Are you interested in homeschooling your kids but don’t know where to start? This Guide to Homeschooling and the Best Homeschool Curriculum and Products on the Planet will be a huge help to you as you start your homeschooling journey. We have included information about laws in each state, frequently asked questions, our recommendations for Best Homeschool Curriculum and Best Homeschool Products on the Planet, and more. We hope this guide is helpful to you and your family as you navigate the first few years of homeschooling. Bookmark it in your web browser so you can come back to it as needed. As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about homeschooling. Just email us at Info@HowToHomeschool.com!
Click on the links below to go to each section, or read the entire Guide by scrolling down the page.
In this guide:
- Getting Started
- FAQ’s about Homeschooling
- Best Home School Programs & Products for Preschool Kids
- Best Home School Programs & Products for Elementary Kids
- Best Home School Programs & Products for Middle School Kids
- Best Home School Programs & Products for High School Kids
Getting Started Home Schooling:
Home schooling is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, home schooling is the fastest growing educational option in the U.S. – outpacing the growth in public and private school enrollments. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, based on the estimates of 6.73% and 55.292 million, there were an estimated 3.349-4.093 million school-age (K-12) home school students in the United States during the 2020-2021 school year.
So if you’re interested in home schooling your kids, you’re not alone. It’s a great way to customize an education for your child and truly help them enjoy learning. We like to think of home schooling as life long learning and we hope this guide will help you with the steps to get started as well as give you a list of the best home schooling curriculum and products on the market to help you get started. Here are the steps to get started:
1. Decide why you’re home schooling. Is it because your child is falling behind in a certain subject? Is it because your family wants to travel more? Is it because your child needs classes that are more advanced than your local schools can provide? Do you live in a rural location? Do you want to teach with a biblical view? What about a secular view? Do you want your children to be able to learn at their own pace? Do you want to protect your children from an unhealthy environment or certain negative influences? Once you know your WHY, it will be easier to find the solution that best fits your family.
2. Create a plan. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but a rough outline of what you want to accomplish in your first year. How long you’ll wait until you decide if a curriculum is working for your family or not? How many hours a day do you want to home school? What types of activities do you want to make sure your kids are doing each week? Do you want to incorporate sports or music or religion? Where should you keep your records of your kids schooling and what kind of records will you keep? Again, this plan should be loose because your first year is a learning curve.
3. Decide when to start home schooling. Depending on what program or curriculum you use, you may need to start at a particular time, like the beginning of the semester. Other programs let you start at any time and finish at your own pace. Decide what is important to you and your family and that will help you choose the best program for your family.
4. Choose a home school method. There are so many methods to choose from, including Classical, Unschooling, Charlotte Mason, Road Schooling, Tech Schooling, Online Home Schooling, Online Public School and more! Read more about each option here: https://www.howtohomeschool.com/homeschool-advice/types-of-homeschooling
5. Learn how your children learn. There are four core learning styles which include visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic. Decide how your child learns best so that you can find the best curriculum and resources to help your child learn best.
6. Find support. The team here at HowToHomeschool.com is always here for you to help but you can also find local help as well. Search for Home School Groups in your area by going to any major search engine or on Facebook Groups. We belong to a few local support groups and they are a wonderful resource for any new home schooling family. It’s also fun to be a part of the group as you become a veteran home schooler, as you can help other new home schoolers as they learn the ropes.
7. Learn your state’s home school laws and requirements. First, take the time to find out what your state requires, in terms of home schooling. Each state has laws that govern home schooling families, and these laws do differ by state. Finding out about your state’s requirements is the first step in your home schooling journey. It’s also a good idea to check back on a yearly basis to make sure there haven’t been any changes in your state’s requirements. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association is a great resource for finding out what your state laws are: https://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp. These are important questions and you will need the answers to them:
- Do you have to register as a home schooler?
- Does your curriculum have to be approved?
- Does your child have to participate in standardized testing?
- Do you need to keep records of attendance and grades?
9. Research your home school curriculum options. We’ve done the work for you here. We’ve put together a list of the best home school curriculum and best home school products on the market. All of these programs have been vetted by our team of homes schooling parents and are great options for any type of home schooler. Here are our lists of the Best Homeschool Curriculum and Best Homeschool Products for Elementary, Middle and High School Kids:
- Best Home School Programs & Products for Elementary Kids
- Best Home School Programs & Products for Middle School Kids
- Best Home School Programs & Products for High School Kids
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Schooling
- How does home schooling work? Home schooling works differently in every family and in every home. Because of this, I don’t really have an answer to this question (no one does). However, home schooling is flexible. It allows you, the parent, to decide what subjects you’re going to teach. The basics need to be taught, but you can add anything you’d like – sewing, character education, wood working, auto mechanics, coding, etc.) Home schooling also lets you choose what curriculum, if any you’re going to use. There are so many options! All inclusive boxed sets, online classes, secular curriculum, faith-based curriculum, curriculum you develop yourself, etc.. If you continue reading, you’ll find our list of the Best Home School Curriculum & Products on the Planet! By home schooling your child, you’ll even get to decide how you’re going to teach (there are many different styles of home schooling). Many home schoolers choose an eclectic approach which means they choose a little of this and a little of that – whatever works best for their family. You’ll get to choose what days you’re going to home school (remember, home schooling is flexible – if you want to home school 4 days a week you can), and so much more. Honestly, homes chooling works differently for each family and each child. That’s why we love it so much!
- How do you start home schooling your child? First, you need to know about the home schooling laws in your state. Some states have very few regulations while other states have many. The thing you need to know is that regardless of what state you live in, homes chooling is legal. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association is a great resource for finding out what your state laws are: https://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp
- Can a parent be a child’s teacher? Yes! Check with your state to see if there are minimum educational requirements – some states require that parents have at least a high school diploma.
- What does a typical home school day look like? Again – impossible to answer!
The style of home schooling one chooses influences what a day might look like. Different styles include Waldorf, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, unit studies, eclectic, unschooling, and more. - Do home schoolers follow the public school calendar year? Home schoolers have the flexibility to home school when they’d like. Many follow the public school calendar, but most home schoolers I know home school year-round, with a more relaxed schedule in the summer.
- What does it cost to home school? This varies. You can home school for as little as $250 a year or you can spend much, much more. In our family, we spend about $500 per child per year.
Have more questions? Reach out to Info@HowToHomeschool.com and we’d be happy to help!
Best Home School Programs & Products for Preschool Kids
Please note that this list is organized alphabetically. All of the Curriculum and Products listed here are approved and loved by the staff at HowToHomeschool.com.
The ABC See, Hear, Do Method is an innovative learn-to-read program that uses auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles to teach early reading skills. Kids love the ABC See, Hear, Do Method because it’s simple, silly, and it provides almost immediate gratification. After learning only four letters in the first book, children can already read words! This gives them a sense of accomplishment and makes them eager to keep learning. At ABC See, Hear, Do, we are committed to helping children learn to read and are dedicated to bringing top-notch books and products to you and your children.
AOP, founded in 1977, is a leading provider of PreK-12 Christian curriculum to homeschool families worldwide. With something for every family, AOP offers the groundbreaking Monarch online curriculum with automatic grading and lesson planning, as well as learning options across grade levels. AOP’s print curriculum includes LIFEPAC for grades K-12 and the popular Horizons line with courses for preschool, math, and language arts. AOP also offers an accredited academy with teacher support. Discover the benefits of a Christian homeschool education and learn more about AOP’s award-winning homeschool options today!
Apologia – Developed by leading scholars, Apologia provides creation-based, K-12 homeschool curriculum that equips and empowers you to help your students reach their academic goals and nurture their love of God. Apologia’s award-winning curriculum encourages independence and cultivates a lifelong love of learning with a conversational tone written directly to the student and includes hands-on activities and experiments.
Carole P. Roman
is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. Check out her varied series and travel the world with the books, If You Were Me and Lived in…cultural. Learn what your name might be, where you could live, and what you’d do for amusement. For the older reader, there is, If You Were Me and Lived in…Historical. See what clothing was popular during that time period, and what your diet might have been. Bon Voyage!
Ivy Kids – Read, play, create, and learn with Ivy Kids monthly book-inspired STEM kits for children ages 3-8. Each Ivy Kids kit includes a carefully selected, highly rated children’s book and over 12 fun, creative, and unique hands-on activities that promote the development of math, science, literacy, engineering, and art skills through play and exploration. Inside an Ivy Kids kit there are board games, arts and crafts, science experiments, projects, math manipulatives, story characters and so much more. Everything you need is included in the kit and conveniently delivered right to you each month! Ivy Kids currently offers monthly, 3-month, and 6-month subscriptions. A large variety of individual past kits are also available for purchase, no subscription necessary. Add extra sibling materials to any kit for only $5.95! Subscribe and use code IVY20 to save 20% on your 1st kit. To learn more about subscriptions and past kits visit the Ivy Kids website www.ivykidskits.com.
Seton Testing Services provides standardized and diagnostic testing resources to homeschoolers. Our tests our nationally normed and meet the requirements for states that require standardized testing for homeschoolers. We strive to help parents succeed in educating their students by offering services and materials to assess their students’ strengths and weaknesses. Our friendly Customer Service Staff is ready to answer questions and help you through every step of the testing process. Our products are competitively priced, and group discounts are available. We also carry a full range of test prep material, as well as an online Algebra Placement Test.
Speech Blubs – Speech Blubs is a speech learning app that will help your kid speak better, sooner, and more confidently! It offers a variety of fun, engaging, and educational activities that will expand your child’s speech while providing great fun for the whole family. It helps kids over 12 months, including those with Down syndrome, articulation issues, or kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Speech Blubs was made with the help of our network of 1000+ speech therapists (SLPs) who make sure the app is equipped with the necessary tools to improve your little one’s speech. Kids test it to make sure it’s fun, too! Start your 7-day free trial! Download in App Store, Google Play Store or at speechblubs.com
State and US History for Age 4 – Grade 12! Complete State History courses from a Christian perspective for each state for Grades 3-12. Students make a project notebook using text and state symbol pictures we provide. Also, a color-cut-paste Funbook for age 4-grade 2, correlated! OR study all fifty states in statehood order, while learning US History/US Geography using our Fifty States Under God (two levels, correlated, age 4 – grade 12, includes color state symbol pictures for all states) and Geography of the Fifty States (grades 3-12). Fun, easy, hands-on, open-and-go! FREE PRINTABLE SAMPLES at www.statehistory.net! Also we offer a personalized talent discovery assessment for your high schooler!
Super Teacher Worksheets
provides more than just your traditional worksheets, we feature a wide variety of printables that are not only educational but fun for your children. From Math Card Games and Mystery Picture Activities to Brain Teasers and Logic puzzles you will have UNLIMITED access to download tens of thousands of printables. Plus, we are constantly adding awesome new worksheets and activities all the time!
For only $24.95, homeschool families receive a full year of unlimited access. Explore Super Teacher’s treasure trove of worksheets and printables today!
Best Home School Programs & Products for Elementary Kids
Please note that this list is organized alphabetically. All of the Curriculum and Products listed here are approved and loved by the staff at HowToHomeschool.com.
The ABC See, Hear, Do Method is an innovative learn-to-read program that uses auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles to teach early reading skills. Kids love the ABC See, Hear, Do Method because it’s simple, silly, and it provides almost immediate gratification. After learning only four letters in the first book, children can already read words! This gives them a sense of accomplishment and makes them eager to keep learning. At ABC See, Hear, Do, we are committed to helping children learn to read and are dedicated to bringing top-notch books and products to you and your children.
AceReader improves reading speed, comprehension and fluency through the use of pacing and vision training. The activities consist of timed reading comprehension tests, eye pacing drills and fun eye exercise games. It includes over 1,000 timed reading comprehension tests that have been themed and leveled into 13 levels of text complexities. The program auto-adjusts the speed of the drills and games based on how students perform on their timed reading comprehension tests. The program also includes pre and post-testing which makes it easy to monitor students overall progress.
AI CODE ACADEMY – AI Code Academy strives to better prepare our young generation to thrive in an increasingly challenging and complex society in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), big data and Internet of Things (IoT). As one of the very few EdTech organizations who are able to offer AI programs and smart robotics programs for K-12 students. We have made AI education easy and fun by building our own machine learning modeling platform, which allows our young students to learn every step of the machine learning process. With 10 different Levels of defining programming skills, data-based AI modeling, smart modules, devices and problem-solving skills. Students gain proficiency in both programming skills and hardware experience from Scratch, Micro.bit, Machine Learning modeling, to professional AI programming skills with Python and smart devices. www.aicodeacademy.com
All-in-One Homeschool Curriculum – This award-winning digital solution for K-12 homeschooling is our favorite homeschool curriculum we’ve ever reviewed. Their curriculum is comprehensive and provides everything you need to educate your child from the comfort of your own home. With engaging lessons, interactive activities, and teaching guides for parents, it is the most cost-effective way to a fantastic education for your kids. For just $29.99 per grade (when on sale), it is a fantastic solution for parents that are looking for a complete curriculum without breaking the bank. The course work can be completed on a computer, tablet or by printing the lessons for your student. Learn more at https://www.onlinehomeschoolcurriculum.com.
AOP, founded in 1977, is a leading provider of PreK-12 Christian curriculum to homeschool families worldwide. With something for every family, AOP offers the groundbreaking Monarch online curriculum with automatic grading and lesson planning, as well as learning options across grade levels. AOP’s print curriculum includes LIFEPAC for grades K-12 and the popular Horizons line with courses for preschool, math, and language arts. AOP also offers an accredited academy with teacher support. Discover the benefits of a Christian homeschool education and learn more about AOP’s award-winning homeschool options today!
Apologia – Developed by leading scholars, Apologia provides creation-based, K-12 homeschool curriculum that equips and empowers you to help your students reach their academic goals and nurture their love of God. Apologia’s award-winning curriculum encourages independence and cultivates a lifelong love of learning with a conversational tone written directly to the student and includes hands-on activities and experiments.
Beebliome Books
– Beebliome is dedicated to bringing kids of all ages superb e-books. Specializing in historical fiction and traditional tales, Beebliome offers titles from noted authors such as Patricia Beatty, Hilda Lewis, Barbara Leonie Picard, and May McNeer. These engaging books are perfect classroom companions, giving readers more opportunities to explore different times, concepts, and cultures.
https://bit.ly/BeebHow221
Beestar – Kids community for academic excellence for Grades 1 to 12 students. It provides weekly programs in FREE Math, English and Language Arts, Computer Science, Science, Social Studies, Vocabulary and Gifted & Talented Math. By applying knowledge to real life problems, Beestar students solve their weekly challenges to improve their analytical thinking abilities and problem solving skills. Scores and Statistics are stored in online accounts for reviews by parents and teachers. Academic progresses are awarded with weekly ribbons, honor roll rankings, end-of-term trophies and medals. Please visit Beestar at https://beestar.org/exam?cmd=
BestEver Handwriting
– A Handwriting Series for Home or School Use!
Developmentally appropriate workbooks for children who are learning to write.
Preschool through Upper-grade curriculum alignment.
Easy to follow instructions on each page.
All that is needed for mastery is contained in each workbook.
Directions for left-handed learners included.
BestEver Handwriting Products can be found at www.besteverwrite.com
25% OFF 5 or more items
Bible Study Guide for All Ages – The Bible Study Guide For All Ages is a complete Bible curriculum for your family. Your kids learn the entire Bible, mostly in detail. All along the way, they not only apply the text they are learning to their lives, they learn HOW to understand and apply God’s word. The Bible Study Guide uses an interactive time line to help kids understand the overall story of the Bible. You’ll use maps, review, visual aids, and activities to make learning fun and memorable so you and your kids retain and build on the wonderful things you learn.
https://biblestudyguide.com/families/
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. Check out her varied series and travel the world with the books, If You Were Me and Lived in…cultural. Learn what your name might be, where you could live, and what you’d do for amusement. For the older reader, there is, If You Were Me and Lived in…Historical. See what clothing was popular during that time period, and what your diet might have been. Bon Voyage!
Celebrate Planet Earth
– Celebrate Planet Earth grows children who love and protect the Earth, our home. Our programs not only inspire children with the wonder of the natural world, but also engage them in scientific inquiry, empowering them to act as informed and responsible citizens. Since 1989, millions of children have delighted in raising painted lady butterfly caterpillars, sprouting and growing sunflowers, and have contributed to the conservation of critical habitats in nine countries. Every purchase helps to plant trees with our conservation partner, Yakum. Celebrate Planet Earth is a community website, providing free downloadable curriculum by grade – with space to share stories about loving and protecting the Earth. Use coupon code home2022 for 10% off purchase !
Christian Light – Homeschooling in the whirlwind of everyday life can be chaotic. Using a curriculum that places too much burden on you as the parent makes it that much worst.Your curriculum should make your life easier, not harder. You may wish to choose curriculum from Christian Light if:
- You want your children to develop independent study skills.
- You admire values of faith, family, simplicity, and service.
- You don’t want your children staring at a screen to do their schoolwork.
Reading, Language Arts, and Math curriculum from Christian Light helps you homeschool without running yourself ragged. View actual workbook pages at www.christianlight.org/homeschool.
Common Sense Press
– Common Sense Press publishes curricula designed for homeschoolers, traditional schools, and parents who want to enrich their children’s education. With Common Sense Press products, meaningful hands-on activities replace textbook methods that are often detached from the learning process. For example, our Learning Language Arts through Literature series incorporates spelling, reading, vocabulary, grammar, writing, penmanship, and phonics in the same lesson.
– At Creative Learning Connection they help make the connection between learning and fun. They carry great books, games, and activities that were developed by veteran homescool moms, Catherine Jaime and Deirdre Fuller. (Between them they homeschooled 14 children for more than 50 years and taught countless classes along the way.) They developed materials on a wide variety of topics from Math Games to Leonardo da Vinci and Lewis and Clark. For high schoolers they also wrote great resources for Economics, the Constitution, Government, and Shakespeare. Other fun topics include Art Appreciation, Bible Resources, Celebrating Holidays, Homeschooling Helps, and Travel Fun.
memory work is a wonderful tool to ensure a broad-based level of understanding for students from grades K-6.The memory work is a derivative of Claritas Publishing.
What’s included?
Scripture, Hymns, Timeline, History, Science, Math, English Grammar, Latin, and Geography
This is part of a 4 year cyclical program that uses memory, and music, to lay a solid foundation of key facts that can be built upon in later years of learning.
There are streaming channel apps on AppleTV, Roku, and FireTV, which is great for allowing the whole family to easily see the programming content.
A Parent Dashboard tracks each student’s memory work progress as they work through the interactive quizzes. The quizzes help each student grasp the content quickly, and it’s fun!
A FREE 1 day trial gives you the ability to see if this is indeed something that will revolutionize your family’s homeschool!
– CTCMath is a full curriculum which specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your student break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!Each one of the video tutorials is taught by internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.
– Easy Grammar Systems publishes the award-winning Easy Grammar series, Daily GRAMS series, and Easy Grammar Ultimate Series. Author Dr. Wanda Phillips has long been recognized for her expertise in teaching grammar and writing. She introduces concepts in a building-block manner and incorporates a cyclical approach that helps students understand.Easy Grammar texts (Grades 3-7) use the prepositional approach, which deletes prepositional phrases to help students find subject, verb, agreement, etc. Concepts are taught in a building-block-escalator paradigm that incorporates mastery learning strategies.
Daily GRAMS texts (Grade 3-7) are daily, 5-10-minute reviews (180 lessons). Following a systematic format, students complete capitalization (#1), punctuation (#2), grammar and other concepts (#3/#4), and sentence combining (#5) for improved quality of writing.
Easy Grammar Ultimate Series texts (Grades 8-12+) provide high-school students with 180 teaching lessons designed cyclically for mastery. Concepts are introduced, reviewed, and applied in 10-minute lessons, allowing focus on literature and writing.
FAMILY PASTIMES CO-OPERATIVE GAMES ™ – 
For over 50 years their co-op games have been praised for helping people of all ages develop the skills to play, work and learn together. That’s their slogan: PLAY TOGETHER NOT AGAINST EACH OTHER!
To learn more about their wide range of GAMES, PUZZLES AND MANUALS for ALL AGES AND SITUATIONS, view their complete and latest catalog with shopping available for your convenience.
The Getty-Dubay® Italic Handwriting Series for K-6 makes handwriting easy to teach, fun to learn and natural to write. Students learn one set of letters for print and join them for cursive, which saves you time. Start at any level. Includes seven grade-level workbooks, an instruction manual and support materials for learning print and cursive, including downloadable fonts t0 make your own worksheets.
The Handwriting Success App gives you the same complete handwriting curriculum in seven ebooks that you can write in with your tablet and stylus. Try it free at the App Store or Google Play.
God’s Plan in Scripture (GPS) is a twenty-four-lesson parish and school program designed to take children on an amazing journey through the story of salvation. The adult Great Adventure Bible Timeline® revolutionized Bible studies by dividing the Bible into twelve color-coded time periods that make it easier to follow its narrative thread. The GPS program brings that same color-coding and chronological approach to children in grades K-8 and is perfect for teachers, parents, grandparents, and homeschool groups.
Greek ‘n’ Stuff, founded in 1996, provides quality materials for homeschool, Christian school, and Sunday School environments.
Hey, Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! and Latin’s Not So Tough! begin gently and advance gradually, providing reinforcement through workbook activities and translation exercises. Our customers tell us … “This is my child’s favorite subject.”
Products: The easy way to learn Greek! – Hey, Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! teaches biblical Greek to preschoolers and older students (even adults enjoy it) using deductive, inductive, and interactive methodology in a workbook format. Take the drudgery out of learning Latin!
Latin’s Not So Tough! introduces Latin to young students before they decide classical languages are too difficult to learn.
Are you hungry for God’s Word? – Alone With God Bible Studies explore Jonah & Ruth, Esther, I Samuel, and Acts. Simple questions. Sidebar insights into the geography, history, culture, and people of biblical times. Memory verses. Life applications.
Hewitt Learning – Curriculum, Testing, & More!
Reduce test anxiety with an untimed paper test that you administer, and we score. The P.A.S.S. Test (grades 3-8) meets most state testing requirements and provides a comprehensive report, giving insight into your student’s strengths and weaknesses. It accommodates student “asynchrony” (where students may be “ahead” and/or “behind” in various subjects).
Lightning Literature and Composition (grades 1-12) is an award-winning ELA Curriculum that can help students fall in love with literature, expands their ability to read deeply and thoughtfully, improves communication, and prepares them for advanced language arts concepts.
The Independent Innovator Challenge provides K-12 students who have an innovative idea, app, or prototype with a path to the National Challenge. Cf. https://independentinnovators.org/
www.hewittlearning.org
– They provide engaging high-quality hands-on history activities for children of all ages. Each box contains all the materials for 1-2 keepsake quality projects, 2-3 smaller enrichment items, a coloring page, an age-specific information sheet, and an 8 page illustrated lesson booklet in full color. They introduce cultures that are often left out, providing a more complete story of history. Children especially enjoy engaging all five senses through our materials. They also now have a textbook and coloring books!
I Know It is an interactive math practice website for students in Kindergarten through 5th grades. Featuring over 600 lessons, I Know It can supplement any elementary math curriculum.
When students answer problems correctly, animated characters cheer them on. When they answer incorrectly, graphical explanations are provided. Hints are offered to help students along the way. Detailed progress reports provide teachers and administrators with the data they need.
Practicing math has never been so much fun!
– They have 12 Courses in Independent Homeschool Curriculum. These courses are largely the ‘soft skills’ kids need for success in college or life. Our unique offering is unusually practical insights with courses for homeschoolers on these separate topics: Writing, Reading, Problem-Solving, Systematizing-Homeschool, Relationships, Goals-Setting, Time-Management, Focus, Memory, Parenting, Communication, and Managing-Emotions. Loads of additional training on various topics are included.https://independenthomeschool.com
Ivy Kids – Read, play, create, and learn with Ivy Kids monthly book-inspired STEM kits for children ages 3-8. Each Ivy Kids kit includes a carefully selected, highly rated children’s book and over 12 fun, creative, and unique hands-on activities that promote the development of math, science, literacy, engineering, and art skills through play and exploration. Inside an Ivy Kids kit there are board games, arts and crafts, science experiments, projects, math manipulatives, story characters and so much more. Everything you need is included in the kit and conveniently delivered right to you each month! Ivy Kids currently offers monthly, 3-month, and 6-month subscriptions. A large variety of individual past kits are also available for purchase, no subscription necessary. Add extra sibling materials to any kit for only $5.95! Subscribe and use code IVY20 to save 20% on your 1st kit. To learn more about subscriptions and past kits visit the Ivy Kids website www.ivykidskits.com.
– Juni is an online learning experience where kids learn real-world skills. With a focus on STEAM topics, like coding, investing, novel writing and math, Juni is a flexible solution that makes it easy for homeschool parents to support their kid’s education journey! The Juni experience also includes benefits like instructor feedback and progress tracking, instructor office hours, certificates of competition, and online customer support.
– KidzType helps restless kids focus on improving their typing skills through a series of fun, informative levels in a playful yet educational learning environment. Guided by a virtual teacher and a band of cute critters, each level provides unique and rewarding challenges that give children a sense of accomplishment while they master the art of typing. Split into twelve stages, ‘Dance Mat Typing’ by KidzType takes children on an exciting adventure across the keyboard, keeping them entertained and on track to develop their typing skills. Not only does KidzType help with the basics of typing, such as learning the placement of letters on the keyboard, but these engaging activities help with dexterity, words per minute, and overall confidence when typing. So, whether your child is a total beginner, or just needs some extra practice, allow ‘Dance Mat Typing’ by KidzType to enhance your child’s skills and give them all the tools they need to make them typing pros in no time!
Latin in the Christian Trivium Launch your students into the world of Latin by introducing them to the Roman Centurion of the Bible and his family in the time of Jesus. Students will begin to compare English and Latin grammar and derivative English words, get a glimpse of the history of Italy, and start to experience life in Ancient Rome. More than a Latin language, this course teaches architecture, education, culture, climate of the Mediterranean. This course is fully accredited for middle school and high school. Taught in a systematic manner, with free support for you by email or phone. Sample chapters available on request.
Let’s Go Geography – Kids get excited about geography with Let’s Go Geography! They learn about cultures and landmarks of the world, one country at a time, through video clips, music, photos, and creative activities & projects. Grades K-2 finish their lesson with coloring and crafts, while grades 3-5 journal about the theme country on decorated notebooking pages and add a new term to their Geography Glossary. Let’s Go is an economical, multi-grade curriculum that introduces kids to 30 different countries every year. Make geography the best part of your week with Let’s Go Geography!
Little Passports – Creates products designed to inspire children to learn about the world through monthly subscriptions, educational toys and characters kids love. Their award-winning subscriptions ignite curiosity, explore new ideas and places, and celebrate cultures with globally inspired experiences, hands-on art and science activities, and stories for kids ages 3-10.
https://www.littlepassports.com/
Little Wooden Toybox
– Little Wooden Toybox supplies parents, teachers and homeschoolers with loads of fun, personalised, educational and sensory play printables that give parents and educators the confidence to teach and equip their children with the skills to succeed at school.
Printables are designed by Tash Kritter, B.Ed K-7 and mum of 2 kids with Autism, meaning lots and lots of experience with OTs and speech therapists who have helped influenced design concepts.
https://littlewoodentoybox.com.au/
– Live Classes Online provides live interactive specialty classes to help supplement a homeschool education. The people behind live classes online have been offering in person classes and camps for close to 20 years and know that personal attention means students are more engaged. And more engaged students means a higher level of learning and fun. So Live Classes Online bridges the gap between the safety and convenience of learning from home, and the wealth of knowledge that other educators can bring to your child’s education. With so many options such as music, languages, photography, and so much more, they are ready for your educational journey.You’re reading the 2022 Guide to Homeschooling and the Best Home School Programs & Products on the Planet!
– Living Montessori Now specializes in free printables, hands-on activities, and high-quality educational products for preschoolers through early elementary. While most of the resources are Montessori-style printables and activities, they can be used in any type of homeschool. Many of the free printables are instant downloads, along with an exclusive resource library for subscribers to the free weekly newsletter. You’ll find numerous free unit studies that can be adapted for individual interests and skill levels. You’ll also find a shop with high-quality printables. Living Montessori Now founder, Deb Chitwood, has Montessori certification and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies. She’s a former school owner who homeschooled her two children through high school. She applies her experience as an educator along with her knowledge of the unique needs of homeschoolers. Her daughter, Chrissy, who homeschools her son, works alongside Deb in creating printables and videos for Living Montessori Now.Merge
– Merge EDU is a hands-on digital learning platform that helps students learn science and STEM effectively with 3D objects and simulations they can touch, hold and interact with in a natural, intuitive way.
With Merge EDU, students get access to an infinite shelf of digital teaching aids that are just as effective as physical models for learning. They cover science concepts like animal classification, cells, human anatomy, geology, and life cycles.
Students will also get access to hands-on science simulations that include quizzes and standards-aligned activity plans. They will be able to experiment with chemical and physical change, interact with the water cycle, dissect a frog, walk on the surface of Mars, and more! Merge EDU lets students learn in ways that would be otherwise impossible.
Montessori n’ Such– Montessori n’ Such supports homeschool parents with hands-on learning materials that give young children new experiences. Children learn by using their senses and by making connections with real objects and the world around them. Through these interactive materials, they can broaden their knowledge of language, mathematics, science, and geography. Montessori n’ Such has interactive learning toys for infants through age six. Are you looking for Montessori inspired activities for free? Join our Newsletter to receive 10% off your first purchase and weekly lesson plans with free worksheets to support Montessori learning in your home.
– Experiences are the best teachers. Almost anything that can be taught, can be taught better through adventures: making things, exploring things and contributing to the world around you. My Gnome on the Roam is a collection of toys and tools designed to help busy families create adventures and turn them into memories. Our Adventure Kit is a suitcase of memories waiting to be unpacked. Our products are inclusive, eco-friendly, ethically produced and are designed as DIT (do it together).My School Year
– My School Year is the premier online homeschool/private school record tracking and keeping system. Easily create assignments with our versatile lesson plan generator, meet government record-keeping regulations with our professional reports, and record anything, anywhere with our 100% mobile friendly website!
The Family Edition tracks extra-curricular activities, reading lists/logs, standardized test scores, volunteerism and more! Asses your child’s progress with our visual tracking. With monthly and yearly memberships, organizing has never been so cost effective.
The Community Edition assists schools manages teacher, students, and lessons. Pay only for active students with no upfront or recurring admin costs!
– This award-winning site offers an amazing “ALL ACCESS” subscription that will allow you to get the homeschooling resources you need for only $45 a year per family! You’ll get access to every product PreK-12th grade in all subjects and includes complete curriculum sets, thematic units, lapbooking and notebooking projects, posters, reference materials and more. All products are ready to download, print and use. Need help with organization and record keeping? You’ll also find all the materials you need on My Teaching Library! This site truly is THE PLACE to go first for all your homeschooling needs.Oak Meadow
– Founded in 1975, Oak Meadow provides a flexible, secular education for independent learners preschool to grade 12.
At Oak Meadow, They see you as a traveler on a journey of learning. They’re here for you, they listen to you, and they’ll guide you through one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent: how to educate your child.
Our print-based curriculum can be used independently by homeschoolers, or through enrollment in our teacher-supported distance learning school. Our approach is compassionate and student-centered because they believe that learning can be joyfully integrated into life.
OwlCrate Jr – OwlCrate Jr is an award-winning subscription book box for readers ages 8-12. They understand that it can be tough to get kids to pick up a book instead of turning on a screen, which is why every box is carefully put together to encourage curiosity, creativity, and imagination. Each box includes a brand new surprise hardcover novel; an exclusive letter from the author; a cool activity, game, or additional book; plus an assortment of fun goodies related to their theme of the month. Go beyond the book – subscribe today!
– Rounded Schoolhouse is an all-in-one homeschool system for 3rd-8th grade. It includes on-demand video curriculum with printable worksheets for all core subjects, realtime teacher support, and daily group video classes focused tutoring, academic, and creative topics.
– Since 1977, Royal Fireworks Press has been publishing beautiful, intellectually stimulating, creative, award-winning homeschool curricula and books for children. They know that children are able to learn far more than traditional educators often expect them to when they connect with the material. While originally founded to serve gifted children, their curricula are beloved by children of all learning styles and abilities. Children with dyslexia or visual processing disorders, and 2e children are all given special consideration. Their award-winning MCT language arts curriculum, Western philosophy curriculum, and Latin language curriculum are just a few of the fun, rigorous, and exciting materials they offer for children at every age and level of ability. They have also been growing their online learning options, which feature unique courses like architecture and space biology!
SchoolhouseTeachers.com – SchoolhouseTeachers.com has taken the work out of planning your homeschool curriculum! Whether you are a brand new homeschooler wondering where to start, a veteran homeschool mom wanting to lighten your planning load, or somewhere in between, SchoolhouseTeachers.com provides all the content you need for your student to experience an engaging year of learning.
With a PreK–12 Ultimate Annual SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership, students receive access to over 400 educational courses. A single membership covers the entire family, giving every member access to hundreds of resources including virtual School Boxes for kindergarteners through high schoolers. Become a SchoolhouseTeachers.com member today.
Science Rocks! Want intriguing books and activities that will engage, excite, and inspire your kids with STEM/STEAM concepts? Look to award-winning children’s author Jennifer Swanson. Her 45+ books have been translated into many languages, are sold all over the world, and in most libraries.
Jennifer has the unique ability to take difficult STEM concepts and make them FUN and accessible. Her top books include: BRAIN GAMES, Astronaut-Aquanaut, and Save the Crash-test Dummies. She has earned a Kirkus Best Books Award, Parents’ Choice Gold Award, and an AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence nomination. Learn more about Jennifer here: https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/
Seton Testing Services provides standardized and diagnostic testing resources to homeschoolers. Our tests our nationally normed and meet the requirements for states that require standardized testing for homeschoolers. We strive to help parents succeed in educating their students by offering services and materials to assess their students’ strengths and weaknesses. Our friendly Customer Service Staff is ready to answer questions and help you through every step of the testing process. Our products are competitively priced, and group discounts are available. We also carry a full range of test prep material, as well as an online Algebra Placement Test.
Simulation Curriculum develops and publishes best-in-class simulation software and curriculum. It serves a large homeschool and K12/College audience across the United States and internationally. The company fills the need for high quality, accurate simulation-based curriculum for topics in Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Geography, Anatomy, Physiology and beyond. Teachers and students will instantly benefit from the research-proven curriculum. Check out the flagship offerings Starry Night & Layered Earth today!
Will Skunk Tales keep a child’s attention…what child is not fascinated to learn more about the skunk, possum, and the little green tree frog? And what child is not intrigued with real life stories written through the eyes of another child as he first- hand learned these life changing lessons from the world of animals that made intrusion into his life? Your children will not be able to take their hands off this book! Here is an opportunity to teach your children the richness of the English language. Skunks Tales cleverly presents idioms in each story in a natural and flowing manner. This engaging resource promotes learning and short circuits screen time. Skunk Tales Family Devotional is a true table- topic adventure! It is sure to inspire the youngest to the oldest members of your family to gather together and to grow spiritually. A timeless resource.
– Starline Press Independent Learning Curriculum is a paper based “worktext” designed to allow each student to progress at his or her own pace and own level. Students find the instruction embedded in the material, so that the teachers’ voice is heard throughout the text. Both objective and subjective assessment methods are used to ensure mastery of the material. Challenging activities are included in each unit to help students to acquire critical thinking skillsets.
– At Starlux Games, they inspire kids and adults to get outdoors, be active, and use their imaginations! Since introducing our flagship product, Capture the Flag REDUX, the backyard classic that glows, they’ve created an array of innovative all-ages group games. They’ve been praised by The Today Show, QVC, Buzzfeed, and The Wall Street Journal and received awards such as “Outdoor Game of the Year” by Creative Child and “Best Toys and Games” by Boys’ Life Magazine. What matters most to us is that our products bring people together for an exciting, screen-free experience where memories made will last a lifetime!
State and US History for Age 4 – Grade 12! Complete State History courses from a Christian perspective for each state for Grades 3-12. Students make a project notebook using text and state symbol pictures we provide. Also, a color-cut-paste Funbook for age 4-grade 2, correlated! OR study all fifty states in statehood order, while learning US History/US Geography using our Fifty States Under God (two levels, correlated, age 4 – grade 12, includes color state symbol pictures for all states) and Geography of the Fifty States (grades 3-12). Fun, easy, hands-on, open-and-go! FREE PRINTABLE SAMPLES at www.statehistory.net! Also we offer a personalized talent discovery assessment for your highschooler!
Super Teacher Worksheets provides more than just your traditional worksheets, we feature a wide variety of printables that are not only educational but fun for your children. From Math Card Games and Mystery Picture Activities to Brain Teasers and Logic puzzles you will have UNLIMITED access to download tens of thousands of printables. Plus, we are constantly adding awesome new worksheets and activities all the time! For only $24.95, homeschool families receive a full year of unlimited access. Explore Super Teacher’s treasure trove of worksheets and printables today!
– Susan sells resources for students with speech-language needs; specializing in AAC (augmentative communication) for non-verbal and minimally verbal children and teens, as well as book companion activities and materials for language and life skills needs.If you want to feel more confident working with your child with language disorders or autism, Susan’s resources provide detailed lessons and engaging activities. More easily teach your child to communicate with AAC with her core vocabulary activities, or teach language skills from compare/contrast/define to vocabulary. Find her book (Make the Connection) about AAC for parents on Amazon.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Susan-Berkowitz
TAN Academy – TAN Academy is a comprehensive K-12 homeschool program which seeks to educate students and form families to desire the highest things—the good, the true, and the beautiful. Our principal goals, the education of children and the formation of families, are achieved by our curriculum’s defining traits: trustworthy, simple to use, and given at an affordable price.
TAN Academy – The Foundations of Science” introduces children to the wonders of the natural world in light of God’s providential care over creation.
This eight-part series for elementary students covers an extensive scope of scientific studies. Learn about animals and plants. Explore galaxies and the ocean’s depths. Wonder at the structures of life. Discover the curiosities of chemistry. Marvel at the glories of the universe. Fundamentally, this series examines God’s intricate order underlying creation and chronicles the Church’s contributions to science throughout history.
Take full advantage of the series by purchasing sets, which include textbooks, workbooks, audio books, and video lectures.
– Calmness is the basis for good communication and understanding in relationships. Without calmness, you can fall into power struggles and traps that make us frustrated with ourselves and each other. We don’t need to accept this frustration and lack of calmness any longer. It’s possible to calmly and assertively communicate and correct another person. Whether you struggle finding your own calmness or you have family members who need assistance finding calmness, this toolkit is for you!
The Character Corner exists to equip you as you seek to raise your kids to have Godly character and a heart for Him. Through practical advice, tips and encouragement learned over 31+ years of parenting and homeschooling you will have access to the help, encouragement, and resources you need! Explore our popular Character Curriculum that helps Moms teach their kids Godly character in just 10 minutes a day! At The Character Corner, we’re with you in the parenting trenches – every step of the way!
The Good & The Beautiful
– The Good and the Beautiful makes homeschooling affordable and joyful! Our open-and-go courses are simple to teach, making homeschooling accessible to all families! Short, powerful lessons incorporate a variety of subjects in one and provide a proven high-quality education. Connect children to the good and the beautiful in life, while instilling a lifelong love of learning! Find our many free homeschool courses, unique library books, and other resources on goodandbeautiful.com.
You’re reading the 2022 Guide to Homeschooling and the Best Home School Programs & Products on the Planet!
The Nirks® – In a World Music Kids & Portland Columbia Symphony – Meet the Instruments of the Orchestra! This incredible music education series combines the popular Nirks™ puppets with professional musicians from Portland Columbia Symphony. Together, they introduce young listeners to the instruments of the orchestra, and the best part is, it’s completely FREE to watch through our websites, YouTube channel and Kidoodle.TV. You’ll see/hear fun stories, cool duets, musical demos and, in the final episode, you’ll hear a stunning orchestral piece with the Nirks and Portland Columbia Symphony playing together! Meet the Instruments is a fun, introduction to musical instruments, and wonderful way to get kids excited about playing music!
The Simplay3 Company– They design, engineer, and manufacture all of our products in Streetsboro, Ohio. Simplay3 products specialize in active play products and smart children furniture items. Built from heavy duty plastic, our products can stand the use and abuse of multiple child settings for years and years.The Wikki Stix Co.
– Wikki Stix make the tough stuff fun!
Wikki Stix … for tactile, hands-on, involved learning…for virtually any subject! Mistake-proof, which helps build self-esteem, Wikki Stix are easy to use for preschoolers learning letter and number formation… and ideal for Middle School science projects.
Used in schools for over 30 years, Wikki Stix are soft, pliable, colorful and fun to use. (And endlessly reusable!) Their trick is that they stick…to paper, books, posterboard and almost all smooth surfaces. And, they peel right up to make changes and corrections. Made of yarn and non-toxic wax, it is that touch of wax that provides their stickability.
Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me…I understand.
Visit their Homeschool Page:
https://www.wikkistix.com/homeschooling/
THiNK OUTSiDE BOXES
– THiNK OUTSiDE BOXES is an award winning outdoor curriculum delivered monthly, serving a wide-range of ages starting at 4. Our programs are designed to promote exploration and survival in the great outdoors. Our products and guided activities encourage adventure, promote empathy, and foster creativity, encouraging children to become lifelong learners.
The educational and activity booklets tackle many aspects of learning:
STEM, Creativity, Critical and Strategic Thinking, Empathy, and Hands-on Activities
They offer 2 programs, our original Think Outside Boxes and our Think Outside Junior program. Our Junior programs helps answer the “why and what” questions about nature and is for children ages 4-7. Our original program is for kids aged 7-16+, teaches essential outdoor skills and answers some of the “how and when” questions.
Lesson plans available for our older program.
The Christian Heroes: Then & Now and Heroes of History series are loved by all ages. Overwhelmingly recommended by families and schools they offer all ages an exciting, first-hand view of missionaries and leaders who profoundly shaped history.
We offer FREE RESOURCES on our website! Visit the Heroes Series – bonus material section for free crosswords, word searches, puzzles, coloring pages, and more.
Website: www.ywampublishing.com
Phone: 800-922-2143
Email: books@ywampublishing.com
Best Home School Programs & Products for Middle School Kids
Please note that this list is organized alphabetically. All of the Curriculum and Products listed here are approved and loved by the staff at HowToHomeschool.com.
AceReader improves reading speed, comprehension and fluency through the use of pacing and vision training. The activities consist of timed reading comprehension tests, eye pacing drills and fun eye exercise games. It includes over 1,000 timed reading comprehension tests that have been themed and leveled into 13 levels of text complexities. The program auto-adjusts the speed of the drills and games based on how students perform on their timed reading comprehension tests. The program also includes pre and post-testing which makes it easy to monitor students overall progress.
AI CODE ACADEMY – AI Code Academy strives to better prepare our young generation to thrive in an increasingly challenging and complex society in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), big data and Internet of Things (IoT). As one of the very few EdTech organizations who are able to offer AI programs and smart robotics programs for K-12 students. We have made AI education easy and fun by building our own machine learning modeling platform, which allows our young students to learn every step of the machine learning process. With 10 different Levels of defining programming skills, data-based AI modeling, smart modules, devices and problem-solving skills. Students gain proficiency in both programming skills and hardware experience from Scratch, Micro.bit, Machine Learning modeling, to professional AI programming skills with Python and smart devices. www.aicodeacademy.com
All-in-One Homeschool Curriculum – This award-winning digital solution for K-12 homeschooling is our favorite homeschool curriculum we’ve ever reviewed. Their curriculum is comprehensive and provides everything you need to educate your child from the comfort of your own home. With engaging lessons, interactive activities, and teaching guides for parents, it is the most cost-effective way to a fantastic education for your kids. For just $29.99 per grade (when on sale), it is a fantastic solution for parents that are looking for a complete curriculum without breaking the bank. The course work can be completed on a computer, tablet or by printing the lessons for your student. Learn more at https://www.onlinehomeschoolcurriculum.com.