Bju Press Vs Christian Light Education: Which Christian Homeschool Curriculum Fits Your Family?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at homeschool curriculum samples thinking, Wow, there are a LOT of opinions about this—you’re not alone. When parents start comparing CLE vs BJU Press, it’s easy to feel stuck between two very good options and wonder which one actually fits your family. Choosing a Christian homeschool curriculum is about trying to line up academics, faith, budget, and real-life logistics without overthinking yourself into a spiral.

And when you do, you’ll find these two names that come up constantly in traditional homeschool circles: BJU Press and Christian Light Education (CLE).

They’re both respected.

They’re both rigorous.

They’re both unapologetically Christian.

And yet… they feel very different in real life.

So let’s talk through these Christian homeschool curriculum programs in a way that’s honest, practical, and maybe even a little fun—because if we can’t laugh about homeschooling, we might cry instead.

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Traditional, Structured, and Very Not Pinterest

First things first: both BJU Press and CLE are traditional homeschool curricula. These are not relaxed, child-led, “let’s follow the butterflies” programs. Think textbooks, workbooks, quizzes, tests, and daily lessons.

If you’re coming from public school or private school—or you want something that feels academically solid—both of these fit squarely into that camp. Neither is fluffy. Neither waters things down. Both are designed to prepare students well for college and beyond.

So if your fear is, Will my child actually learn real stuff?—you can breathe.

Academically speaking, both are rigorous and robust choices.

Independence: Can My Kids Work Without Me Hovering? 🧠

This is a big one, especially if you’re juggling multiple kids, work, or just trying to drink your coffee while it’s still warm.

Christian Light Education (CLE)

CLE is completely offline and workbook-based. No video lessons. No screens.

Just lessons laid out clearly in light units that many kids can work through independently.

For families who want minimal technology and a straightforward routine, CLE shines here.

Kids know what to do, parents check the work, and life moves on.

BJU Press

BJU Press also supports independent learning, but with a big difference: video lesson options.

And this is the option I personally recommend if you’re going to use BJU.

The video lessons mean your child can hear explanations from a trained teacher—not from a tired parent trying to remember how fractions work.

There’s something deeply humbling about leaning over your child’s math book and whispering, “I think the x goes… over the other x? Or maybe under it? Actually… just skip that problem.” 😂

BJU’s videos save you from that moment.

Color, Design, and the ‘Will My Child Actually Open This?’ Factor 🎨

Let’s be honest: aesthetic matters, especially for younger kids—or visual learners.

Put the workbooks side by side (see my pic below where I do!) and the difference is immediate.

• CLE is mostly black, white, and brown. Occasionally you’ll see a bit of color, but overall it’s very plain.

• BJU Press is bright, colorful, and visually engaging. Photos, illustrations, charts—it’s designed to look interesting.

If BJU Press is a bag of Skittles, CLE is a brown paper bag of raisins. Both are nutritious. One is just… more exciting to open.

Neither approach is wrong. Some kids thrive with minimal distraction. Others need visual stimulation to stay engaged. This is where knowing your child matters more than internet opinions.

Theology: Yes, There Are Differences ✝️

This is where some families lean in a little closer.

BJU Press Theology

BJU Press is Protestant and Baptist-leaning. (It’s made in South Carolina - ‘nuff said!)

Scripture is taken seriously, doctrine is clear, and lessons are taught from a traditional evangelical framework.

Having been to the BJU Press Homeschool headquarters myself, I was genuinely impressed by how intentionally a biblical worldview was woven into their materials—and really, into their culture.

It wasn’t just something printed on a statement of faith; it showed up in the conversations, the staff I met, and the way they talked about education and discipleship.

I walked away feeling that BJU Press doesn’t just create curriculum that teaches about Jesus—they’re a group of people who clearly live out their faith, and that mattered to me as a parent.

Christian Light Education Theology

CLE is written by Mennonites, which brings a distinctly Arminian theology. Mennonites are historically anti-Calvinist and emphasize pacifism, modesty (including head coverings), and total abstinence from alcohol.

But here’s the part that matters most: both programs are written by people who deeply love Jesus.

Both point children to Christ.

Both treat Scripture with reverence.

Both integrate faith throughout the curriculum—not as an afterthought, but as a foundation.

If theology nuances matter deeply to your family, it’s worth digging into. But you’re not choosing between “faithful” and “not faithful” here. You’re choosing between different Christian traditions.

Cost: Let’s Talk Budget 💸

This one surprises a lot of parents.

Christian Light Education is about half the price of BJU Press.

That makes CLE a very attractive option for families who want a solid, traditional Christian curriculum without a big financial commitment.

BJU Press costs more—especially if you opt for video lessons—but you’re paying for production quality, teacher instruction, and visual design.

Neither choice is morally superior. One is simply more budget-friendly, and the other is more resource-heavy.

A Quick Pause for the Overwhelmed Parent 😅

If you’re reading all of this thinking:

• “Every curriculum sounds good… how do I know which one actually FITS?”

• “I don’t want to waste money or quit mid-year again.”

• “Why does choosing curriculum feel harder than teaching it?”

That exact frustration is why I created the Curriculum Confidence course.

It’s not another list of recommendations. It’s a step-by-step framework that teaches you how to evaluate homeschool curriculum for yourself—so you can choose with clarity and peace instead of second-guessing every purchase.

No hype.

No pressure.

Just tools that finally make curriculum decisions make sense.

👉 You can check it out here: https://courses.howdoihomeschool.com/p/curriculum-confidence-1

Will These Programs Prepare My Child for College?

Short answer: yes.

Long answer: both BJU Press and CLE are academically rigorous, college-prep level programs.

They cover core subjects thoroughly, expect real effort from students, and build strong academic foundations.

If your child completes either program consistently, they will not be behind. They’ll be prepared to move forward confidently—whether that’s college, vocational training, or another path God leads them down.

Which One Do I Recommend?

I personally use and love BJU Press in our homeschool.

I appreciate the structure, the video lessons, and the visual engagement. My kids can work largely independently, and I feel confident they’re getting a strong Christian education without me having to become an expert in every subject.

That said, CLE is a fantastic option—especially for families who want simplicity, lower cost, and a completely screen-free experience.

This isn’t about which curriculum is “better.” It’s about which one fits your family, your kids, and your season of life.

Final Thoughts

Choosing homeschool curriculum doesn’t have to feel like a permanent, terrifying decision.

Both BJU Press and Christian Light Education are solid, traditional, Christ-centered options. The real differences come down to style, cost, theological nuances, and how your kids learn best.

And remember: the right curriculum isn’t the most popular one. It’s the one you’ll actually stick with—without burnout, guilt, or constant regret.

If you need help choosing between Christian homeschool curriculum programs, check out the Curriculum Confidence course here.

Curriculum Confidence lets you do a detailed comparison of BJU Press vs CLE, including lots of visuals of the materials, parent comments and fine details about both programs to help you decide with clarity!