Is BJU Press Homeschool Worth It in 2025? [The Honest Mom Review]
If you’re neck-deep in curriculum comparisons and wondering whether BJU Press Homeschool is really worth the price tag in 2025... you’re not alone. With so many programs out there, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which one is both academically solid and actually doable for your family.
I’ve been using BJU Press for over four years now, and I’m giving you the inside scoop: the good, the not-so-good, and why my 7-year-old is basically homeschooling himself (and no, I’m not exaggerating).
Let’s dive into it!
Heads up: I’m totally biased. 😄 We use BJU Press and love it. Some links here are affiliate links, which means if you buy through them, it helps support this blog (and my caffeine habit). Thanks!
1. It's (Almost) Hands-Off Homeschooling
BJU Press uses video-based lessons that guide your child through each subject—which means you’re not the one doing all the teaching.
Cue the happy tears.
My son is 7 years old, and he can do almost everything by himself (I’ve got heaps of videos on my channel about that where you can see it in action!).
I occasionally peek over his shoulder to make sure he’s on track, but that’s it.
This really matters because this sort of independence gives you breathing room—especially if you're juggling work, younger kids, or just trying to hang onto your groundedness.
2. It’s Not a Charlotte Mason Dreamscape (and That’s Okay)
Now, if your ideal homeschool involves nature walks, watercolor journals, and spontaneous bug studies—BJU Press might feel like the opposite of that.
It’s traditional, structured, and workbook-heavy.
But it does include manipulatives and cut-out projects, all provided in the box (so no panic-buying googly eyes at 10pm).
Bottom line is that if you want minimal prep and maximum structure, BJU Press delivers—without glitter in your carpet.
3. The Visuals Are Seriously Impressive
Don’t picture some tired teacher staring blankly into a webcam.
BJU Press video lessons switch it up constantly:
Animated segments
Real-life field trips (yes, they went to a fire station!)
Interactive workbook prompts
Perfect for visual learners who thrive on color, movement, and variety.
If your kid zones out with static screens, this could be the unexpected win you’ve been looking for.
4. Yes, It’s Pricey. Let’s Talk About That.
$1,099 for Grade 2. That’s the cost for BJU Press with physical books and full video access.
That hurts.
But here’s the thing: I used to cobble together bits and pieces of curriculum from multiple sources. It took forever, stressed me out, and cost more than I realized.
With BJU Press, everything arrives in one box. It’s planned. It’s printed. It’s ready.
You’re buying:
Time
Structure
Peace of mind
And for me, that’s been worth every cent.
5. Academic Rigor Without the Tears
Some curricula are fluffy. Others are soul-crushing.
BJU Press is neither.
It’s challenging without being overwhelming.
Your kids will learn—and they won’t hate you (or long division) in the process.
You don’t have to pick between gentle or rigorous.
BJU Press lands squarely in the middle.
6. It Flexes With Your Child’s Strengths
My son gets math concepts quite easily.
So we skip about 40% of his math and keep the parts he actually needs.
Reading?
He does 100% of his workbook.
We have a simple rule: If he scores under 80%, we go back and review. Otherwise? We move on.
So if you’ve got a kid flying through math but slogging through reading, BJU Press flexes with you—without making you feel like you’re failing.
7. It’s Truly Gospel-Centered
This one hits home for me.
You hear Scripture constantly. One of the most memorable? "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." — John 10:11
And it’s not just sprinkled-in Bible verses. The entire curriculum is built on a solid, Christian worldview.
As C.S. Lewis said, "Education without values only helps create more clever devils."
You’re not just teaching academics. You’re discipling your kids to know Jesus and love him.
8. It’s Beautiful. Like, Really Beautiful.
Real artists design the visuals at BJU Press Homeschool. And it shows.
Every page flows with the lesson. It feels more like a personal conversation than a lecture.
And yes, your child will want to open these books.
You don’t have to choose between pretty and practical.
BJU Press is both.
9. Don’t Skip the Video Lessons
Please. I’m begging you.
Someone asked me recently if they could just use the teacher’s manuals. I nearly launched into a dramatic intervention.
Been there.
Tried that.
Regretted it BIG time.
You’ll end up buried in prep, grading, and second-guessing every lesson.
The video teachers are cheerful, engaging, and trained to teach this stuff well.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like a reluctant teacher, this is your permission slip to step back and still give your kids a top-tier education.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s Help.
If your brain is buzzing with questions like "Am I doing this right?" or "How do I even choose a curriculum?" — I get it.
That’s why I created the Homeschool Parenting Program, an online course for homeschool parents!
It’s a practical, funny, grace-filled course designed to help you:
Understand your family’s unique rhythm
Compare popular homeschool methods
Choose curriculum with confidence
💻 Click here to check out the Homeschool Parenting Program — and yes, it supports this blog too. Thank you! 🙌
So... Is BJU Press Worth It in 2025?
For us? Absolutely.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not nature-study-in-the-woods, but it’s rock-solid, gospel-centered, and wildly effective.
If you want to know how BJU Press stacks up against other Christian homeschool programs, watch the video below:
It’s embedded below so you can keep learning without missing a beat. 👇
