Popular Christian Homeschool Curriculums RANKED – The Best and the Worst
If you’ve been searching for the best Christian homeschool curriculum—and want to know which ones to avoid—this post is going to be your ultimate guide. As a veteran homeschooler with over 10 years of curriculum research and experience, I’ve combed through more than 600 Facebook comments, real mom reviews, and my own trials to bring you this no-fluff list of the most loved (and most regretted) Christian homeschool programs.
I’ll break down the top 8 most popular, gospel-centered programs that Christian families are raving about—and then we’ll talk about the 2 that get a lot of hype but may not be what they seem.
Let’s jump in.
Affiliate Disclosure: Heads up! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I might get a tiny commission! Thanks in advance.
1. BJU Press – The Solid All-Rounder
If you’re looking for an academically strong, biblically sound program that runs itself—this is it.
I use BJU Press in my own homeschool and my 7-year-old literally does his lessons independently.
He gets the laptop, manipulatives, workbooks, and logs in himself. All I have to say is, “Off you go!”
BJU Press offers full-grade packages that include all the subjects, testing kits, video lessons (teacher-led!), and physical materials.
It’s open-and-go, which is a dream for busy or new homeschool parents.
Cost: Around $1,099 per year per child
Best for: Families who want structure, quality teaching, and a strong biblical worldview
Format: Pre-recorded, teacher-led video lessons with printed workbooks, literature, and manipulatives.
Check it out HERE.
2. Christian Light Education (CLE) – Independent & Affordable
CLE is a great alternative if you want structure without screens.
It’s traditional, workbook-based, and extremely independent.
Your kids can move through their bite-sized lessons without needing you to prep or lecture.
It’s also super affordable and doesn’t require tech or video lessons, making it perfect for larger families or those wanting to keep things simple.
Cost: Around $400–$500 per year
Best for: Offline, independent learners, budget-conscious families
Format: Printed booklets, offline
3. MasterBooks – Short, Simple, Gospel-Centered
MasterBooks is one of the most hotly debated programs. Some moms LOVE it for the short, simple lessons and solid Christian worldview.
Others say it’s “not enough,” especially in elementary.
I personally love it.
From my research and experience, it’s a great fit for relaxed homeschoolers who want less stress and more Scripture. But gifted or academic kids might need more challenge.
Cost: Around $400–$500
Best for: Relaxed homeschoolers who want an open-and-go curriculum
Caution: May feel too light for fast-paced or advanced learners; great for an easier, more relaxed pace
Check it out here.
4. Heart of Dakota – Christ-Centered Literature Learning
Heart of Dakota combines Charlotte Mason, classical, and unit studies with a rich gospel foundation.
Moms love how deeply it integrates Scripture and living books.
It’s best for parents who enjoy being hands-on, reading aloud, and guiding their child’s learning day-to-day.
It’s not ideal for hands-off or independent learners.
Cost: Around $400–$800 depending on your set
Best for: Parents who love reading aloud, literature-rich studies, and spiritual growth
5. Notgrass History – Engaging, Multi-Age, Gospel-Based
Notgrass is one of the most loved Christian history programs for good reason. It’s beautiful, biblically grounded, and allows for multi-age teaching—so you can use one level with multiple kids.
The visuals are stunning and the lessons feel like reading a story rather than a textbook. Parents especially love how it weaves Scripture and critical thinking into each unit.
Cost: Around $150–$300 per level
Best for: Families who want to teach multiple grades together, with gospel-centered history
Check it out HERE
6. Apologia – Creation-Based Science with Depth
Apologia is known as the gold standard for Christian science.
It’s hands-on, filled with experiments, and rich in worldview training.
The goal isn’t just to learn science—it’s to prepare kids to defend their faith.
Parents love how it encourages critical thinking and helps students articulate their beliefs with grace and clarity.
Cost: A few hundred dollars per level depending on grade and materials
Best for: Science-loving kids, Christian apologetics-minded families
Check it out HERE
7. All About Reading – For Struggling or Early Readers
This curriculum is one of the most recommended phonics programs among Christian homeschoolers—and for good reason.
It uses a multi-sensory, mastery-based approach that really works.
It’s fully scripted (which helps new parents), and it’s affordable. You pay once for the manipulatives and reuse them each level.
I love that they have All About Spelling. And more recently they’ve just added All About Math too!
Cost: $160 per level + $40 one-time manipulative kit (reusable)
Best for: Struggling readers, dyslexia, or parents who want a step-by-step approach
Check it out HERE
8. Campfire Curriculums – Unconventional, Family-Style Learning
This is not your typical homeschool program. Campfire is story-driven, adventure-based, and full of real-life applications.
It’s great for families who want to learn together, explore hands-on topics, and step away from traditional textbooks.
It works best as a supplement rather than a complete curriculum.
Cost: Varies depending on units purchased
Best for: Families who love learning together and want real-world, life-skills topics
And Now… The WORST (According to Me)
9. Abeka – Rigor That Burns You Out
Abeka is extremely popular, and for some families, it works really well. But it was also one of the most disliked programs in my research.
The biggest complaint?
Burnout.
It’s intense, highly structured, and full of busywork.
One third-grade packet is over 1,000 pages.
Many parents love this program, but if they’re not expecting the rigor (which Abeka is famous for) it can be a shock.
Interestingly, Abeka made the most loved and most hated homeschool programs when I asked in forums what programs to avoid and then what progams to pick!
I used Abeka growing up, and while I appreciated the academics, I would never use the full program as-is with my kids.
Cost: Moderate to high, depending on bundle
Best for: Highly structured learners with a lot of stamina
Alternative: BJU Press (see above) – same biblical rigor, less burnout
10. The Good and the Beautiful (TGATB) – Pretty but Problematic
This is the most visually stunning, most Instagrammed homeschool curriculum out there—and yet it earned the top spot in my “worst” list.
Why?
The creator is LDS (Mormon), and while the curriculum includes Bible verses and moral themes, it’s not gospel-centered.
The theological differences are major—words like “Jesus” don’t mean what you think they do.
When kids learn from TGATB, they may come away with a watered-down or distorted version of the gospel.
Cost: Free PDF (but $250+ if printed and bound)
Best for: Honestly? I’d skip it. There are better options.
Want More?
TGATB isn’t the only curriculum moms regret. I asked 100 Christian homeschool moms what not to use—and their answers were raw, hilarious, and surprisingly helpful.
👉 Check out that post here for even more insight before you buy.
And if you’re still overwhelmed, don’t forget to check out my Homeschool Parenting Program—a course designed to help you build confidence, ditch the stress, and homeschool with peace and purpose.
Thanks for reading—and happy homeschooling!
- Rebecca Devitt
Veteran Homeschool Mom & Creator of How to Homeschool
