My Top Homeschooling Recommendations

My Top Homeschooling Recommendations: A Guide for New and Seasoned Homeschoolers

Homeschooling can feel a bit like jumping on a rollercoaster that you’ve never ridden before—exciting, a little overwhelming, and possibly involving a few too many snacks along the way. But once you find your rhythm, it becomes one of the most rewarding things you can do for your kids—and yourself. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for fresh ideas, I’ve put together a list of homeschooling recommendations that have either worked for our family or come highly recommended by trusted homeschooling friends.

Full Boxed Curriculum

My Father’s World (MFW)

MFW combines a biblical worldview with a literature-rich approach. It’s designed to help families teach multiple children together—something we all know is a major win when you’re juggling different ages. The lessons are thoughtfully laid out, so even if you’re a new homeschooler, you won’t be left feeling overwhelmed. It blends classical education, Charlotte Mason methods, and unit studies into one easy to follow program. A great option if you want something both structured and flexible.

Timberdoodle

Timberdoodle is perfect for families who love hands-on learning. Each kit is packed with fun, engaging activities—STEM projects, puzzles, art, and more—so your kids are learning without even realizing it. They offer both religious and secular versions, so there’s something for everyone. Also, Timberdoodle is customizable and sells three types of kits: Elite, Complete, and Basic.

Abeka Academy

If you’re looking for a more traditional, structured curriculum, Abeka is a good option. Their video lessons are a huge help for busy parents or those who want guided instruction. It’s academically strong, but if you prefer flexibility in your approach, it can feel a bit rigid.

Separate Curriculum Options

Masterbooks

Masterbooks is a budget-friendly, easy-to-implement faith-based curriculum. It’s ideal if you want a simple, no-fuss approach to lesson planning. The colorful workbooks are a hit with kids, and the conversational tone makes the lessons feel more relaxed.

Beast Academy

Beast Academy is a math curriculum disguised as a comic book series. If your kids are into puzzles and have a natural curiosity, this will keep them engaged and challenged. It’s great for kids who love to dig deep and think critically.

Math-U-See

Math-U-See is perfect for visual or hands-on learners. Each lesson builds on the one before, using manipulatives to make math more concrete. It’s mastery-based, meaning kids move on only when they’ve fully grasped the concept, not just because the calendar says so.

Spelling You See

Just like Math-U-See, Spelling You See focuses on mastery. It takes a different approach to spelling by teaching patterns and context instead of relying on dry word lists. It’s great for kids who have struggled with traditional spelling methods.

Beautiful Feet Books

For families who love reading, Beautiful Feet Books combines history and literature in the most delightful way. This curriculum uses living books to teach subjects, bringing a deeper layer to the learning process. Beautiful Feet Books are great for a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach.

Logic of English

If your child struggles with reading or spelling, Logic of English is a fantastic program that makes sense of all the tricky English rules. It’s logical, structured, and breaks everything down in a way that helps make reading feel less frustrating.

Gather Round Homeschool

Gather Round is a unit-study curriculum that allows the whole family to learn together. You study the same topic at each child’s level, which eliminates the stress of juggling multiple subjects and programs. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and easy to implement.

Free Resources

Time4Learning

This is an online, self-paced platform that covers all the core subjects. While it’s not completely free, it’s a very affordable monthly subscription that can be paused anytime. It’s a great option for families who need something engaging and interactive.

Khan Academy

Completely free, Khan Academy is an incredible resource for older kids who can work more independently. It offers video lessons in everything from math to science to art history.

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschooling

Created by a homeschooling mom, this free curriculum covers everything from preschool to high school. It’s designed to be simple, so it’s a great option if you’re just starting out or looking for a free, no-fuss option.

The Good and The Beautiful (Language Arts)

This free language arts curriculum covers grammar, handwriting, and literature for the early grades. It’s visually appealing and gently structured, making it easy to follow without overwhelming you or your child.

Core Knowledge

Core Knowledge offers a downloadable sequence of learning objectives for each grade level. It’s a useful tool if you want to keep track of your child’s progress on a more traditional academic path.

Supplements

Sometimes, you just need a little extra to spice up your homeschool routine. These supplements are fun, educational, and worth exploring:

• Reading Eggs – Game-based reading lessons that build literacy skills.
• Generation Genius – Fun science videos with hands-on experiments.
• BrainPOP – Engaging animated videos on a range of subjects.
• Salsa – A fun way to introduce Spanish through music and stories.
• Epic! – A digital library full of books your kids will love.
• IXL – Interactive math and language arts practice with progress tracking.
• Nessy – A great tool for dyslexic learners or anyone needing extra help with reading.
• Typing Club – Helps kids learn typing skills in a fun, engaging way.
• Night Zookeeper – A creative writing platform with prompts and interactive features.
• ABCya! – Educational games that feel like play but teach real skills.

Getting Started with Homeschooling

So, you’re ready to dive into homeschooling? Here’s a quick guide to help you get started without pulling out your hair.

Check Your State Laws

Homeschooling laws vary by state, so make sure to check your state’s Department of Education website to know what’s required.

Pick Your Style

Are you drawn to Charlotte Mason’s nature-based approach? Classical education? Unschooling? Knowing your preferred educational style will help narrow down your curriculum options.

Set Realistic Expectations

Your first year is about figuring out what works for your family. Give yourself grace, and remember that it’s okay to change things up if something doesn’t feel right.

Create a Learning Space

Your homeschooling area doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect—just a space that’s dedicated to learning, with books and supplies within reach, will do wonders for focusing both kids and parents.

Find Community

Join local homeschool groups, online forums, or co-ops. Homeschooling is much more enjoyable when you’ve got a community of like-minded people to share the highs and lows with.

Have Fun!

Learning can and should be fun! Don’t be afraid to laugh, get messy, and make lasting memories along the way. Remember, it’s not all about the textbooks.

Homeschooling isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey—and that’s part of its beauty. You get to decide what works best for your family, your values, and your schedule. There will be some bumps along the way (probably a few tears, from both you and the kids), but there will also be plenty of joy, connection, and “aha!” moments that make it all worthwhile. You’ve got this.

Ready to jump in? Let’s homeschool together and make this journey one for the books!

If you enjoyed this post and want more ideas, inspiration, and encouragement for your homeschooling journey, come hang out with me on social media! You can like the Creative Homeschooler Facebook page for daily tips, creative resources, and real talk from one homeschooler to another. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @creativehomeschoolers for behind-the-scenes peeks, hands-on activity ideas, and a little everyday magic. Let’s stay connected—you’re not in this alone!