instruction. Families can purchase complete grade-level kits or individual subjects.
Calvert - A long-established name in home education. Calvert programs have changed over the years, so families interested in using Calvert should check what is currently available, especially when purchasing used or older editions.
Specific Subject Options
Language Arts:
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) - Well-known writing curriculum that also offers Fix It! Grammar and other language arts resources.
Rod & Staff - Mennonite curriculum publisher offering language arts and other subjects. Its spelling program is phonics-based and traditional in approach.
Well-Trained Mind Press - Offers programs such as First Language Lessons, Writing With Ease and other classical language arts resources.
Math
Teaching Textbooks - Online math program with instruction, practice and automatic grading. It can be particularly useful for families who want students to work more independently in the upper grades.
Math Mammoth - Inexpensive, concept-focused math curriculum particularly popular in the elementary and middle grades.
Math-U-See - Mastery-oriented math curriculum that uses manipulatives and visual models. It can work well for hands-on and visual learners.
Science
Apologia - Christian science curriculum with courses for elementary through high school students.
Science Through History by Jay Wile - Science curriculum designed to connect scientific development with history.
Master Books Science - Christian science courses covering numerous grade levels and topics.
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock - A classic nature-study guide covering plants, animals, insects, birds and the natural world. Originally written for teachers, it became especially influential among Charlotte Mason-style homeschoolers. It works well with outdoor observation, nature journals and informal science stud
Families should select high school science courses with their student’s future goals in mind, particularly if the student intends to pursue college programs with specific laboratory science requirements.
History and Social Studies
Story of the World - Narrative world history series especially popular with elementary-age homeschoolers. Activity guides provide maps, projects, reading suggestions and additional activities.
Notgrass History - Christian history curriculum for middle school and high school, with some programs incorporating literature and Bible study.
Mystery of History - Christian world history curriculum integrating biblical and secular history, with mapping and other activities.
Guest Hollow - Literature-based programs using books, videos, projects and other resources. Guest Hollow offers history as well as courses in other subjects.
A Child’s History of the World by V. M. Hillyer - A narrative world history written for children, presenting major people, civilizations and events in a chronological, story-based format. It is especially useful for elementary and middle-grade students and fits well with literature-rich or classical homeschooling approaches.
Complete Online Free Curriculum
These are sites that have lessons plans and programs available for K-12. Most are fully online. Some are just lesson plans that use off line books. Some are a mix of both.
Easy-Peasy Homeschool (K-8)
Easy-Peasy Homeschool High School
Ambleside Online (Charlotte Mason style)
An Old-Fashioned Education
CK-12
Unit Studies and Lapbooks
Homeschool Share - One of the best-known free sources for unit studies and lapbooks, including many based on children’s literature.
Guest Hollow - Offers literature-based programs that combine books, videos, activities and other resources.
Families can also create their own unit studies around almost any subject that interests their children.
For example, a study of apples could include botany and plant science, Johnny Appleseed and American history, geography, cooking and measurement, literature, art, writing and a trip to an orchard.
Unit studies can be particularly useful for teaching several children together.
Montessori Resources
Families interested in Montessori-inspired homeschooling may wish to explore Montessori materials focused on practical life skills, sensory learning, mathematics, language and independent work.
Teaching Montessori in the Home by Elizabeth G. Hainstock - A practical series for parents who want to use Montessori methods at home. Pre-School Years focuses on practical life, sensory development, early reading, writing and mathematics, while The School Years extends the approach into school-age language and mathematics. The books include activities and instructions for creating many Montessori-style materials at home.
The Montessori Foundation provides information about Montessori education and educational principles.
Parents can also incorporate individual Montessori activities and materials without adopting the entire method.
Waldorf Resources
Christopherus Homeschool Resources - Provides Waldorf-inspired curriculum and materials developed specifically for homeschool families.
Waldorf Essentials - Offers Waldorf-inspired curriculum, planning materials and parent resources.
Families can also borrow individual Waldorf ideas such as nature study, seasonal rhythms, storytelling, handwork, art and delaying excessive screen-based instruction.
Art and Music
Easy Peasy Art and Music - Free art and music courses included within the Easy Peasy program.
Smithsonian Learning Lab - Offers extensive resources in art, design, music and culture.
National Gallery of Art - Provides free artwork, educational materials, lessons and activities related to art and art history.
Art education can also include drawing, painting, photography, crafts, sewing, woodworking, pottery and other creative work.
Computer Science and Technology
Khan Academy - Offers computer programming and computing resources.
Code.org - Provides free computer science and coding courses for elementary through high school students.
Scratch - A free programming platform that lets children create games, animations and interactive projects while learning basic programming concepts.
Foreign Language
Duolingo - Free language-learning program useful for introductory vocabulary and regular practice.
Easy Peasy - Includes foreign-language options among its courses.
For high school students, families may want to supplement language apps with more structured reading, writing, speaking and listening practice.
Health and Physical Education
Easy Peasy PE and Health - Offers free health and physical education coursework.
Physical education does not have to resemble a traditional gym class. Hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, dance, martial arts, running, team sports, strength training and other regular physical activities can all be part of a student’s physical education.
Electives and Everyday Learning
Homeschool electives can grow directly out of a student’s interests and real life.
Possible subjects include:
- Photography
- Cooking and baking
- Gardening
- Woodworking
- Sewing
- Automotive skills
- Personal finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Creative writing
- Journalism
- Animal care
- Outdoor skills
- First aid
- Music
- Art
- Computer programming
- Local history
- Volunteer work
Libraries, museums, historical societies, state and national parks, colleges, community organizations, 4-H, scouting organizations and local businesses can also provide valuable educational opportunities.
Online Classes and Virtual Co-Ops
Virtual Homeschool Group - A volunteer-run online homeschool co-op offering both live and at-your-own-pace courses.
Course availability varies from year to year depending on available instructors and volunteers. Courses may include math, science, language arts, foreign language, history and other subjects, particularly for middle school and high school students.
Because course offerings, enrollment procedures and deadlines can change, families should check Virtual Homeschool Group directly for current information.
A Final Note About Curriculum
It is easy for new homeschoolers to believe they have to find the perfect curriculum before they can begin. They do not.
A curriculum is a tool. If something is working well for your child, keep using it. If it is making everyone miserable or your child is not learning from it, consider changing it.
You can use textbooks, online courses, library books, unit studies, educational trips, projects, hands-on experiences or a mixture of all of them.
Freedom Academy does not require families to follow a particular educational philosophy or purchase a particular curriculum. Families have the freedom to build an education that works for their children.