With over 9 years of homeschooling experience, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the best homeschool curriculum—one that truly fits your child’s learning style, interests, and educational goals. That’s why my curriculum reviews are different:
Unlike generic summaries, every review here is based on real-world experience. I personally use and test each curriculum before reviewing it, providing you with in-depth, research-backed insights you won’t find elsewhere.
🔹 Expert Evaluation Based on Firsthand Experience – With years of experience homeschooling a gifted, STEM-focused child, I understand what works and what doesn’t. My reviews go beyond marketing claims to uncover real strengths and weaknesses.
🔹 Comprehensive & Honest Reviews – Every review covers curriculum structure, adaptability, learning styles, pros & cons, and how well it fits into real homeschool routines. I don’t just tell you what’s inside—I show you how it works in practice.
🔹 Side-by-Side Curriculum Comparisons – Choosing between two programs? I break down key differences so you can find the best homeschool curriculum for your family’s needs.
I don’t just recommend popular programs—I analyze them critically, giving you the transparency you need to make informed decisions. Whether you’re searching for a structured, open-and-go curriculum, a flexible approach, or resources suited for gifted learners, these reviews will help you find the right fit for your homeschool.
Homeschooling? Recess.gg offers a low-pressure way to connect with peers, explore interests, and join guided enrichment sessions online. Here’s our honest review of how it works, what it costs, and whether it’s truly worth it.
Inside: If you’re searching for an online homeschool math curriculum that combines real teaching, student support, and flexibility, Mrs. Peters’ Math is worth a look. We reviewed her 6th grade program (and more) and found a balanced, personal, and effective option for middle and high school homeschool students. Especially great…
First published: August 21,2023Updated: March 29, 2025 You know what terrifies me? High school math. 🤣 Yep, I’ve been there already, staring at those thick, intimidating textbooks, trying to remember what all those formulas even mean, and breaking a cold sweat. But then we stumbled upon something that saved my…
Is Math Lessons for a Living Education the right homeschool math curriculum for your child? This honest, in-depth review breaks down the pros, cons, lesson structure, and real parent feedback to help you decide. While this Christian, story-based program is great for kids who need a gentle, real-world approach, it may not offer enough review or challenge for advanced learners. Read on to see if it’s a good fit for your homeschool!
Inside (TL;DR): FreedomProject Academy’s online logic homeschool curriculum provided a solid introduction to critical thinking and logic for us. The structured lessons and flexibility worked well for my 8th grader, and with upcoming pricing changes, the Homeschool Track will become a more affordable option for families seeking a classical education….
Teaching cursive doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With my free cursive alphabet printable, you’ll have a simple, no-stress way to help your kids build confidence, improve fine motor skills, and develop fluent handwriting.
Have you ever tried to teach your kids about science and had them lose interest halfway through? Or maybe you’ve searched for a way to combine subjects like reading, art, and nature studies but ended up feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of resources out there? I’ve been there. Kids…
Teaching geography, especially topics like the polar regions, can be challenging. We want kids to go beyond just memorizing places and facts—to understand, connect, and get curious. The Arctic and Antarctic regions aren’t just faraway locations; they’re home to incredible landscapes, animals adapted to extreme conditions, and unique ecosystems. My…
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for kids—and even us adults—to move through life without truly noticing the little things. With schoolwork, after-school activities, and the constant hustle of daily routines, teaching emotional literacy can feel like just one more thing on an already packed to-do list for parents and…
Getting 6th graders excited about writing can be challenging. You’ve probably experienced it firsthand—the blank stares, the heavy sighs, and the constant “I don’t know what to write!” At this stage, kids are asked to think more deeply and organize their thoughts in ways that feel more structured. And while…
Teaching young children about the people who help keep our communities running smoothly can be both rewarding and tricky. Community helpers like police officers, firefighters, and mail carriers play vital roles, but explaining their work in ways that resonate with kindergarteners and first graders can sometimes be a challenge. Many…
Clouds are more than just shapes in the sky—they help us understand the weather and how our atmosphere works. For kids, learning about clouds can spark curiosity and provide a solid foundation in weather science. By using types of clouds worksheets along with hands-on activities, you can make this topic…
Looking for a way to make math fun and engaging for your kindergartener? SPORK Education’s kindergarten math curriculum combines interactive games and hands-on activities to help your child build a strong foundation in math, while keeping learning enjoyable. It’s perfect for families who want a playful yet effective approach to education.
We all know how overwhelming it is for homeschool parents to juggle multiple subjects or for a teacher to be swamped with lesson plans. So it’s not surprising that sometimes it’s easy for arts to get pushed aside. Maybe you’re unsure how to start introducing famous paintings, or talk about…
When it comes to giving our kids the tools for lifelong health, nutrition is right at the top of the list. Helping kids understand how their bodies work, what fuels them, and how to make the best eating choices is so much more than just educational—it’s empowering. By teaching kids…
Inside: Educate Outside is an incredible platform offering hands-on outdoor classroom activity ideas for kids ages 4-12. With ready-made, easy-to-use lessons in math, science, and literacy, it’s perfect for homeschoolers, teachers, and co-ops. The activities require minimal prep, encourage teamwork and problem-solving, and foster a love for nature. As a…
Inside: Boost your 6th grader’s spelling skills with expert strategies, fun activities, and a free printable. Discover essential word lists and top resources for spelling success. In 6th grade, spelling takes on a whole new level of importance. As students transition into more advanced subjects, the words they encounter become…
Inside: Joy Hakim’s Discovering Life’s Story series make amazing biology living books for high school students, blending science, history, and storytelling in a way that makes complex concepts engaging and accessible. This series turns biology into an inspiring, narrative-driven journey for students eager to explore deeper scientific learning. We naturally…
Inside: Get your kids excited about learning with The Waldock Way’s Greek Mythology Unit Study! This flexible, hands-on literature based unit study turns history and mythology into an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Imagine your kids getting just as excited about schoolwork as they are about their favorite Percy…
Inside: Feeling overwhelmed teaching Singapore math at home? Read this eSingapore Math review! This online Singapore math program makes learning fun and easy for kids and stress-free for parents. Ever feel like teaching math is more of a chore than a learning experience? I get it – you’re not alone….
Inside: See how the online book clubs from Literary Adventures for Kids transformed our homeschool literature experience. Read my full review to see how this online program can help you turn reading into an exciting adventure again. I’ve always believed that book clubs needed a physical presence to be successful….
Inside: Heritage Humanities transforms the rich, complex world of classical literature into something accessible and engaging for today’s digital natives. Diving into classical texts of English literature can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially for young learners. Marc’s recent experience with the CLT8 exam highlighted a significant gap in…
Inside: Teen’s Guide to Making and Selling Upcycled Arts and Crafts emerges as a must-read for fostering entrepreneurship for teens. It demystifies the journey of business by combining real-world wisdom with actionable steps. Perfect for any teen with a business dream, it lays down the groundwork for success in the…
Join us as we review our 3 years with Mr. D Math. What began as a simple search for a good math curriculum ended up offering us so much more. Here, you’ll find a heartfelt account of how Mr. D Math not only elevated Marc’s math skills but also his self-confidence and passion for math. And we still find Mr D Math as the best math curriculum for homeschoolers. Find out why by reading more below.
Inside: Looking for engaging Spring activities for kids and a Valentine’s Day Unit Study to sprinkle some fun and learning into your homeschool day? You’re in the right place. From engaging activity ideas to learning about myths and developing literacy and numeracy skills, this post has it all! Spring is…
Inside: Thinking of ditching book reports in junior high? Hold that thought! Book reports teach vital skills to teens. Learn how to quickly organize and effectively create comprehensive book reports by using my free book report template, a sample of my comprehensive The Ultimate Book Report Master Guide. In elementary…
Inside: Discover the best educational toys for 6-year-old boys (and girls), handpicked by an experienced homeschool mom. Plus, get exclusive tips for enhancing your child’s learning experience.
Our personal journey with Forbrain reveals significant improvements in language acquisition, especially in teaching a foreign language at home. This review delves into how Forbrain enhances speech, attention, memory, and boosts confidence in language learning, alongside tips and insights for homeschooling families. Find out how Forbrain, combined with tools like Rosetta Stone, can revolutionize your approach to homeschool language education.
Reading is an important part of our homeschooling but it’s difficult to find those special, inspiring books that not only inform but also rouse curiosity. When it comes to STEM, my son’s passion knows no bounds (some of you know his interests). So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon…
From the very first moment I opened our BookShark curriculum box over a year ago, I had a strong feeling that this was a homeschooling gem we’d treasure for years to come. And I wasn’t wrong. Because, honestly, what’s not to love about it? If you love reading, you’ll love…
Do you do art in your homeschool? Are you looking for an art curriculum for homeschool? If you’re looking for online art classes for kids to incorporate into your homeschool, you’ll want to consider Sparketh. This unique art curriculum has something special to offer, especially if you want a way…
There’s a common misconception that kids can pick up all computer skills for kids on their own. We might assume that because our little ones are tech-savvy with iPads or our teens breeze through video games, they’re already tech experts and computer literate. But here’s a different way to think…
Homeschooling is a remarkable journey filled with opportunities, flexibility, and the ability to tailor learning to your children’s unique needs and interests. However, let’s be honest; it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooling veteran or just starting out, there’s a common struggle that often goes unaddressed…
Homeschooling has introduced us to some unexpected yet delightful surprises, and one of the best revelations has been experiencing the power of self-directed learning firsthand. It’s truly inspiring to witness Marc delving into his own interests and taking his learning to new depths. We’ve been using BrainPop until recently, but…
Do you have Harry Potter fans? Do your kids wish for a Hogwarts homeschool? Then this post is for you. I’ve discovered an amazing Harry Potter unit study that has the potential to transform your muggle homeschool into a school of wizardry! Waldock’s Wizards and Wands from The Waldock Way…
UPDATED: May 21, 2025 High school history curriculum. Are you considering any? Skipping history altogether? While it may be tempting to focus on more practical subjects, teaching high school history offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond this particular subject. While I am guilty of shoving history to the bottom…
Multiplication doesn’t have to be a struggle. In this post, I’m sharing 10 things that actually helped us, plus a free printable to get you started.
Are you curious about finding a more effective way to teach math to your child? Are you on the lookout for a curriculum that goes beyond mere rote memorization and fosters a genuine understanding of mathematical concepts? Then keep reading. As I reflect on our homeschooling journey, I can confidently…
We all know vocabulary is an important tool in communication. But many times, in our homeschool, we tend to ignore teaching or implementing it. We assume children learn it from exposure, from great literature, and from all sorts of communication being carried around them. There are countless vocabulary curricula out…
Finding the right science curriculum can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not well-versed in science yourself (🙋🏻♀️). Add a high schooler that hates science to the mix, so what should you choose for them? Greg Landry Homeschool Science provides a Christian-focused high school science curriculum for non-STEM learners….
Let’s face it: college isn’t the only path to success. There are plenty of alternatives to college that can lead to successful and fulfilling careers. I know many of us understand this, but we also worry because we want the best opportunities for our kids. That’s where online vocational courses…
We’ve officially wrapped up both Year 1 and Year 2 of IEW’s SSS Level A, so it’s time for a proper comparison. I know one of the biggest concerns parents have when looking at Structure and Style is the repetition—is it really necessary? Won’t kids get bored? That’s exactly why…
Are you a homeschool mom struggling with reluctant or disorganized writers? For the past six blog posts, we’ve been looking at IEW Structure and Style for Students in a complete review of the homeschool writing curriculum that has the potential to revolutionize how we teach writing. We’re now at the…
Did you know that you can enrich your writing experience by using various IEW tools regardless of the writing program you’re using? We’ve been using the Institute for Excellence in Writing for two years and I’m continually discovering new gems on their website. They have so many valuable tools for…
You might have noticed I don’t talk much about interest-led studying or unit studies. That’s not because we aren’t doing interest-led, it’s because most of the time it goes unnoticed. I am not in the habit of spending hours to plan unit studies because Marc’s interests change quickly and he’s…
Do you remember the last time you read something that truly captured your attention and held it until the very end? Writing is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate our ideas and connect with others, yet this essential skill has seen a decline over the past years. As…
We’ve already talked about IEW’s holistic approach to writing and seen how IEW teaches writing through the three programs it offers. Now let’s dive in and explore the components of Structure and Style for Students, a video-based writing program that has been consistently ranked among the best in the industry….
Are you feeling confused or overwhelmed about all the options you have with IEW writing? Then you’re in the right place! We’ve talked about IEW’s holistic approach to writing and why that’s important when teaching writing, now let’s dive into the way IEW teaches writing, and the 3 different options…
I vividly remember Marc’s first steps into the world of learning- it wasn’t always easy, and I didn’t always know what I was doing along the way. Now, as a middle schooler, he’s tackling subjects and concepts that are far beyond his years with excitement and curiosity. But it all…
Never had I thought I would see my 6th grader excited to learn vocabulary! But this is what happened to us with WordUp! The Vocab Show, a gem of a vocabulary program that would spice up your cumbersome vocabulary lessons. In this review, I’ll share everything you need to know…
Inside: Steps to Powerful Studying is a full-semester study skills curriculum that teaches high schoolers how to manage time, take effective notes, prep for tests, and study independently, without adding to your plate as the parent. It’s engaging, practical, and built for real-world learning. We all want to set our…
A real struggle over the years for us has been to find an all-in-one language arts curriculum that fits all the checklists: concise, easy to implement, affordable, and based on classical books. While there is no such thing as a perfect curriculum, Learning Language Arts Through Literature from Common Sense…
Years seem to fly by so quickly! When we started homeschooling college was the last thought on my mind. College years seemed so far back then, but they are approaching fast now. There are so many variables to consider when thinking about colleges and so many options available that I…
When it comes to choosing a 6th grade homeschool curriculum, it’s important to find one that works well for both you and your child. Keep in mind that there is no perfect curriculum, but you can come pretty close to perfection by selecting a combination that makes sense for both…
Science has always been M’s strong subject. He is devouring our homeschool science curricula and accelerating faster than with any other subject. While that’s amazing for him, it’s a constant source of stress for me because I always need to be on the lookout for more science curricula to keep…
After 6 years of homeschooling, I can finally say I am head over heels in love with our curriculum choices, especially our homeschool history curriculum: Bookshark History Level F- Eastern Hemisphere. (Read more about our other 6th-grade curriculum choices). Ok, this is the LONGEST article I’ve written to date because…
Do your children take notes? Mine hates the idea. But I couldn’t learn any other way. And I am so grateful I can access resources like Greg Landry’s self-paced science that puts the accent on HOW to learn. Because once you know how to learn, you can learn anything! Greg…
Homeschooling, just like regular school, will inevitably leave some learning gaps. But how do we find these? And most importantly, how do we fill them? There are various ways to discover these gaps, from a casual conversation (where you discover your homeschooler doesn’t know what erosion is 😒) to testing….
One of the best homeschooling investments you could make is to get access to a good online educational platform. This would serve either as a launch pad for introducing new topics or starting new curiosities or as a supplemental resource hub when you get stuck. I’ve written about multiple platforms…
Science isn’t an easy subject to teach at home. Many times parents place it at the bottom of the list because there’s not enough time for it or they don’t know how to tackle it. The perfect solution to this dilemma is to get an independent science curriculum. Kids will…
Maybe I’m ahead of myself, but lately, I’ve started reading more and more about online high school credits, college credits, and AP courses in order to get a clearer picture of our path ahead. I know it all seems very complicated, but once you understand where you’re going things are…
Do your kids enjoy writing? I know a lot of homeschoolers are struggling with this subject, us included. That’s why I am constantly testing out programs and looking out for a writing curriculum that would encourage, hone, and teach proper writing skills to M. And hopefully not make him shed…
Over the years I’ve been hoarding a lot of materials to use for history. The problem I have now is tying them all up to paint a broader picture. This is where timelines and timeline figures come in. The latest addition to our collection, the timeline figures from Amy Pak,…
When it comes to history, I didn’t want to fall into the single-point-of-view trap. That’s why I decided to switch our whole approach to a literature-based homeschool history curriculum. Reading different accounts of an event would create a broader picture of what actually happened and provide us with the chance…
Many experts say it, and I agree: cursive handwriting is an important skill to have. I am saddened to see that more and more US schools have given up on cursive handwriting. I have already written about how to turn reluctant writers around and what I recommend for starting writing…
This post will be different because it’s location-specific, but the idea behind it is so cool that it could serve as an inspiration for people worldwide: Unplugged Computer Science. We all know the woe with computer classes. They add up to the screen time which is at higher and higher…
Whether you’re a homeschooler that prefers online learning or not, you’ll inevitably end up with a couple of online live classes as your children grow. We don’t always find the classes we’re looking for nearby and some children want to learn about weird stuff like the mantis shrimp or what’s…
One subject I cannot recall much about from school is history. Boring textbooks and dry teachers didn’t help me develop an interest in it and I wish they had the materials to present an interactive history to us back then. Thankfully, homeschoolers nowadays have so many options for history and…
A problem a lot of science programs have is that most lack critical thinking skills. This problem would be easily solved with a good project-based science curriculum, and that’s what we just found! Even if M is advanced in science, an aspect I felt lacking was the scientific method implementation….
One of the struggles I’ve had in the last years, while homeschooling, has been keeping up with P.E. because anything I picked was boring and repetitive. But enter online dance classes – they changed our weekly routine completely! I was a bit skeptical about learning to dance online since I…
The English communication skills curriculum I am writing about today is aimed at high schoolers and it’s not our regular choice. I know we only just completed our 5th grade and started planning for middle school, but I am always on the lookout for new curriculum, so I was curious…
Updated: March 26, 2024 Inside: Fix It! Grammar is a one-of-a-kind grammar curriculum for homeschoolers because it transforms traditional grammar lessons into engaging, story-based adventures. Kids learn grammar and editing skills in context without even realizing they are actually learning the complexities of language. This is why the Fix It!…
We all know that in today’s world, programming skills are an important asset, no matter the field you choose to work in. I know I am not the only one stressing out about my son’s readiness for the world. I’m trying hard to predict what skills will be in high…
Do your kids dance when they hear it’s time for math? Since we discovered the best math curriculum, Marc is dancing every time I hit play on a math video. But it hasn’t always been so easy. Until stumbling over this perfect math solution, I had a situation with math….
Music is uplifting and a necessary outlet for emotions at every age. But many communities don’t have access to quality music lessons. That’s where online music classes might be a good option for families worldwide. I’ve already written about why I introduced music into our regular curriculum, and why I…
I recently realized that I’ve made a mistake by mostly ignoring homeschool music learning. Since M didn’t show any special interest in music, I just let it slide. Thankfully, it’s never too late to learn how to play an instrument and there are so many options today, saving you time…
We all know how important social-emotional learning is for our children. But even when we notice they need help, it might be hard for us to find ways to get through to them. What questions do we ask? Where do we even start? It’s hard to believe that communication can…
While we can learn new vocabulary by reading, and M is a voracious reader, I still feel that we need to work on it diligently, year after year. But an aspect that I feel isn’t covered enough by just reading literary works is academic vocabulary. If you’re like me, you’re…
We’ve all heard about STEM/ STEAM/ STEMM, since these terms are being circulated quite a bit. It’s another matter when it comes to implementing them. That’s why I am excited to show you a new app great for kids as young as 5, which offers parents the opportunity to implement…
I have to admit that our homeschool geography is mostly done on the fly. It’s not a perfect setting, but I didn’t feel the need for more so far. Read about how we did geography in 4th grade to see what materials we pieced together. This is a post in…
Are you on the lookout for a new, comprehensive homeschool anatomy curriculum? Then this post is for you! Oh, you will love this find! What I love about homeschooling is that there is no limit to what you can learn! No age limit, no curriculum limit, no time limit. Unlike…
Science isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But as many homeschool parents realize, it’s an important part of homeschooling. We might wing it during elementary, but what about those homeschool science labs for middle and high school? Fear not, for there are several solutions to these labs, including making your own…
Staying consistent with science can be a struggle, that’s where a homeschool science supplement comes in handy. Some days you just can’t stick to your plan no matter how much you try. Life happens, there are appointments, sick days, unplanned activities, or you just do not feel up for school….
Ah, the windy, mysterious career path(s)! Grown-ups ask children all the time “what do you want to be when you grow up?” but how many of us actually help them find out what’s the career path that suits them or what educational path will help them shine? And how many…
Spelling skills are an important part of our homeschool. We’ve tried numerous programs over the years and all had good and bad parts. Despite the fact that Marc is a great speller, we will continue with spelling instruction because I feel he would still benefit from it. Of course, we…
Have you ever wondered if you could delegate math? What math curriculum is perfect for busy parents and large families on a budget? CTC Math might be the one for you. Read my full overview to find out if it’s the right fit for your family.
I know some kids love writing… I know some are great story-tellers. This post is not for them. <3 This post is for the struggling parents and kids. You know who you are. You pull out a worksheet for your 7,8,9,10 year old. It has a lot of “multiple choice”…
Mentor Junior came to our life when M. started delving deeper and deeper into chemistry. I knew I was out of my league and I asked for help in my homeschooling group. They all helped me brainstorm and someone stumbled upon this lovely website. About Mentor Junior Mentor Junior (Mentor…
What do you do for literature? Do you do book reports for 4th grade? This year, after discussing with our teacher, we decided to take a different approach to the traditional comprehension questions by focusing on book reports instead. Marc doesn’t like writing, and writing composition is difficult for him….
When M started getting more and more interested in chemistry I knew the time had come to look into MEL Science’s Chemistry kits. I was watching them for a while and I was fascinated by the idea! So for Christmas last year, M got a MEL Chemistry subscription! He was…
Since Pandia Press just pre-released their second volume of History Quest, I decided to write about their history curriculum. I like it a lot and M is waiting eagerly for me to print the second volume and start reading. So far, there is only one complete volume (Early Times) which…
One of the best math investments for us were the Cuisenaire Rods. You simply can’t fail with them.We’ve been using them successfully for most of our elementary years and you can even go beyond that if your kids still need them to illustrate more complex concepts. What are Cuisenaire Rods?…
These are our 4th grade curriculum picks for 2020. Getting ready for a new homeschooling year is work in progress all year round. I am always on the lookout for new curricula, better programs and offers but the real prep work starts at least 2 months before we start our…
Picking the right microscope for your homeschooling depends on what you need. Here’s how we picked ours and what to look for when picking your own microscope.
UPDATED: May 29, 2025 Inside: Need a 4th grade language arts curriculum that’s secular, flexible, and actually works for homeschoolers? I’ll walk you through the exact mix-and-match curriculum we used—and how we made it all fit together. Includes book recs, grammar picks, cursive resources, and writing help for reluctant kids….
Inside: An engaging curriculum for 4th grade geography is a combination of books and hands-on resources. Read on to find out more details about each of them and get more ideas you can incorporate in your geography study for 4th grade. Welcome to our journey through 4th grade geography! As…