Choosing a homeschool curriculum can be a balancing act. You have to weigh your child's learning preferences, your own teaching style, the makeup of your entire family, your budget, and possible state requirements. Whatever choice you make can impact both your child’s worldview and their love for learning. It's an important choice, but with the right information, you can make a confident decision and enjoy your curriculum all year long.
New to Homeschooling?
Getting started with homeschooling is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you can begin your homeschool journey with confidence. Our free guide will walk you through How to Homeschool step by step—from state requirements to choosing a Christ-centered curriculum. Download it now to start strong!
Here are steps help you wisely choose a homeschool curriculum that will fit your family.
1. Know Your State’s Homeschool Laws
Research your state's laws and requirements about homeschooling. A great place to start is with the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Some states have particular topics that must be taught at certain stages or grades.
2. Take Cues from Your Child
Some children learn best through hands-on activities, while others prefer more structured lessons. Some children love activity pages while others like more creative, open-ended activities. Choose a program that will mesh well with your child's learning preferences.
For instance, the Let’s Talk Science series for elementary students is known for its hands-on learning activities and narrative storyline. However, some families prefer the God’s Design elementary science series, a reading-based approach, offering experimentation and tiered books that are designed for teaching the same material across multiple ages. Both are great Christian curriulum choices. The difference is one of preference.
3. Evaluate the Curriculum's Commitment to Scripture
Thoroughly research the worldview that the curriculum is based on.
- Is the publisher's statement of faith in line with your own beliefs?
- Is the Bible taught throughout the course or merely tacked onto the lesson as an afterthought?
- Is the stance a lukewarm Christian viewpoint or a devotedly Biblical one?
Some materials are marketed as Christian but fail to exalt God, His way, and His Word over humanity as their source of truth and authority. Check publisher About pages, research authors, look into the parent organizations of any curriculum, and download samples before you purchase.
What about Master Books? Our mission is your student’s eternal salvation through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Because we believe this, we publish every subject from a biblical worldview, revealing the Bible as entirely trustworthy and the guide for all of life. If that is your goal, too, the Master Books may be a perfect fit for your family.
4. Stay Within Your Budget
Homeschool materials run the spectrum from free online printables to expensive school-in-a-box solutions. While afforability is important, be careful of inferior products that are given away for free to provide web traffic that can be monetized for advertising. On the other extreme, it's truly not necessary to buy the priciest option to give your children a solid education.
What about Master Books? Our curriculum lines fall in the sweet spot: beautiful, extremely affordable, and flexible. We even offer digital options for books, activity books, and teacher guides so you can print from home as needed for multiple children over many years.
5. Ask Other Homeschoolers
Talk to other homeschoolers and learn what has worked to meet their needs. We invite you to the Master Books App and the Moms of Master Books Facebook group to ask other homeschool parents and our well-trained moderators your questions. Inside the app, you will find groups based on grade levels, special needs, home life, and more.
6. Have the Courage to Experiment
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. That’s why your children aren’t in the public or private schools. Find a curriculum that works for your child and your family. Try something different if a particular curriculum isn't working for your child. We call this a homeschool reset. For example, two homeschool moms, Anna and Rachel, share their homeschool resets in these interviews:
Connect With Master Books for More Resources
Subscribe to the Master Books YouTube channel to learn more about choosing your homeschool curriculum and teaching your family a love for learning. Our company has focused on publishing with eternity in mind since 1975. We would be honored to partner with you to supply the resources you need to feed your family’s faith in God and raise world changers for His glory.
