7 Costly Homeschool Curriculum MISTAKES (and How to Avoid Them!)
Let’s face it—homeschooling is hard enough without wasting money on the wrong curriculum. If you’ve ever ordered a program that made your kids cry and gave you a tension headache, welcome to the club. In this post, we’re diving into 7 costly curriculum mistakes, what they look like, and how to dodge them like a Lego on the living room floor.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to pick a program with confidence and a sense of humor intact.
Oh—and don’t miss the free printable that includes a Homeschool Curriculum Cost Calculator + Curriculum Red Flags Checklist. This will help you not make an enormouse costly homeschool curriculum mistake (AND save you HOURS of research and second-guessing).
Oh, and heads up—this post contains affiliate links, so if you decide to purchase this curriculum here, thank you! It helps support our small homeschool family. 💛
Mistake #1: Buying What's Popular (Instead of What Works for Your Family)
Okay, so, you scroll through Instagram, and BOOM—there it is.
A perfectly styled homeschool flat lay with beeswax candles and a Charlotte Mason quote.
You think, "Yes. That’s the one."
But, just because it works for the influencer with five kids and a pet goat doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Avoid making this mistake by knowing your child’s learning style, your teaching style, and your capacity.
Are you working part-time?
You might not want something that requires two hours of parent-led instruction per day.
Personally, that’s why I use BJU Press (pic of my son using this program below).
Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the time it saves me actually makes it more affordable in the long run. It frees me up so much that I can work during homeschool hours.
But for other families, who aren’t planning to make that time back financially, it’s worth finding a simpler, more budget-conscious program like Schoolhouse Teachers or even a free program.
Mistake #2: Assuming All "Christian" Curriculums Teach the Same Thing
Let’s get real. Slapping a Bible verse on page 3 does not make a curriculum gospel-centered.
Some programs include Jesus as a moral example.
Others teach that He is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again.
Big difference.
John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
If that’s the gospel your family believes, make sure your curriculum does too.
Avoid making a homeschool mistake here by digging into the statement of faith, flipping through sample lessons, or watching walkthrough videos.
Mistake #3: Thinking a Free Curriculum Is Always a Win
Now, who doesn’t love a good freebie?
But free doesn’t always mean functional.
If your free curriculum leaves you spending hours printing, assembling, and tracking progress across six tabs and a spreadsheet—it’s costing you somewhere else: your time (and maybe your sanity).
Avoid making a homeschool mistake here by choosing free open-and-go programs, or investing a little for a lot more ease.
That said, if you truly need free right now, check out Easy Peasy All-in-One which is my pick of the freebies.
Mistake #4: Buying a Full-Year Curriculum Without Trying a Sample First
Okay, now I want to ask you a question.
Would you marry someone after one text conversation?
No? Then don’t commit to a full year of curriculum without trying a sample lesson first. (Ok…so maybe I’m stretching the analogy there…but you get the point…).
Again, avoid making a homeschooling mistake by doing a demo, watching a lesson walkthrough, or even better—asking in homeschool groups what people’s kids loved (or hated) about a specific program.
I personally like checking out trusted Facebook groups…there you get great reviews!
Mistake #5: Thinking You Have to Teach Every Subject With a Separate Program
Now, here’s a hot tip: you don’t need to teach reading, grammar, writing, spelling, AND vocabulary with five separate books.
Some curricula (like Notgrass) combine subjects like history and language arts, so you can save time and reinforce concepts more naturally.
If that sounds like a game-changer, check out my video on Notgrass below and how we combine subjects in our homeschool.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Your Child’s Feedback
What happens if your kid says, “I hate this book!” but you say, “We’re doing it anyway.”?
Weeks go by, tears are shed (mostly yours), and school becomes a battle zone.
Avoid making this homeschool mistake by listening to your child’s feedback.
You’re not giving up authority—you’re being a wise steward of your child’s education.
Sometimes, a simple switch to a new format (videos, audiobooks, hands-on activities) can rekindle their joy and your sanity.
Mistake #7: Curriculum Hopping Every Time You Doubt Yourself
You hear about a shiny new program. You switch. Three weeks later, you hear about another. Switch again.
And so the chaos begins.
Avoid a mistake here by giving each program a fair trial.
If it’s not working after a good effort, that’s one thing.
But constant switching erodes consistency and confidence—for both of you.
Because, you know, homeschooling can be hard—like crying-in-the-pantry hard.
Want help with that?
Well, my Homeschool Parenting Program helps you figure out your family’s rhythm, compare methods, choose curriculum, and homeschool with confidence.
It’s packed with practical tools, gorgeous PDFs, and yes—funny videos that make the learning lighthearted.
And it’s priced so that anyone can afford it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing curriculum shouldn’t feel like a gamble.
Use wisdom. Use samples. Use your gut. And use the free resources I’ve made to help you.
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Grab the free PDF Curriculum Red Flag Checklist + Curriculum Cost Calculator here—it’ll save you hours and help you make confident, gospel-centered choices.
And if you haven’t already, subscribe to my YouTube channel How to Homeschool for more laughs, resources, and real-life help.
You got this! 💪
