The Best Secular Homeschool Curriculum

We are closing in on Back-to-School time and while the discussion rages on about safety and plans to head back into the physical classroom, many will be deciding to continue their children’s education at home. As a result, parents will need to consider the curriculum being used. Is it working well or are there specific learning needs that need to be taken into consideration?

Four of the Most Important Things to Consider Before Choosing a Curriculum

1. Curriculums that are based online instead of physical, clunky textbooks are increasingly important to consider. Not only because of the benefits for the environment when going the electronic route, but because your child’s homework, scores, and modules will be tracked, graded, and stored without the threat of losing physical copies. As a result, I believe this form of learning is good because it keeps parents and children honest and accountable for grades and modules completed. 
2. With the luxury of having automatically graded quizzes and fairly graded exams, it will also make measuring your child’s success more apparent and keep you accountable for where they may be falling behind or excelling. I believe this also makes cheating less likely and will help your child be as much of an independent learner as they can be.
3. Electronic work also makes it easier for you to provide your state with records of your homeschool’s progress and stand as proof of learning taking place. I honestly see this as a better way to keep parents accountable than for children. All too often, it is easy to take shortcuts and get bogged down, so this online format will benefit all parties involved.  
4. Online learning and modules will also make it easier for you as a parent to split your time between multiple children while they read through coursework and lessons. You can easily jump in when you need to and then spread your attention more easily among your children without the lesson coming to an abrupt stop. 

Top Five Secular Homeschool Curriculums

 With all of this in mind, I have put together a list of the top 5 rated secular homeschool curriculums parents should turn to when continuing a home education. This list turned up options that I was unaware existed, and the quality and ratings for each is high. 

1. Study.com
2. Calvert Homeschool
3. Dreambox Learning
4. Laurel Springs
5. Bookshark

Curriculums for Struggling Students

Breaking this down even further, in the areas of school where your child may be struggling, there is always help, and always a curriculum that can reach and cater to the needs of those who struggle in particular subjects.

Struggling in Reading, Writing and Grammar?

Try the following:

1. Study.com
2. Write Shop
3. Homer App: Increases early reading scores by 74%.

Struggling in the Subject of History?

Try the following:

1. Study.com
2. IXL Inspiration
3. Usborne History Books 

Struggling with Foreign Languages and Spelling?

Try the following:

1. Study.com
2. IXL Inspiration

Struggling in Science?

Try the following:

1. Build Foundations of Scientific Understanding 
2. STEAMsational
3. Study.com which provides:

• Comprehensive course coverage
• 25,000 Lessons tailored to your child’s learning style
• Detailed goal tracking
• Quizzes and tests graded automatically
• Certificates of completion

4. Calvert Homeschool

Struggling with Math?

Try the following:

1. Dreambox Learning (Awarded Best Math Learning Solution in 2019’s EdTech Breakthrough Awards)
2. Laurel Springs which provides: 

• Flexible Schedule 
• Accreditation
• Curriculum
• Proven track record of 25 years +

3. Calvert Homeschool which provides: 

• Anytime Access
• Automatic Grading
• Dynamic, Media-Rich Lessons

There are so many resources out there to utilize, but those listed above are just some of the most trusted and dependable to choose from. Always do your research and see which curriculum would best suit the learning needs of your child or children. Remember, that one of the greatest benefits to homeschooling is the opportunity and freedom to tailor your lessons and curriculum choices to fit the needs of your child, so have fun with it and include them in the shopping or choosing of it since they have to look at it and engage with it daily.

Check Out this Important Resource

One final addition I am excited to share with everyone is the email I received from the Coalition for Responsible Homeschooling in regards to a fantastic resource and opportunity for all new homeschool parents that I hope you will take advantage of (see below):

“START HOMESCHOOLING WITH A PLAN FOR SUCCESS

Are you planning to homeschool for the first time this fall? If so, welcome! Your child’s homeschooling experience can be fun, creative, challenging, and rewarding – and we’re here to help set you up for success as a new home educator.

We’re excited to offer a new, eight-week Introduction to Home Education online course for homeschooling parents who are just getting started.

In this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Develop an individualized education plan to help you stay on track
• Choose and personalize your child’s curriculum
• Fulfill your state’s learning requirements
• Keep track of your progress and milestones

Along the way, we’ll be here to answer questions and brainstorm with you as the school year begins. We can’t wait to see you in class, and we’re excited for all that you and your child will learn and do together.

GET STARTED 

Dr. Rachel Coleman

Executive Director

Coalition for Responsible Home Education”