15 Best Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum [2026]
I’ve homeschooled two kindergartners and reviewed dozens of kindergarten curricula over the last 10 years — and today I’m bringing you my best picks. Because choosing a kindergarten homeschool curriculum sounds like it should be simple.
And then you start looking.
Suddenly you’re comparing colorful workbook programs, gentle Charlotte Mason options, Christian curriculum packages, literature-based plans, video lessons, free online programs, phonics add-ons, math books, and giant boxed kits that cost more than your weekly grocery shop.
So this guide is here to make the decision easier.
I’ve gathered some of the most recommended kindergarten homeschool curriculum options, including Christian, secular, free, all-in-one, workbook-based, video-based, and literature-rich picks.
I’ll also share my honest opinion on what each one is best for — because the best curriculum on paper is not always the best curriculum for your actual child.
Personally, I like kindergarten to have some structure. It’s a lovely “getting your feet wet” year before Grade 1 feels more serious.
But kindergarten should still feel relaxed (because maintaining your relationship with your strong minded little offspring matters more than getting every page done!)
Also, it’s worth noting that the best kindergarten curriculum is not the one with the biggest box. It’s the one you’ll actually use without making your child hate school by Week 3.
At no extra cost to you, you get to support my channel and our homeschool by buying through these affiliate links. Big Thanks!
Quick Picks: Best Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum at a Glance
If you just want the quick version and don’t have time to read this whole article, here are my top picks by family type:📦
📦 Best for independence & busy homeschool moms: BJU Press Kindergarten
📦 Best gentle, hands-on Christian option: My Father’s World Kindergarten
📦 Best very Bible-rich option: Generations Kindergarten
📦 Best story-rich option: Five in a Row
📦 Best gentle open-and-go option: MasterBooks Kindergarten
📦 Best budget Christian workbook option: Christian Light Education
📦 Best beautiful lifestyle-style option: The Peaceful Press
📦 Best literature-rich option: Sonlight Kindergarten
📦 Best classical option: Memoria Press Kindergarten
📦 Best free option: Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
📦 Best hands-on boxed kit: Timberdoodle Kindergarten
📦 Best strong phonics/traditional option: Abeka Kindergarten
📦 Best simple early workbook option: Rod & Staff ABC/GHI Series
📦 Best colorful traditional workbook option: Horizons Kindergarten
But before you click “add to cart,” keep reading.
These are my honest best picks, but every curriculum has pros and cons. Use this list as a starting point, then read the notes below to find what will actually suit your child, budget, theology, and energy level.
How to Read This Kindergarten Curriculum Guide
To make this roundup easier to compare, I’ll use a few simple labels.
Mom Involvement
🔴 High — Mom teaches most of it. (Can be exhausting with a toddler!)
🟠 Medium — Some teaching, some independent work.
🟢 Low — Video-based, workbook-based, or fairly independent.
Hands-On Level
👆 High — Activities, crafts, manipulatives, games, movement, or projects.
🫵 Medium — Some hands-on learning, but not constant.
👇 Low — Mostly workbook, reading, video, or discussion.
Price
💵 Budget-friendly '
💵💵 Mid-range
💵💵💵 Expensive
Prices change often, so I’ve linked each curriculum for current pricing.
Format
This tells you what the curriculum actually looks like day to day. It might be video + workbook, parent-led books, literature-based, workbook-based, online, boxed kit, or subject add-on.
Method
This tells you the homeschool style behind the curriculum. Some are traditional, some are: Charlotte Mason-inspired, some are classical, some are literature-based, and some are more eclectic.
How to Choose a Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum
Before you buy anything, ask these questions…
Do you want structure or a relaxed start?
I personally like having some structure in kindergarten. It gives the year a rhythm and helps everyone ease into homeschooling before Grade 1 suddenly arrives wearing a blazer and carrying a maths textbook.
But structure should serve your family, not rule your family.
Kindergarten does not need to feel like a full school day with bells, uniforms, and a child crying over a handwriting page at 9:12am. Short lessons, good books, phonics, basic math, Bible, outside play, and lots of conversation can go a very long way.
How much teaching do you want to do yourself?
Some moms love sitting beside their child and teaching every lesson.
Other moms are trying to teach phonics while a toddler empties the pantry, the baby needs a nap, and someone has mysteriously lost one shoe.
That matters.
A curriculum like BJU Press with videos feels very different from something like The Peaceful Press, where you are much more central to the lesson.
Neither is wrong — they just ask very different things from Mum.
Does your child love workbooks, stories, crafts, or movement?
Kindergarteners are wonderfully different.
One child will happily curl up with colorful workbooks. Another would rather collect rocks, build forts, and call it “science.”
Some are ready for formal phonics, while others still need more time cutting, gluing, painting, climbing, and building the hand strength they’ll need for writing.
So try to choose for the child in front of you, not the imaginary child in the curriculum catalog.
And be honest about what you can handle, too. A beautiful crafty curriculum may look delightful online, but if the thought of glue sticks, glitter, and paint water makes you want to curl up in a ball after lunch, that matters.
Do you want Christian or secular?
For Christian families, the question is not only, “Will this teach letters and numbers?”
It is also “What view of God, sin, salvation, truth, creation, family, obedience, and Scripture is being taught — or quietly left out?”
Some curricula are clearly Christian. Some are secular. And, despite what’s claimed, I don’t believe a curriculum is “neutral”.
Are you trying to save money or save time?
Then think about money.
A free kindergarten homeschool curriculum can be a gift.
But free does not always mean easy.
Paid curriculum usually costs money. Free curriculum often costs planning energy.
There is no shame in paying for something that gives you peace, structure, and less decision fatigue.
Best Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Options
Now that we’ve looked at what actually matters when choosing a kindergarten homeschool curriculum, let’s jump into the top picks.
I’ll start with the option I personally use (a very popular pick in the homeschool world), then move through the other popular recommendations from moms on online forums.
1. BJU Press Kindergarten
Best for
Busy homeschool moms who want to outsource the teaching, beginners who do not feel confident teaching yet, and families who want structure, colorful workbooks, and a strong Christian program.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟢 Low with videos
Hands-on: 👇🫵 Low to Medium in kindergarten
Price: 💵💵💵 See here for current pricing.
Format: Video + workbook or parent-led
Videos: Yes
Christian or secular: Christian
Doctrinal note: Protestant evangelical Christian
Method: Traditional Christian
Color workbooks: Yes.
Independence: High with videos
Why I Like BJU Press Kindergarten
BJU Press Kindergarten is the option I personally use, and it has worked really well for our family (I’ve now used it for two of my kids and plan on using it for the third).
One of the big reasons I like it is that it takes a lot of the teaching pressure off me. As a busy homeschool mom with younger kids in the house — and not always endless energy to sit and teach every lesson myself — I’ve found the video lessons really helpful (get the Online with Books option).
The teacher explains the concept, the workbook provides the lesson structure, and I can step in when my child needs me without having to carry the whole thing from scratch.
It also suits my personality. I like having a clear plan. I like knowing what comes next. I like colorful workbooks, structured lessons, and a curriculum that helps my child build independence little by little.
That’s why I especially recommend BJU Press Kindergarten for busy moms, beginners who feel nervous about teaching, or families who want a strong Christian curriculum without Mom having to be the full-time teacher for every subject.
If you want to know what it looks like in our home, watch the video below, which is a day in the life of BJU Press.
What Homeschool Moms Like
The biggest thing that stands out with BJU Press Kindergarten is that it feels colorful, cheerful, structured, and manageable.
I also love that it is a very gospel-centered curriculum. Children learn about Jesus and God’s Word alongside phonics, math, handwriting, and reading, which is a huge plus for Christian families who want help teaching without handing over the heart of discipleship.
What to Watch Out For
BJU is more structured, moderate academic level (more rigorous than easy) compared to gentle literature-based options. If you want a very relaxed, craft-heavy, read-aloud kindergarten, this may feel too schoolish.
And as with any full curriculum, you do not have to do every single thing.
What to Watch Out For
BJU is more structured than gentle literature-based options. If you want a very relaxed, craft-heavy, read-aloud kindergarten, this may feel too schoolish.
And as with any full curriculum, you do not have to do every single thing. We skip workpages if my son knows the material.
My Verdict
BJU Press Kindergarten is one of the best options if you want structure, Christian teaching, colorful workbooks, and more independence.- something that’s really easy to implement for beginner homeschool parents!
It is not the gentlest option, but for busy homeschool moms who want to outsource some of the teaching, it is a very strong choice.
2. My Father’s World Kindergarten
Best For
Christian families who want a gentle, hands-on, Bible-rich kindergarten year that feels warm, memorable, and relational rather than overly academic.
It’s especially good for moms who want learning woven through Bible, phonics, themes, activities, and family connection — and who don’t mind being actively involved in the lessons.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴/🟠 Medium-high
Hands-on: 👆 High
Price: 💵💵 (see current pricing here)
Format: Parent-led books and activities
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Christian
Doctrinal note: Christian, biblical worldview
Method: Charlotte Mason-inspired / unit study / hands-on
Color workbooks: Mixed
Independence: Low
Why Moms Love My Father’s World Kindergarten
My Father’s World Kindergarten came up repeatedly in parent recommendations.
Moms described it as gentle, biblical, hands-on, fun, memorable, and one of their favorite kindergarten years.
But this is not the curriculum for a mom who wants to press play and have the teaching done. It is parent-led and relational. But that is also why many families love it.
My Father’s World uses themes, Bible, phonics, hands-on activities, and a warm family rhythm to create a kindergarten year that feels meaningful rather than dry.
What Homeschool Moms Like
My Father's World is a literature-based curriculum, which means many lessons revolve around engaging books rather than just worksheets. It also has a strong Charlotte Mason influence, so lessons are generally short and designed to keep young children interested instead of overwhelmed.
It also uses unit studies, meaning children explore one topic across several subjects rather than learning everything separately. That helps kindergarten feel more connected, memorable, and fun.
What to Watch Out For
It can be too crafty or mom-involved for some families. If you do not enjoy hands-on activities or you need more independence, you may find it tiring. Especially if you have a toddler in tow!
However, you can skip the crafts!
My Verdict
My Father’s World is one of the strongest kindergarten options for Christian families who want a fun, hands-on kindy start.
But it is best for moms who actually want to be involved.
Check it out here (this link gives you a $20 saving too!).
3. Generations Kindergarten
Best For
Christian families who want a deeply biblical, Christ-centered kindergarten curriculum.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠 Medium
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵see current pricing here
Format: Workbooks, Scripture memory, coloring book, and read-aloud
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Christian
Doctrinal note: Strongly Protestant, biblical, discipleship-focused
Method: Christian discipleship / gentle traditional
Color workbooks: Yes, gorgeous!
Independence: Moderate
Why I Like Generations Kindergarten
Generations Kindergarten is a newer option, but it is one I’m very interested in because it is so openly Christ-centered. There is Jesus on every page!
This is not a curriculum trying to copy the public school classroom and sprinkle a Bible verse on top. It is built around the idea that education is discipleship.
The Kindergarten Core Curriculum Package includes Bible and theology, Scripture memory, history, math, reading and writing, a coloring book, and a family read-aloud.
What I like is that Generations seems to understand kindergarten as a year of small beginnings: first letters, first numbers, first stories, first habits, and first foundations.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Parent reviews describe it as gentle, beautiful, easy to use, and exciting for children. Many especially like the Bible, catechism-style teaching, memory work, history, and math.
What to Watch Out For
Generations Kindergarten is still parent-led, so it won’t outsource the teaching like BJU Press or Abeka videos.
That said, kindergarten lessons are short, so for many moms this won’t be a huge issue.
It is also very explicitly biblical, with God, Scripture, and Christian worldview woven throughout. I see that as a strength, but families wanting a lighter Christian touch may find it too much.
Also, some moms may wonder if it leans too Reformed or Calvinistic, but personally, I don’t think it goes over the top in the kindergarten materials.
My Verdict
Generations looks like a lovely fit for Christian parents who want kindergarten to start with Scripture, discipleship, and gentle learning.
It is best for families who want Christ at the center from the beginning. Great pick I reckon!
4. Five in a Row
Best For
Families who want a gentle, story-rich kindergarten year.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴 High
Hands-on: 👆/🫵 Medium-high
Price: 💵/💵💵 (What to watch out for: Five in a Row itself is affordable, but it is not a complete phonics or math program, so you’ll likely need to add those separately. It also gets more expensive if you buy all the books instead of using the library.)
Format: Literature-based unit study
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Mostly secular [Doctrinal note: Many Christian families use it, but you can include or omit religious books].
Method: Literature-based / unit study
Color workbooks: No
Independence: Low
Why Moms Love Five in a Row
Five in a Row is one of those kindergarten options people get very emotionally attached to.
And I understand why.
It is built around beautiful children’s books, repeated readings, discussion, and gentle learning across subjects. Instead of opening a stack of workbooks, you read a wonderful picture book and build learning around it.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Parents described Five in a Row as bonding, memorable, fun, gentle, and story-rich. Several said their children looked forward to school with it.
What to Watch Out For
Five in a Row is not a complete phonics or math program, so most families will need to add those separately. Something like BJU Press Kindergarten Math and All About Reading Level 1 could pair well here if you want stronger skills alongside the beautiful literature-based learning.
It is also very parent-led, so it’s best for moms who want to sit, read, discuss, and learn alongside their child.
My Verdict
Five in a Row is a beautiful choice if you want kindergarten to feel relational, literary, and memorable.
It is not my pick for families who want strong structure or independence, but it is a lovely gentle option.
5. The Peaceful Press
Best For
Families who want a beautiful, gentle, nature-based kindergarten curriculum with literature, hands-on projects, practical life skills, and a slower homeschool rhythm.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴 High
Hands-on: 🫵/👆 Medium-high
Price: 💵💵
Format: Parent-led books, activities, and lifestyle learning
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Christian.
Doctrinal note: Christian influence, but check the specific program
Method: Charlotte Mason-inspired / literature-based / gentle
Color workbooks: No/mixed
Independence: Low
Why Moms Like The Peaceful Press
The Peaceful Press Nourishing Nature Kindergarten is for families who want kindergarten to feel slow, beautiful, hands-on, and connected to real life.
It is built around nature-based units like trees, farms, mountains, and meadows, with read-alouds, projects, art, phonics, math skills, handwriting, practical life, science, social studies, and fine and gross motor skills woven in.
It has a very Montessori and Charlotte Mason-inspired feel, so it suits moms who want books, nature, poetry, projects, practical skills, and gentle rhythms rather than a traditional workbook day.
What to Watch Out For
This is quite parent-led and requires printing, gathering books, and doing activities. If you want video lessons, independent work, or a simple open-and-go workbook path, it may feel like a lot.
My Verdict
The Peaceful Press is a lovely fit for families who want a gentle, nature-rich, lifestyle-based kindergarten with lots of books, projects, and hands-on learning.
I wouldn’t choose it if you need independence or a clear workbook path, but for the right family, it could make kindergarten feel rich, beautiful, and memorable.
6. MasterBooks Kindergarten
Best For
Families who want a gentle, open-and-go Christian kindergarten curriculum with a Charlotte Mason feel.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠 Medium
Hands-on: 🫵 Medium
Price: 💵/💵 💵 (check current pricing here)
Format: Workbook-based, parent-led
Videos: Optional depending on the subject
Christian or secular: Christian
Method: Charlotte Mason-inspired / workbook-based
Color workbooks: Yes/mixed
Independence: Medium
Why Moms Like MasterBooks Kindergarten
MasterBooks is popular with families who want something gentle, Christian, and not overwhelming.
One thing many families like is that concepts are often taught through little stories or real-life examples inside the workbooks. So instead of feeling like dry worksheets, the lessons can feel more conversational and connected.
It also tends to be more relaxed than Abeka or BJU Press, and many moms like that it is open-and-go. You can sit down, open the book, and begin without needing to prepare a giant lesson.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Parents said MasterBooks felt easy, gentle, Christian, and manageable, even with younger children in the house.
What to Watch Out For
Some children may find parts of it too easy, especially if they are advanced. But you can get placement tests to help with a more challenging fit, which I highly recommend!
My Verdict
MasterBooks is a good fit if you want a gentle all-in-one Christian kindergarten curriculum that feels doable.
It may not be the best choice if you want stronger academics or a highly independent program.
7. Christian Light Education Kindergarten
Best For
Families wanting a simple, budget-friendly Christian workbook option.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠 Medium
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵 💵
Format: Workbook-based
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Christian, Mennonite.
Doctrinal note: Mennonite/Anabaptist Christian background
Method: Traditional workbook
Color workbooks: Black and White.
Independence: Medium
Why Moms Like Christian Light Education Kindergarten
Christian Light Education is a good option for families who want something straightforward, gentle, and inexpensive.
It is not flashy. It is not full of bright, modern illustrations. But many parents appreciate the simplicity and its Christian content.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Parents described CLE Kindergarten as gentle, affordable, and easy to use. It’s a get-schoolwork-done option without frills but isn’t boring or overly taxing, yet appropriately rigorous.
What to Watch Out For
It is workbook-based and plain compared with more colorful programs.
It may not excite a child who needs lots of color, stories, or hands-on activities.
My Verdict
CLE is a strong budget Christian kindergarten option if you want simple, steady workbook learning without paying for a giant curriculum package.
8.Blossom and Root
Best For
Secular homeschool families who want a creative, nature-based kindergarten curriculum with literature, art, gentle lessons, and lots of wonder.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴 High
Hands-on: 👆 High
Price: 💵/💵💵
Format: Parent guide, literature, nature study, art, hands-on activities, and gentle lessons
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Secular
Doctrinal note: Strictly secular
Method: Charlotte Mason-inspired / Waldorf-inspired / nature-based
Color workbooks: No/mixed
Independence: Low
Why Families Like Blossom and Root
Blossom and Root is a gentle, creative curriculum for families who want kindergarten to feel beautiful, nature-rich, and hands-on.
It includes things like nature study, picture and music study, art projects, literature, hands-on activities, gentle phonics, copywork, narration, journaling prompts, and an imaginative science program with integrated math.
It is especially appealing if you want your kindergartener learning through stories, nature, art, exploration, and conversation rather than mostly sitting with workbooks.
What to Watch Out For
Blossom and Root is very parent-led, so it will not suit moms who want video lessons or independent workbook learning.
It is also secular, which may be perfect for some families. But Christian families would need to add Bible and be aware that the worldview will not be Christian.
My Verdict
Blossom and Root is a popular option for secular families who want a gentle, creative, nature-based kindergarten year.
I wouldn’t choose it as my top kindergarten curriculum because it doesn’t teach about Jesus — and for me, Christ-centered discipleship is one of the main reasons I homeschool. But it absolutely belongs in this roundup for families looking for something beautiful, hands-on, and non-religious.
9. Bookshark & Sonlight Kindergarten / P4/5
Best For
Families who love rich read-alouds and literature-based learning.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴 High
Hands-on: 👇/🫵 Low-medium
Price: 💵💵💵
Format: Literature-based package
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Sonlight is Christian; Bookshark is secular
Doctrinal note: Broadly evangelical Christian, with some mixed/conversational notes on origins
Method: Literature-based
Color workbooks: Mixed
Independence: Low
Why Moms Like bookshark/Sonlight Kindergarten
Bookshark and Sonlight are literature-rich curricula built around books, books, and more books.
If your dream kindergarten year involves snuggling on the couch with beautiful stories, these options, which are created by the same company but split into two separate curricula, may be a lovely fit.
It is especially appealing to families who want learning to happen through read-alouds, discussion, history, geography, and story. Sonlight also adds Christian books, the Bible and missionary stories.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Parents who love Bookshark and Sonlight often love the books and the rich family reading experience. You can re-use many of the books years later and for subsequent kids.
What to Watch Out For
It requires a lot of reading aloud. If you do not want to spend that much time reading to your child, it may feel heavier than expected. (You can get an Audible subscription to help with reading though!)
My Verdict
Sonlight and BookSharkare beautiful options for book-loving families who want kindergarten to revolve around rich stories, read-alouds, discussion, and learning through literature.
But they are not the best fit if you want independent work, video lessons, or a short workbook-based kindergarten day.
And if your child groans every time you pick up a read-aloud, this may not be your happiest homeschool year.
10. Memoria Press Kindergarten
Best For
Families seeking a robust, somewhat rigorous classical Christian kindergarten curriculum with Latin and a strong foundation in the English language.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴/🟠 Medium-high
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵💵 (see current pricing here)
Format: Parent-led books and workbooks
Videos: Yes! Take a look at the Kindergarten videos here.
Christian or secular: Christian
Doctrinal note: Classical Christian / Protestant
Method: Classical
Color workbooks: Mixed
Independence: Low-medium
Why Moms Like Memoria Press Kindergarten
Memoria Press (pictured above) is known for being structured, orderly, and academically serious, but the kindergarten years are still quite sweet and enjoyable. Children are learning through things like nursery rhymes, classic stories, simple memory work, early phonics, handwriting, numbers, and even gentle Latin exposure.
It is a good fit for families who like classical education and want a clear plan with strong foundations. In the early years, classical education focuses on the grammar stage, which means children are gathering the basic “tools of learning” they will use more deeply in later years.
What I appreciate about Memoria Press Kindergarten is that it feels well-rounded. It is not the most relaxed or play-heavy option, but it offers a rich start for families who want beauty, structure, memory work, language, and academic foundations woven together from the beginning.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Families who love classical education often appreciate how structured, orderly, and well-rounded Memoria Press Kindergarten feels. It gives children strong foundations in phonics, handwriting, numbers, memory work, nursery rhymes, stories, and even gentle Latin exposure.
It feels academic, but not in a cold way. In the kindergarten years, there is still sweetness, rhythm, and beauty woven through the lessons.
What to Watch Out For
Memoria Press is more formal than options like My Father’s World or Five in a Row.
If you want a very relaxed, crafty, play-heavy kindergarten year, it may feel too structured. And if your child needs lots of movement, you may need to break lessons into smaller pieces and add plenty of wiggle time.
My Verdict
Memoria Press Kindergarten is a strong classical Christian option for families who want order, beauty, academic foundations, and a clear path through the early grammar stage.
It is not the most relaxed kindergarten curriculum, but for the right family, it offers a rich and thoughtful start.
11. Heart of Dakota
Best For
Christian families who want Charlotte Mason living books (educational storybooks), activities, and a warm, parent-led plan. Also an offline homeschool!
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴/🟠 Medium-high
Hands-on: 🫵 Medium
Price: 💵💵 / 💵💵 💵 depending on basic or premium choice
Format: Teacher guide + books
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Christian
Method: Charlotte Mason-inspired / literature-based / unit study
Color workbooks: Mixed; the teacher's guide is black-and-white, while most student materials are in color.
Independence: Low in kindergarten
Why Moms Like Heart of Dakota
Heart of Dakota’s Little Hearts for His Glory is a Christ-centered, Charlotte Mason-style program for ages 5–7.
It gives you a clear parent guide while still feeling book-rich, thoughtful, and hands-on. Children move through history from Creation to the present day, with the Bible, read-alouds, music, movement, language arts, handwriting, math, science, and critical thinking woven in.
I also like that you can customize subjects like phonics, handwriting, and math if you already have resources you prefer.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Families like that it feels rich, gospel-centered, and well-planned without Mom having to create everything from scratch.
What to Watch Out For
It is still very parent-led and can take around 1.5 to 2 hours a day if you do all subjects, so it may feel fuller than some families want for kindergarten.
My Verdict
Heart of Dakota is a strong fit for Christian families who want a more rigorous Charlotte Mason-style kindergarten with books, deeper thinking, history, Bible, nature/science, and a clear plan.
12. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Best For
Families wanting a free Christian* (see below) kindergarten homeschool curriculum.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠 Medium
Hands-on: 👇/🫵 Low-medium
Price: 💵
Format: Free online curriculum
Videos: Some online content
Christian or secular: Christian*, but using lots of secular-linked content.
Method: Online/eclectic
Color workbooks: No
Independence: Medium
Why Moms Like Easy Peasy
Easy Peasy is free, and many families are surprised by how much it covers.
It is also not just pages of online text. You can download PDFs, print activities for offline use, and use printable worksheets alongside the online lessons. That makes it much more practical than some free curriculum options that are essentially just long lists of web pages.
It can be a helpful choice if you need a free kindergarten homeschool curriculum and you do not mind managing online links and printables yourself.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Parents often say Easy Peasy is much more thorough than they expected for a free curriculum.
One helpful tip is to create an account rather than just clicking around the website. It makes the program much easier to follow and helps you keep track of where your child is up to.
And really — free is hard to argue with.
What to Watch Out For
Easy Peasy does not give you the same polish, hand-holding, or tracking as a paid video platform like BJU Press or Abeka.
The account helps you keep your place, but it is not the same as full progress reporting. Also it’s mostly black and white.
I would also add a little caution for Christian families. Easy Peasy is Christian, but it links out to plenty of outside resources, and many of those are secular (see the video I did below on it). So I would still keep an eye on the content rather than assuming every link has the same worldview.
My Verdict
Easy Peasy is a strong free kindergarten homeschool curriculum, especially for families on a tight budget.
It is not the most polished or hand-holding option, but it offers a lot for no cost. It works best for moms who are comfortable managing an online curriculum, printing resources, and keeping an eye on linked content.
13. Timberdoodle Kindergarten
Best For
Families who want a hands-on boxed kindergarten kit.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠 Medium
Hands-on: 👆 High
Price: 💵💵💵
Format: Boxed curriculum kit
Videos: No.
Christian or secular: Both Christian and secular options
Method: Eclectic/hands-on
Color workbooks: Yes.
Independence: Medium
Why Moms Like Timberdoodle Kindergarten
Timberdoodle is exciting because it gives you a giant box of curriculum, games, STEM resources, manipulatives, puzzles, and hands-on activities.
It is the kind of package that makes you think, “My child is going to love school.”
And some children absolutely do.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Families often like the hands-on materials, games, puzzles, STEM activities, and variety that come in a Timberdoodle kit. It can make kindergarten feel less like “sit down and do school” and more like a big box of interesting things to explore.
For the right child, that is a huge win. Instead of dragging them through worksheets, they may feel like they’re playing games, building things, solving puzzles, and doing activities — while still learning.
That’s probably Timberdoodle’s biggest strength: it can make kindergarten feel fun, practical, and engaging, especially for kids who need more than pencil-and-paper learning.
What to Watch Out For
Timberdoodle can be expensive, especially compared with building your own kindergarten year from individual books and resources.
It can also become “too much stuff” if your child only uses half the items in the box.
Many of the individual resources can be bought separately, so the real question is whether the convenience of having Timberdoodle curate everything for you is worth the extra cost.
For some families, it absolutely is. For others, it may be cheaper and simpler to buy only the pieces they know they’ll actually use.
My Verdict
Timberdoodle is a great option if you want a hands-on boxed kit and have the budget for it.
But I would not buy it just because it looks impressive. Make sure you actually want that many pieces in your homeschool.
14. Abeka Kindergarten
Best For
Families wanting strong phonics and traditional academics with independence.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠/🟢 Medium to low with videos
Hands-on: 👇/🫵 Low-medium
Price: 💵💵💵
Format: Workbook-based or video + workbook
Videos: Optional
Christian or secular: Christian, Independent Baptist roots
Method: Traditional
Color workbooks: Yes
Independence: Medium-high with videos
Why Moms Like Abeka Kindergarten
Abeka is probably one of the most well-known kindergarten homeschool curriculum options, especially for families who want strong phonics.
Many parents love Abeka because it teaches children to read well and gives a very clear academic path.
What Homeschool Moms Like
Parents often praise Abeka’s phonics, and that is probably its biggest early-years strength. Many families find that children come out of Abeka Kindergarten reading very well, especially if they thrive with repetition, structure, and clear step-by-step instruction.
Abeka also has that traditional “get school done” feel. The lessons are clear, the expectations are high, and the path is very laid out. If you want a curriculum that feels academically strong and prepares children well for traditional testing, Abeka is one of the strongest options.
What to Watch Out For
Abeka can feel intense, especially in kindergarten.
It is more traditional, more structured, and more seatwork-heavy than gentle options like Five in a Row, My Father’s World, or The Peaceful Press. Some children thrive with that. Others may feel pushed too hard too soon.
So while Abeka can be excellent for strong phonics and academic confidence, I would be cautious if you want a relaxed, play-heavy kindergarten year or if your child melts down with too much repetition and workbook work.
My Verdict
Abeka is excellent for strong phonics and traditional academic foundations. It is a great fit for families who want a clear, structured, school-at-home style program.
But I would not choose it if you want a gentle, low-pressure kindergarten year. If you like the idea of Abeka but want something a little less intense, I’d look at BJU Press, which still gives you structure, Christian teaching, and colorful workbooks, but with a softer feel.
I compare Abeka and BJU Press more fully in the video above.
15. Rod & Staff ABC / GHI Series
Best For
Rod and Staff doesn’t provide kindergarten, but many people still use it as their first curriculum with thier kids and might start midway through kindy. Instead, the next best thing is Grade 1.
Families wanting simple, affordable, Christian early learning workbooks that children can begin doing with some independence.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠 Medium
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵
Format: Workbook-based
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Christian
Doctrinal note: Mennonite/Anabaptist Christian background
Method: Traditional workbook
Color workbooks: No.
Independence: Medium
Why Moms Like Rod & Staff ABC / GHI
Rod & Staff’s ABC and GHI series came up several times in parent recommendations, especially from families who want something simple, Christian, and inexpensive.
One of the biggest wins is the price. These workbooks are usually very budget-friendly, especially compared with full kindergarten curriculum packages.
Moms also like that children can often work through the pages fairly independently after a little instruction. That is a huge help if you have older children to homeschool as well.
Another nice feature is that the parent instructions are printed at the bottom of the pages. These often include extra ideas or simple activities to help reinforce the skill.
What to Watch Out For
Rod & Staff is not colorful or flashy. The pages are black and white, and the style is much more traditional than modern kindergarten programs like BJU Press or Abeka.
They can also be more rigorous or intense than they first appear. So while they are simple and affordable, I would not assume they are automatically the gentlest option for every child.
These books also do not replace a full phonics curriculum. You will likely want to add proper reading instruction.
My Verdict
Rod & Staff is one of the best Christian homeschool kindergarten picks if you’re looking for a budget-friendly workbook option and want something simple, traditional, and inexpensive.
It is especially useful for families who want early learning pages that children can do with some independence.
But I would be cautious if your child needs color, movement, or a very gentle kindergarten start.
16. Alpha Omega / Horizons Kindergarten
Best For
Families wanting a colorful, traditional, parent-led kindergarten curriculum with strong phonics, math, and workbook structure.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🔴 High
Hands-on: 👇/🫵 Low-medium
Price: 💵💵
Format: Workbook-based
Videos: No
Christian or secular: Christian
Method: Traditional workbook
Color workbooks: Yes
Independence: Medium
Why Moms Like Horizons Kindergarten
Horizons Kindergarten is a colorful Christian workbook curriculum that covers math, phonics and reading, writing, and health.
Parents often like it because it feels structured, clear, and academically strong without needing to piece together a full year yourself. The complete set includes student workbooks, teacher guides, readers, and phonics-focused stories, so you have a proper plan to follow.
It also uses a spiral learning format, where concepts are introduced, reviewed, and reinforced regularly. That can work well for children who benefit from repetition and steady practice.
I also think Horizons can be a warm option for moms who want to sit with their child, teach the lesson themselves, and build relationship through school time. It is not outsourcing the teaching — you are still very much involved.
What to Watch Out For
Horizons is teacher-led, so it can become intense if you have toddlers, babies, work-from-home responsibilities, a business, or several children needing you at once.
It may also be too workbook-heavy for children who need lots of movement or who resist seatwork.
My Verdict
Horizons is a good option if you want a colorful, traditional Christian workbook program and you have time to teach your child yourself.
It can be warm, structured, and academically solid — but I would be cautious if you need independence, video support, or a very relaxed kindergarten year.
How to Build a Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum
You do not have to buy a complete kindergarten homeschool curriculum package.
Some families prefer to build their own kindergarten year by choosing a few strong resources and keeping the rest simple.
A basic kindergarten homeschool curriculum could include:
Phonics or reading curriculums- Choose one clear reading program, such as All About Reading or Logic of English. There are also Abeka phonics, BJU Press reading, Explode the Code, and 100 Easy Lessons.
Math - Choose a gentle kindergarten math curriculum, such as BJU Press Math K, Horizons, Math With Confidence, or Math-U-See Primer.
Handwriting and fine motor skills - Use a handwriting book if your child is ready, but also include cutting, gluing, painting, playdough, tracing, and practical hand-strengthening activities.
Bible - For Christian families, add Bible stories, Scripture memory, prayer, hymns, catechism, or a simple Bible curriculum. We use a wonderful one at BJU Press.
Read-alouds - Choose beautiful picture books, classic stories, missionary stories, poetry, or a literature guide like Five in a Row or Sonlight.
Simple extras - Science, history, nature study, art, music, and geography can be kept light at this age. You can cover a lot through read-alouds, nature walks, conversations, crafts, and real life.
If you want to create your own kindergarten homeschool curriculum, keep it simple. Pick reading, math, handwriting, Bible, and read-alouds first. Then add extras only if they bring joy instead of overwhelm.
Best Kindergarten Subject Add-Ons
Not every family needs a full all-in-one kindergarten homeschool curriculum.
Some families prefer to build their own year using a phonics program, a math program, handwriting, Bible, and lots of read-alouds.
Here are some popular kindergarten subject add-ons.
All About Reading
All About Reading is one of the most recommended phonics programs for homeschoolers.
It is structured, clear, and especially helpful for children who need explicit reading instruction. Many families use it for struggling readers, but it can also work beautifully for children without reading difficulties.
Subject: Reading / phonics
Best for: Strong phonics
Mom involvement: 🔴/🟠 but only 20 min a day which is great.
Hands-on: 🫵 Medium
Price: 💵💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Logic of English Foundations
Logic of English Foundations is another strong phonics and language arts option similar to All About Reading.
It combines and teaches reading, spelling, handwriting, and phonograms in a very systematic way.
Subject: Reading / phonics / language arts
Best for: Strong phonics and language foundations
Mom involvement: 🔴
Hands-on: 🫵/👆 Medium-high
Price: 💵💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Math With Confidence Kindergarten
Math With Confidence is a gentle, game-based math program that many families love for kindergarten.
It uses short lessons, hands-on activities, and games to build number sense.
Subject: Math
Best for: Gentle, hands-on math
Mom involvement: 🔴/🟠
Hands-on: 👆 High
Price: 💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Math-U-See Primer
Math-U-See Primer is a manipulative-based math program that works well for some kindergarteners.
It uses blocks and visual teaching to help children understand math concepts.
Subject: Math
Best for: Hands-on math with manipulatives
Mom involvement: 🟠
Hands-on: 🫵 Medium
Price: 💵💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting Without Tears is a popular handwriting option for young children.
It is simple, clear, and helpful for letter formation and fine motor skills.
Subject: Handwriting
Best for: Letter formation and fine motor skills
Mom involvement: 🟠
Hands-on: 🫵 Medium
Price: 💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Explode the Code / Before the Code
Explode the Code and Before the Code are simple phonics workbook options.
They are not flashy, but many families like them as affordable phonics practice.
Subject: Phonics
Best for: Budget phonics practice
Mom involvement: 🟠
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Wild Math
Wild Math is a hands-on, outdoor math option.
It can be especially good for active kids who learn better while moving, exploring, and being outside.
Subject: Math
Best for: Active children and outdoor learning
Mom involvement: 🔴/🟠
Hands-on: 👆 High
Price: 💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a budget-friendly reading option that many families use.
Some love it. Some find it dry. But it can work well if you want a simple, inexpensive reading path.
Subject: Reading
Best for: Budget reading instruction
Mom involvement: 🔴
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Teach Your Monster to Read
Teach Your Monster to Read is a fun online reading game.
I would use it as a supplement, not as your whole phonics program.
Subject: Reading / phonics practice
Best for: Fun phonics practice
Mom involvement: 🟢/🟠
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is another online reading program many families use for extra practice.
Again, I would see it as a supplement rather than a full kindergarten language arts plan. It also has woke material in it, which is a turn-off for me.
Subject: Reading / phonics practice
Best for: Online reading practice
Mom involvement: 🟢/🟠 Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵💵
Christian or secular: Secular
Phonics Museum
Phonics Museum is an online phonics program from Veritas Press.
I would use it as a reading supplement or phonics program, not as your whole kindergarten language arts plan. But I prefer it to Reading Eggs because it has a more Christian, classical feel and avoids the woke material that turns me off Reading Eggs.
Subject: Reading / phonics practice
Best for: Online phonics practice
Mom involvement: 🟢
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵💵
Christian or secular: Christian / classical Christian
Phonics Museum
Phonics Museum is an online phonics program from Veritas Press.
I would use it as a reading supplement or phonics program, not as your whole kindergarten language arts plan. But I prefer it to Reading Eggs because it has a more Christian, classical feel and avoids the woke material that turns me off Reading Eggs.
Subject: Reading / phonics practice
Best for: Online phonics practice
Mom involvement: 🟢
Hands-on: 👇 Low
Price: 💵💵
Christian or secular: Secular, but made by a Christian company I trust.
another affordable Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum…SchoolhouseTeachers.com
Because Schoolhouse Teachers is less like “one clear kindergarten curriculum path” and more like a huge homeschool membership/library with lots of courses, printables, videos, and subject options.
That can be a blessing — but also a bit overwhelming for a brand-new kindergarten mom.
Best For
Families who want an affordable homeschool membership with lots of kindergarten resources, subject options, printables, and flexibility.
Quick Snapshot
Mom involvement: 🟠 Medium
Hands-on: 🫵 Medium
Price: 💵(see current pricing here)
Format: Online membership / printable lessons / course library
Videos: Some
Christian or secular: Christian
Doctrinal note: Broadly Christian
Method: Eclectic
Color workbooks: Mixed / printable
Independence: Medium
Why Families Like SchoolhouseTeachers.com
SchoolhouseTeachers.com can be a great fit if you want access to a large range of homeschool resources without buying a separate curriculum for every subject. Instead of one boxed kindergarten program, you get a membership with different courses, worksheets, lesson plans, and activities you can pick from.
It can work especially well for families who want to build their own kindergarten homeschool curriculum but still want Christian resources gathered in one place.
What to Watch Out For
Because there are so many options, it may feel overwhelming if you are brand new and just want someone to say, “Do this lesson today.” It is more flexible than hand-holding.
There’s also a fair bit of printing invovled if you want to do it offline.
My Verdict
SchoolhouseTeachers.com is a good budget-friendly option for families who like variety and flexibility. I wouldn’t choose it as my top pick for a nervous beginner who wants a very clear kindergarten path, but it could be excellent if you want a large Christian homeschool resource library you can draw from all year.
Best for Busy Homeschool Moms
If you are juggling babies, toddlers, work, health issues, or just need help, look at:
▣ BJU Press Kindergarten online kindergarten curriculum (with videos)
▣ Abeka online kindergarten curriculum (with videos)
▣ Easy Peasy, if budget is the main concern
BJU is my top pick here because it outsources much of the teaching to its Christian teachers in your lounge room, while still giving you a Christian, structured program.
Can You Homeschool Kindergarten Without a Curriculum?
Yes, some families take a very relaxed or unschooling approach to kindergarten.
They read aloud, play outside, bake, count everything, learn letters naturally, do crafts, build fine motor skills, explore nature, sing songs, and talk constantly with their children.
And some parents do this so well that it can be just as rich as a boxed curriculum.
But that approach is not for everyone.
Some moms feel anxious without a plan, and I’m one of them. I like having some structure in kindergarten because it helps us get our feet wet before Grade 1 without turning the year into a pressure cooker.
So no, you do not need to make kindergarten complicated.
But if a curriculum gives you peace, rhythm, and confidence, that is a perfectly good reason to use one.
What Subjects Do You Actually Need for Kindergarten Homeschool?
Kindergarten does not need to be packed.
You do not need to recreate a full private school timetable in your living room — complete with bells, uniforms, and a tiny exhausted five-year-old.
For kindergarten, I would focus on these simple basics:
Phonics and reading readiness Letter sounds, blending, rhyming, listening to stories, and slowly building confidence with words.
Basic math Counting, number sense, shapes, patterns, simple addition, measuring, and lots of hands-on practice.
Handwriting and fine motor skills This can include letter formation, tracing, cutting, gluing, painting, playdough, beads, and other hand-strengthening activities.
Bible, if you are a Christian family Bible stories, prayer, Scripture memory, hymns, and simple conversations about God.
Read-alouds Beautiful picture books, classic stories, poetry, fairy tales, missionary stories, or whatever keeps your child curled up beside you.
Outdoor play and nature Walks, mud, leaves, bugs, flowers, sticks, rocks, sunshine, and all the things that somehow end up in their pockets.
Simple extras as desired Art, music, science, nature study, practical life skills, baking, chores, and gentle hands-on projects.
Kindergarten can be simple and still be rich.
Sample Kindergarten Homeschool Schedule
Here is a simple kindergarten rhythm you could use.
A Gentle Kindergarten Morning
Bible and prayer 5–10 minutes
Phonics or reading 10–20 minutes
Math 10–20 minutes
Handwriting or fine motor skills 5–10 minutes
Read-aloud 10–20 minutes
Science, art, music, or nature Optional, a few times a week
Outside play As much as possible
That is enough for many kindergarteners.
If your child is crying every day, the lesson may be too long, too abstract, too worksheet-heavy, or simply too much for this season. Kindergarten should build confidence, not make everyone dread the kitchen table.
Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum FAQ
What is the best kindergarten homeschool curriculum?
The best kindergarten homeschool curriculum depends on your child and your family.
For structure and independence, I like BJU Press.
For gentle, hands-on Christian learning, many families love My Father’s World.
For story-rich learning, Five in a Row is beautiful.
For strong phonics, Abeka and All About Reading are strong options.
What is the best Christian kindergarten homeschool curriculum?
Some of the best Christian kindergarten homeschool curriculum options include BJU Press, My Father’s World, Generations, MasterBooks, Christian Light Education, Sonlight, Memoria Press, Heart of Dakota, Abeka, Rod & Staff, and Horizons.
The right one depends on whether you want video lessons, workbooks, literature, hands-on activities, or a strongly parent-led discipleship approach.
What is the best free kindergarten homeschool curriculum?
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool is one of the most popular free Christian kindergarten homeschool curriculum options.
You can also build a free or low-cost kindergarten year using library books, free printables, nature study, Bible reading, counting games, and simple phonics resources.
Do I need a complete kindergarten homeschool curriculum?
No, you do not need a complete kindergarten curriculum.
Some families prefer an all-in-one program because it gives them peace and structure. Others prefer to choose separate phonics, math, handwriting, Bible, and read-aloud resources.
Both approaches can work.
How long should kindergarten homeschool take each day?
For many families, kindergarten homeschool takes around 45 minutes to 90 minutes of focused lesson time.
Some children can do more. Some need less.
At this age, play, outdoor time, conversation, read-alouds, and real-life learning still matter enormously.
Do I need an accredited kindergarten homeschool curriculum?
Most homeschool families do not need an accredited kindergarten curriculum, but you should always check your local homeschool laws (currently, no state in Australia or the USA requires an accredited curriculum).
Accreditation usually matters more when you are enrolling in an online school or academy, not simply buying homeschool curriculum.
What is a good homeschool curriculum for kindergarten?
A good homeschool curriculum for kindergarten is one that teaches the basics without overwhelming your child. Look for something that fits your child’s readiness, your teaching capacity, your budget, and your family’s values.
For some families, that will be a structured program like BJU Press or Abeka. For others, it may be a gentle option like My Father’s World, Five in a Row, MasterBooks, or The Peaceful Press. And some families will build their own kindergarten year with phonics, math, handwriting, Bible, read-alouds, and lots of play.
Why isn’t The Good and the Beautiful on your top kindergarten curriculum list?
The Good and the Beautiful is very popular, and many homeschool families love the look and feel of it.
But I don’t personally use it or recommend it as one of my top Christian curriculum picks.
My main concern is doctrinal. It presents itself as Christian, but I don’t see it at all teaching the gospel as found in the Bible — sin, repentance, Christ’s finished work, grace, and salvation through faith in Him.
That makes sense when you understand that it comes from a Mormon/LDS theological background rather than a historic Protestant evangelical one.
So while I understand why many families are drawn to it aesthetically, it is not one I’m comfortable putting forward as a top Christian homeschool curriculum recommendation because I don’t see it as honestly portraying what it says it is. And if it doesn’t do that in the title, then I’m wondering what else isn’t it honest, or accurate about.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum
Kindergarten is a beautiful year to begin homeschooling.
You are building habits, learning how your child thinks, figuring out your own teaching style, and gently easing into more formal lessons before Grade 1.
So choose something that fits your real life.
Not the imaginary homeschool day.
Not the Instagram version.
Or the giant expensive box if you know you’ll only use half of it.
Choose the kindergarten homeschool curriculum that gives you confidence, helps your child learn the basics, protects your relationship, and still leaves room for play, stories, snacks, sunshine, and joy.
