Homeschool Curriculum Showdown: Comparing the Most Popular Methods
When you first dip your toes into homeschooling, one of the most overwhelming parts is picking a curriculum. A quick Google search turns into a flood of acronyms, philosophies, and shiny boxed sets. Do you go classical or Charlotte Mason? Online or offline? Masterbooks or Abeka? The truth is, there isn’t one “perfect” curriculum—just the one that fits your child, your family, and your season of life.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular homeschooling methods and curriculum options, with pros, cons, and who they tend to work best for.
Classical (Memoria Press, Classical Conversations, Veritas Press)
Philosophy: A traditional, time-tested method that focuses on grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages. Heavy emphasis on memorization in the early years and deep thinking in the later ones.
Pros:
Strong foundation in critical thinking, history, and writing.
Lots of structure and clear progression.
Popular in co-op settings like Classical Conversations.
Cons:
Can feel rigid for creative or wiggly kids.
Heavy parent involvement, especially in early years.
Best for: Families who value structure, tradition, and academic rigor, or who enjoy working within a set framework.
Links to learn more:
Classical Conversations — https://classicalconversations.com/
Memoria Press — https://www.memoriapress.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooDEouYCyF0fbFTMjEPj4MLo3saGKFW_rN5_SM7y_YkAd0vMn41
Veritas Press — https://veritaspress.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorKdGOAD-pm5sBZ4CUqNbpB3dqmvRBFcmsNYKoEzkwYlktX7RvT
Charlotte Mason (Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason, Gentle + Classical Press)
Philosophy: Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. Focuses on “living books” (rich, story-based literature), nature study, and short, focused lessons.
Pros:
Gentle, literature-rich, and flexible.
Encourages outdoor learning and natural curiosity.
Works well for multiple ages together.
Cons:
Less formal structure—can overwhelm parents who crave a set schedule.
May require more prep work from parents (finding books, nature studies, etc.).
Best for: Families who love books, outdoor learning, and a slower pace.
Links to learn more:
Ambleside Online — https://www.amblesideonline.org/
Simply Charlotte Mason — https://simplycharlottemason.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoptm_PHMY37WXS0ZHQQ7Q10UHosSvGP5wwCl3E6MGp5VuliAibC
Gentle + Classical Press — https://shopgentleclassical.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorja-gNoO0nNkMj6iCpUN0Ueltn0p245BCeyhMda6R-atSwoLUj
Unit Study (Gather ’Round Homeschool, KONOS, Five in a Row)
Philosophy: All subjects are taught through the lens of a single theme or topic—dinosaurs, oceans, inventions, etc.
Pros:
Great for teaching multiple kids at once.
Fun, hands-on, and highly engaging.
Kids see how subjects connect to one another.
Cons:
Might not give enough depth in math or language arts.
Can require extra planning or supplemental curriculum.
Best for: Families with multiple kids or who enjoy project-based, thematic learning.
Links to learn more:
Gather ‘Round Homeschool — https://gatherroundhomeschool.com/?srsltid=AfmBOory0aBhhCEwQimYUb8me-j_CxvNOpJAYKP0cCUOX2q6PvQUdi16
KONOS — https://konos.com/
Five in a Row — https://fiveinarow.com/
Traditional Textbook (Abeka, BJU Press, ACE)
Philosophy: Mirrors the structure of a private or Christian school, using textbooks, workbooks, and tests.
Pros:
Very structured and predictable.
Covers all the core subjects in order.
Easy to measure progress.
Cons:
Can feel “school at home” and overwhelming for younger kids.
Less flexibility for interest-based learning.
Best for: Families who want a plug-and-play option with clear lessons and assessments.
Links to learn more:
Abeka — https://www.abeka.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopvSh77Ed1hRVF681zf1grS3A-Ba_NVJa5sV1Ub3l80R6mpDsst
BJU Press — https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/
Eclectic / Relaxed
Philosophy: A “mix-and-match” approach—using a little of this and a little of that to fit your child’s needs.
Pros:
Extremely flexible.
Lets parents tailor learning to each child.
Easier to adjust when life is busy or unpredictable.
Cons:
Requires more decision-making from parents.
Can feel scattered without intentional planning.
Best for: Families who like freedom and want to customize without sticking to one system.
Online & Virtual (Time4Learning, Khan Academy, Outschool, Easy Peasy)
Philosophy: Screen-based lessons, often with interactive or self-paced elements.
Pros:
Minimal parent prep.
Kids can work independently.
Great for specific subjects (like math or coding).
Cons:
Screen time can be high.
Less hands-on and relational.
May not fit every child’s learning style.
Best for: Busy families, working parents, or kids who thrive on digital learning.
Links to learn more:
Time4Learning — https://www.time4learning.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoplu5StXSxAmi_dp5qBhPMib21kCVzB5Y7GVgNKxh8FM6T-aHYN
Khan Academy — https://www.khanacademy.org/
Outschool — https://outschool.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooFnK0HLiWMyskn49mETDEb9BxZ3pczkKtigBs2X-G7xt-d_PKx
Easy Peasy — https://allinonehomeschool.com/
The Good & the Beautiful
Philosophy: A faith-based, literature-rich program that blends elements of Charlotte Mason and traditional structure.
Pros:
Affordable and beautifully designed.
Combines literature, art, and faith.
Easy open-and-go style.
Cons:
Not as customizable.
Can feel too scripted for some families.
Best for: Families wanting a Christ-centered, aesthetically pleasing, ready-to-use program.
Link to learn more: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor9Q40JK4Ra7mQSw5oVMjAdhIs1Uz4vPCIf_eQWGZqp4Xt2haLw
Final Thoughts
Choosing a homeschool curriculum isn’t about finding the “perfect” one—it’s about finding what works for your child and for you. And here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to stay the same forever. Many families try a few methods before settling into what fits, and that’s completely normal.
Start with what feels doable for this season, and give yourself grace to adjust. And remember: the best curriculum is the one you’ll actually use.
