The Best Free Homeschool Curriculum (That’s Actually Good!)
Looking for the best free homeschool curriculum that doesn’t feel like it was cobbled together in the 1990s and printed on a potato? Good news, friend. I’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re living on one income, saving up for a new fridge, or just refuse to pay $800 for a box of books, there are actually some amazing FREE options out there.
And I’m not just talking about random printables or sketchy PDF downloads from forgotten corners of the internet.
I mean full(ish)curricula that can teach your kids well, —without wrecking your bank account.
I scrolled through hundreds of mom recommendations in a big Facebook group to bring you the best of the best—curriculum options that real families are using and loving.
And today, I’m counting them down, from super-basic to surprisingly beautiful, with a healthy mix of Christian and secular options.
And if you're looking for great books on a budget, there's a free Christian homeschool booklist PDF linked below—and the best part?
You can find most of the titles as free audiobooks on YouTube!
Let’s go!
10. Plain and Not So Plain
Website: plainandnotsoplain.com
If your family values simplicity and a Christian worldview, this one's worth a look.
Created by Amy Maryon (mom of 10 and YouTuber at @amymaryon), this curriculum is all about homeschooling for free. And when I say printable, I mean you might want to stock up on ink and snacks for your printer. You’ll be printing a lot.
Covers: Basic core subjects, mostly up to Grade 9
Strengths: Super simple, no fluff, ACT/SAT prep focus
Limitations: Not much past Grade 9, lots of typos, and very plain—some kids might find it boring
Amy’s also known for her YouTube cooking videos and large-family life tips, so her curriculum fits right into that vibe: practical, minimalist, and straightforward.
9. K12 Online Public School
Website: k12.com
This one’s a bit of a curveball—it’s actually a public school at home, fully paid for by the U.S. government (if you’re in the U.S., that is).
Kids attend scheduled live classes, complete assignments online, and interact with state-certified teachers.
Covers: Kindergarten through 12th grade
Strengths: Structured, accredited, teacher-led, colorful, and engaging
Limitations: Very secular/woke ideology, strict schedules, not flexible or faith-based
If you’re looking for a hands-off, highly structured program and you’re okay with the secular content, this could be for you.
8. Ambleside Online
Website: amblesideonline.org
Calling all Charlotte Mason lovers! This is the ultimate free CM curriculum.
It’s a massive treasure trove of schedules, booklists, and reading plans from Year 0 to Year 12, all lovingly built by a team of dedicated moms.
Covers: All subjects - Literature, History, Science, Bible, Poetry, Music Appreciation, and much more
Strengths: Deep, rich living books; Christian worldview; strong online community
Limitations: Requires a lot of reading and printing, no video content, older book styles
This is a print-it-yourself labor of love. But if you love curling up with a good book and calling it “school,” this is your jam.
7. The Good and the Beautiful (Free Downloads)
Website: goodandbeautiful.com
Probably the prettiest curriculum on this list.
The Good and the Beautiful offers free PDFs for Language Arts (Levels 1–5) and Math (Grades K–3), and they are stunning. Think watercolor illustrations, gorgeous typography, and a Pinterest-worthy layout.
Covers: Language Arts, Biology, and Math (limited grades and subjects)
Strengths: Visually gorgeous, easy to use, open-and-go style
Limitations: No gospel content really (God, morals, character lessons, but not much real Jesus), limited grade levels
It markets itself as Christian, but many families feel it leans more moral than doctrinal.
6. Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)
Website: teacherspayteachers.com
This is basically Etsy for educators.
Search any grade or subject + the word “free,” and you’ll find thousands of printable resources—from coloring pages and science labs to full unit studies.
Covers: PreK–12, depending on the resource
Strengths: Fun, colorful, creative materials
Limitations: Not a full curriculum, printer-heavy, lots of piecing together
It’s a great supplement—but not something I’d use as a spine.
5. Under the Home
Website: underthehome.org
Another Charlotte Mason-inspired option, but this one’s secular.
It’s easy to navigate, offers subject-by-subject downloads, and includes both text and art-heavy lessons.
Covers: Grades K–5
Strengths: Simple layout, public domain resources, gentle approach
Limitations: Some subjects incomplete, dated material, not Christian
Think of it as a calm, free alternative if Ambleside felt a bit too overwhelming. But this one is secular.
4. That It May Go Well with You
Website: Lamp & Light Living
Looking for a free Bible study with actual design taste? Here it is.
This is a printable Bible study curriculum from Lamp & Light Living, and it’s just… lovely. Gentle, gospel-centered, and Charlotte Mason-friendly.
Covers: Bible for primary grades
Strengths: Beautiful layout, solid content, printable flashcards
Limitations: Just Bible (not a full curriculum), no video content
This is great if you’re using a secular core and want to add faith.
3. YouTube
Link: Try this gem: Middle School Physics
Okay, this one’s kind of obvious—but also totally underrated.
Want to learn long division? There’s a video for that. Ancient history? Covered. Chemistry, Shakespeare, geometry, violin? Check, check, check, and check.
Strengths: 100% free, endless variety, real teachers and experts
Limitations: Not structured, internet distractions, no cohesive scope
If you’re okay with building your own path (and supervising screen time), YouTube can teach anything.
And if you’re on YouTube, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!
2. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Website: allinonehomeschool.com
This is the golden child of free Christian homeschool curriculum.
It covers Pre-K through High School, offers both online and printable options, and even includes electives.
There’s also a digital tool called My EP Assignments to help track your child’s progress.
Strengths: All-in-one, flexible, surprisingly thorough
Limitations: Plain design, light Christian content, still requires printing
If you want one place to do it all—this is a great pick. Actually, if I had to use free homeschool curriculum, then I’d choose this program.
Watch the video below if you are interested in it and it’ll help you get started.
1. Khan Academy
Website: khanacademy.org | Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy is a nonprofit with high-quality video lessons, interactive content, and fun built-in review quizzes.
It’s 100% free with no ads.
Also available as an app!
Covers: Grades K–12+, most core subjects
Strengths: Clear videos, excellent practice, app access
Limitations: Secular, not homeschool-specific, some content gaps
Want the full scoop on how to use Khan Academy well (and where to be cautious)? Watch this video I made here!
Still Overwhelmed?
Choosing a homeschool curriculum can feel like trying to pick a favorite child—or maybe just choosing a cereal brand while someone’s screaming in aisle 4.
That’s why I made the Homeschool Parenting Program—a course to help you figure out your family’s rhythm, choose a method, and avoid the most common beginner mistakes.
It’s practical, funny, and packed with PDFs, tips, and video lessons. Check it out here.
Or watch the video below.
My Top Affordable homeschool pick: Schoolhouse Teachers
If you do have a small homeschool budget, here’s my top pick: SchoolhouseTeachers.
No, it’s not free. But for the cost of one takeaway meal a month, you get:
Full K–12 curriculum for the whole family
Recordkeeping tools
Thousands of videos
Christian worldview
Electives galore
Phone, email, and chat support whenever you want!
And yes, there’s some printing involved—but it’s SO much more fun and less stressful than trying to piece things together on your own.
Want to see exactly how it works? Watch my full review video below or read it here.
Happy homeschooling, and may your printer survive the journey. 😉
