3. CURRICULUM
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There are countless curricula and programs available to homeschoolers, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Before diving in, check with your local school system—they may offer free or low-cost resources that could be a great fit.
If you prefer a more flexible approach, consider the Unit Study method, which integrates multiple subjects into themed lessons, rather than following a traditional structure.
Another option is online public school, but availability and cost vary by state. Be sure to check if your state offers it and whether it's free for residents.
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The FHE website offers a comprehensive, well-organized list of curriculum options—not just for Missouri, but for homeschoolers everywhere.
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There are many subscription-based websites that can help supplement your child's education, including:
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Time for Learning
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ABCMouse
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Adventure Academy
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School Zone
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Anywhere Teacher
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Amazon Kids +
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​Board games can also be a fun and educational way to supplement your lessons. For example, Monopoly helps reinforce math skills, while Scrabble enhances spelling and vocabulary. If you're interested in incorporating more games into your homeschool, check out Gameschooling groups on Facebook, where parents share ideas and recommendations for learning through play!
I recently discovered another great resource that you can use either as part of your curriculum or as a supplement to enhance your child's learning experience.
You may also want to explore Christian homeschool curricula. Since options vary widely, take the time to compare programs that best fit your budget and meet any accreditation requirements set by your state. Additionally, consider reviewing the theological perspective of each curriculum to ensure it aligns with your family's beliefs—though that is a personal choice.
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Christian Liberty – the curriculum we've used through 5th grade – is a Reformed theology academy and press that offers a solid homeschooling foundation. In addition to their own materials, they also provide curricula from publishers like BJU Press and Abeka, sometimes mixing resources within their curriculum kits. In certain subjects, they even offer multiple textbook options to better suit your child’s learning needs. They provide curriculum through 12th grade, but as subjects became more challenging to teach, we decided to explore online and video-based options for continued learning.
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BJU Press (Bob Jones University) offers a comprehensive homeschool curriculum, featuring both traditional textbooks and online/video-based learning options, making it easier for parents to tailor their child's education to their needs. My sister successfully homeschooled her children through graduation using this curriculum and had a great experience with it. One of her sons is now attending Bob Jones University.
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Abeka – Known for its strong, faith-based curriculum, Abeka also offers online and digital learning options, providing flexibility for homeschooling families. We considered using Abeka since it was more affordable than BJU Press, but ultimately, we found another web-based program that was even more budget-friendly for our family.
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Covenant Home – A Reformed theology-based curriculum that provides a strong academic foundation. They also offer discounted twin/replacement kits, making it a cost-effective option for families needing extra materials.
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Western Christian Academy
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Lighthouse Christian Academy
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Sonlight
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My Father's World offers a Christian homeschool curriculum with a broad, non-denominational approach, making it suitable for families of all Christian backgrounds.
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Monarch, created by Alpha Omega Publications, is a non-accredited Christian homeschooling program. It offers a print-based curriculum for grades K-2, while grades 3-12 are fully online. Families can choose between monthly or yearly payment plans, with discounts available for multiple children. They also provide a free 30-day trial. A friend who was homeschooling her children with Monarch recommended the program to us. We gave it a try for two weeks and found it to be well-structured. However, it wasn’t the right fit for our family—the only thing missing was video lessons, which we preferred for a more engaging learning experience.
Since we were specifically looking for an affordable, fully online program with video lessons, we ultimately chose a secular homeschooling program recommended by a family member who was successfully using it for their own homeschooling journey.
Power Homeschool – The official provider of online, video-based homeschool courses through Acellus Academy. While it doesn’t appear to have a Christian foundation, it offers a flexible and affordable option at around $25 per month per student (though they recently raised the fee slightly to $31.25 per student). Students have access to up to 7 courses at a time, can learn at their own pace, and once a course is completed, they can select a new one.
This is the program we are currently using, and so far, we’re really enjoying it. Since it doesn’t include Bible studies, I teach my children Bible separately to ensure they receive faith-based instruction as well.
​Acellus Academy, based in Missouri, offers a more comprehensive and accredited online homeschooling option at a higher price point for families seeking an officially recognized program. However, the online courses are the same as those offered through Power Homeschool, the unaccredited version.​​
