Homeschooling, as many of us parents have discovered, needs love, patience, and a bit of adventurous spirit.
As a homeschooling mom myself, I deeply understand the importance of choosing the right curriculum. For those of us seeking secular homeschool programs, the task can sometimes feel daunting.
But fear not! I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the diverse landscape of secular homeschooling resources.
Why Secular Homeschooling?
Secular homeschooling emphasizes an education system that is neutral concerning religious teachings. The key characteristics include:
- Empirical Learning: Focus on science and evidence-based subjects.
- Inclusivity: Welcomes families of all beliefs and backgrounds.
- Critical Thinking: Encourages questioning and understanding over memorization.
- Diverse Worldviews: Exposes students to a variety of cultures and perspectives.
- Flexibility: Often allows more customization to suit individual learning styles.
Christian-Based Homeschooling
Christian homeschooling integrates religious education with academic subjects.
Its distinctive features are:
- Biblical Integration: Curriculum intertwined with Christian teachings and values.
- Spiritual Development: Focuses on developing faith and moral values.
- Community: Often includes a strong network of like-minded families.
- Tradition: Emphasizes traditional educational models and materials.
- Moral Framework: Education is often framed within a Christian moral context.
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Comparison: Secular vs. Christian Homeschooling
- Curriculum Content
- Secular: Presents a neutral or varied viewpoint, especially in science and history.
- Christian: Incorporates biblical perspectives, especially in subjects like science (e.g., Creationism) and history.
- Teaching Approach
- Secular: Emphasizes critical thinking and inquiry-based learning.
- Christian: Often includes a traditional approach with a focus on scripture and moral teachings.
- Worldview and Perspectives
- Secular: Aims for a broad, multicultural perspective.
- Christian: Teaches from a Christian worldview, shaping perspectives in line with religious beliefs.
- Community and Support
- Secular: Diverse communities, not centered around a specific faith.
- Christian: Strong, faith-based support networks, often connected to churches or religious groups.
- Flexibility and Customization
- Secular: High flexibility in choosing and adapting curricula.
- Christian: Some flexibility, but generally structured around Christian values and teachings.
- Moral and Ethical Teaching
- Secular: Moral and ethical teachings are not based on a specific religion but on a general set of human values.
- Christian: Morals and ethics are taught in the context of Christian beliefs and scriptures.
Deciding between secular and Christian homeschooling depends on what aligns best with your family’s beliefs, educational goals, and your child’s learning needs.
Some families prefer the neutrality and broad perspective of secular education, while others value the integration of faith and learning that Christian homeschooling offers.
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Time4Learning
A comprehensive online curriculum covering core subjects with interactive lessons.
Subjects: Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Electives
Concept: Student-paced, interactive learning
Delivery: Online
Cost: Approx. $20-30/month per student
Accredited: No
Age Range: Pre-K to 12th grade
Oak Meadow
Offers a creative, child-centered approach with an emphasis on holistic education.
Subjects: Core subjects with arts and health
Concept: Holistic, child-centered, flexible
Delivery: Print and digital materials
Cost: Approx. $500-$900/year per grade level
Accredited: Yes
Age Range: K to 12th grade
Beast Academy & Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
Ideal for math enthusiasts, with a curriculum ranging from elementary to high school levels.
Subjects: Math-focused
Concept: Rigorous, problem-solving skills
Delivery: Online and textbooks
Cost: Beast Academy: Approx. $15/month or $96/year; AoPS: Varies by course
Accredited: No
Age Range: Beast Academy: 2nd to 5th grade; AoPS: 5th to 12th grade
BookShark
A literature-based program that includes reading, language arts, science, and history.
Subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Science, History
Concept: Literature-based, comprehensive
Delivery: Print materials and books
Cost: Approx. $300-$800/year per package
Accredited: No
Age Range: 4 to 16 years old
Also Read >> Power Homeschool Vs Time4learning Vs MiAcademy | An Experience-Based Comparison
NOEO Science & REAL Science Odyssey
Excellent for hands-on science learning with a focus on experiments and discoveries.
Subjects: Science-focused
Concept: Experiment-based, hands-on
Delivery: Print materials
Cost: Approx. $140-$200/year per level
Accredited: No
Age Range: 5 to 15 years old
Moving Beyond the Page
This curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and creativity, offering a project-based approach.
Subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts
Concept: Project-based, critical thinking
Delivery: Online and print materials
Cost: Approx. $30-$130 per unit
Accredited: No
Age Range: 4 to 14 years old
Build Your Library
A literature-rich curriculum that integrates various subjects through thematic units.
Subjects: Literature, Science, History, Art
Concept: Literature-rich, thematic units
Delivery: Digital download (books not included)
Cost: Approx. $30-$90 per grade level
Accredited: No
Age Range: K to 12th grade
Secular Homeschool History
Options like ‘The Story of the World’ and ‘History Odyssey’ provide comprehensive history education without religious bias.
Subjects: History
Concept: Comprehensive, story-based
Delivery: Print materials and books
Cost: Varies based on selected books and resources
Accredited: No
Age Range: 6 to 15 years old
Pandia Press
Known for its science and history curricula, Pandia Press offers engaging, in-depth study materials.
Subjects: Science and History
Concept: In-depth, engaging materials
Delivery: Print materials
Cost: Approx. $20-$50 per guide
Accredited: No
Age Range: K to 12th grade
Blossom and Root
A nature-based curriculum, perfect for younger children, with a focus on hands-on exploration and creativity.
Subjects: Science, Nature Study, Language Arts, Art, Math
Concept: Nature-based, creative
Delivery: Digital download
Cost: Approx. $40-$200 per level
Accredited: No
Age Range: Preschool to 4th grade
Global Village School
Offers a customizable curriculum with a global perspective, encouraging diversity and social justice.
Subjects: Core subjects with global and social justice themes
Concept: Customizable, inclusive
Delivery: Print and online materials
Cost: Approx. $400-$1500/year
Accredited: Yes
Age Range: K to 12th grade
Khan Academy
Subjects: Math, Science, Computing, Humanities, Economics, Test Prep, and more
Concept: Free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere
Delivery: Online, video-based lessons with interactive exercises
Cost: Free
Accredited: No
Age Range: Kindergarten to Adult (including college level)
KiwiCo
Subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)
Concept: Hands-on learning through subscription-based projects and experiments
Delivery: Physical boxes shipped monthly, containing all materials needed for projects
Cost: Varies by subscription plan, typically around $20-$30 per month
Accredited: No
Age Range: 0-16+ years, with boxes tailored to different age groups (e.g., Tinker Crate for older kids, Koala Crate for younger ones)
Compare Khan Academy and KiwiCo with Other Secular Homeschool Programs
- Content Diversity: Khan Academy offers a wide range of subjects, making it a comprehensive resource for academic learning. KiwiCo, on the other hand, focuses on STEAM activities, providing a hands-on, project-based learning experience.
- Cost and Accessibility: Khan Academy is unique in this list for being entirely free, providing accessible education for a wide range of subjects. KiwiCo requires a subscription, but the cost includes all materials needed for its hands-on projects.
- Learning Style: Khan Academy is ideal for self-paced, independent learning, especially useful for subjects like math and science. KiwiCo encourages creativity and hands-on skills, making learning interactive and tangible.
- Age Range: Both Khan Academy and KiwiCo cater to a broad age range, but in different ways. Khan Academy’s content spans from elementary to college levels, while KiwiCo offers age-specific boxes to target developmental stages and interests.
Tips for Narrowing Down Your Options
- Evaluate the Depth of Each Subject: Some curricula might be stronger in certain subjects than others. Consider which subjects are most important for your child’s education.
- Check for Accreditation: If you’re concerned about college preparation, look for programs that are accredited or have a track record of successful college admissions.
- Budget Considerations: Prices can vary significantly. Determine your budget and find a program that offers the best value for your investment.
- Sample Lessons: Many programs offer sample lessons or trial periods. Utilize these to see if the teaching style and content resonate with your child.
- Community Feedback: Don’t underestimate the value of reviews and feedback from other homeschooling parents. Their insights can be invaluable in making your decision.
Also Read >> Getting Started With Homeschooling | Essential Information For Homeschooling Beginners
Additional Notes:
- Costs are approximate and may vary based on specific course selections or additional materials.
- Accreditation may be an important factor for some families, especially for ease of transition to traditional schools or college preparation.
- Delivery Methods offer flexibility in learning styles, with options for online, print, or a combination of both.
Michaelle Barbor
