Choosing the right homeschool curriculum can feel overwhelming, right? There are so many options out there, and it can be tough to find one that fits your family's values and your child's learning style.
If you're looking for a curriculum that focuses on academics without any religious influence, you might be feeling even more lost. You might wonder where you can find secular homeschooling resources that provide a solid education without promoting any particular beliefs.
Don't worry, you're not alone!
Many homeschooling families prefer a secular approach, and there are some fantastic curriculum options available. This blog is your guide to understanding and choosing the best secular homeschooling option.
We'll explore what secular homeschooling means and why you might choose it, and introduce you to some top-notch resources that can help you create a rich and engaging learning experience for your child.
Before diving into curriculum options, it's essential to understand what secular homeschooling means.
What is Secular Homeschooling?
Secular homeschooling is simply homeschooling without any religious content or influence in the curriculum. It focuses on teaching subjects like math, science, history, and language arts from a neutral standpoint without promoting any particular religious beliefs or worldview.
Think of it like this:
Secular Curriculum: Textbooks and lessons stick to the facts and avoid religious interpretations or biases. For example, a science lesson on evolution would focus on the scientific evidence without mentioning creationism.
Neutral Approach: Subjects are taught in a way that doesn't promote or discourage any particular religious belief. History lessons might discuss different religions and their impact on society, but they wouldn't present any one religion as the "correct" one.
Focus on Critical Thinking: Secular homeschooling often emphasizes critical thinking. It also encourages children to question, analyze, and form their own conclusions based on evidence and reason.
Important Note: Secular homeschooling doesn't mean children can't learn about religion. Many secular homeschoolers include world religions as part of their social studies curriculum, teaching about different faiths from a historical and cultural perspective.
The key difference is that secular homeschooling doesn't promote any particular religion or use religious texts as the basis for teaching other subjects.
Now that you have a better understanding of what secular homeschooling is, let's explore some of the reasons why it might be the right choice for your family.
Why You Might Choose a Secular Homeschooling Curriculum?
Choosing a secular homeschooling curriculum offers several benefits that align with many families’ goals for education. Secular homeschooling gives you lots of flexibility to teach in a way that matches your family's values. It's a neutral approach that focuses on academics and lets you introduce your own beliefs and values separately.
Let’s explore some key reasons why families opt for secular homeschooling.
1. You want to keep religion and schooling separate
Maybe you have your own reasons for not wanting religion to be part of your child's education. Or perhaps you simply want to focus on teaching the core subjects without bringing in religious perspectives or interpretations.
A secular curriculum allows you to do just that, keeping the focus on academics and allowing you to handle religious education in your own way, if you choose to do so.
2. You want a neutral approach to topics
A secular curriculum presents information in a neutral and unbiased way. This means that it avoids promoting any particular religious beliefs or interpretations of events. It allows your child to learn about different topics, form their own opinions, and develop their own understanding of the world around them.
3. You want to encourage critical thinking
Secular homeschooling often puts a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills. This means encouraging your child to question information, analyze different perspectives, and form their own conclusions based on evidence and reason. It helps them develop the skills they need to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
Want your child to be a curious and independent thinker? That's one of the big goals of The School House Anywhere's American Emergent Curriculum (AEC)! We don't just want kids to memorize facts; we want them to ask "why" and "how."
We encourage them to explore different ideas, look at things from different angles, and then form their own opinions based on what they've learned. These critical thinking skills are super important for solving problems and making good decisions – skills they'll use throughout their lives!
Visit The School House Anywhere to know more!
4. You want flexibility to include your own values
A secular curriculum gives you the freedom to incorporate your own family's values and beliefs into your child's education. Whether your family is religious or not, you can tailor the learning experience to align with the values that are important to you.
This might involve adding discussions about ethics, morality, or social responsibility, or incorporating lessons that reflect your family's cultural heritage.
5. You want your child to learn about different religions in a neutral way
Many secular curriculums include lessons on world religions as part of their social studies program. This allows your child to learn about different faiths and belief systems from around the world in a factual and unbiased way. This promotes understanding and respect for diversity.
Once you've decided that a secular approach aligns with your goals, the next step is to find the right resources.
Top 5 Secular Homeschool Curriculum Resources
Finding the right homeschool curriculum can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for a secular option. Luckily, there are excellent programs that offer engaging, well-rounded learning experiences without religious content.
Below, we’ve compiled five top-notch secular homeschool resources, each with unique features to suit different teaching styles and family needs.
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a truly distinctive approach to secular homeschooling. Teachers who love to make learning fun and exciting created TSHA. Our unique curriculum shows children how different subjects connect and work together.
Unique Features:
American Emergent Curriculum: The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is more than just a collection of lesson plans. It's a comprehensive approach to education that reimagines the learning experience for children.
Developed over 12 years of research and refinement, the AEC combines the best of what we know about how children learn with the cherished traditions of American schooling.
Interconnected Learning: The AEC breaks down the traditional barriers between subjects. It weaves together math, science, language arts, history, and the arts into a cohesive and engaging learning experience.
This interconnected approach helps children see the relationships between different areas of knowledge and understand the world in a more holistic way.
Child-Centered Approach: The AEC recognizes that children are born ready to learn and that each child learns differently. The curriculum is designed to meet children where they are developmentally. It provides opportunities for exploration, discovery, and personalized learning.
Emphasis on Tactile Learning: The AEC understands that young children learn best through hands-on experiences. The curriculum minimizes screen time and encourages children to engage with the world through movement, manipulation, and real-world activities.
Proven Results: In a study of 4th graders, children educated with the AEC performed at double the national average, demonstrating the effectiveness of this innovative approach.
Structured Work Cycle: The AEC provides a structured foundation for learning, ensuring that children master essential skills before moving on to new challenges. This cyclical approach promotes deep understanding and prevents learning gaps.
Project & Problem-Based Learning: The AEC encourages children to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world projects and problems. This develops critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Art, Nature & Design Studio: The AEC integrates art, nature, and design into the learning experience. This provides opportunities for children to express their creativity, connect with the natural world, and develop a sense of wonder.
Critical Thinking & Group Dialogue: The AEC encourages children to think critically, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. It supports communication skills and a deeper understanding of complex topics.
Proven Results: We're not just saying our curriculum works – we have the results to prove it! Children who use The School House Anywhere consistently score very well on standardized tests, showing that our approach to learning really does help them succeed.
Comprehensive Support: We know that homeschooling can be a big adventure, and we're here to support you every step of the way. We provide parents with all the tools and resources they need to teach their children effectively.
This includes 300+ How-to videos that show you how to teach different lessons, printable materials and worksheets, and even live support from experienced educators. Plus, you'll be part of a wonderful online community where you can connect with other homeschooling families, share ideas, and get encouragement.
Flexible and Adaptable: Every child is unique, and our curriculum is designed to be flexible enough to meet each child's individual needs. You can easily adjust the pace of learning, focus on the topics that interest your child most, and create a truly personalized education that fits their learning style.
Focus on Values: We believe that education is about more than just academics. That's why our curriculum also focuses on important values like entrepreneurism (learning how to create and run a business), gratitude (being thankful for what you have), kindness, and civics (understanding how our government works).
We want to help children develop into well-rounded individuals who are not only smart but also kind, responsible, and engaged citizens.
Affordable: We believe that a high-quality education should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer flexible pricing plans to make homeschooling affordable for families of all sizes. We want to make it easier for you to give your child the best possible education, no matter your budget.
Why You'll Like It:
Engaging and enjoyable: TSHA's approach to learning is designed to spark curiosity and make education an exciting adventure for children.
Reduces screen time: The screen-free curriculum encourages children to engage with the world around them and develop a love of learning that goes beyond digital devices.
Strong community support: TSHA offers a vibrant online community where parents can connect, share ideas, and find support from experienced educators.
Focus on critical thinking: The curriculum encourages children to question, analyze, and form their own conclusions. This develops critical thinking skills that are essential for success in all areas of life.
Secular focus: TSHA's curriculum is completely secular, presenting information from a neutral standpoint and avoiding religious content.
If you're looking for a secular homeschooling curriculum that is innovative, engaging, and supportive, The School House Anywhere is an excellent option to consider.
2. Oak Meadow
Oak Meadow is a popular choice for families seeking a secular homeschooling curriculum with a gentle, nature-based approach. It draws inspiration from Waldorf education, emphasizing creativity, imagination, and a strong connection to the natural world.
Unique Benefits:
Waldorf-inspired learning: This approach encourages a holistic education that integrates academics, arts, and nature studies.
Literature-rich curriculum: Oak Meadow uses classic stories, poems, and plays to develop a love of reading and language arts.
Strong emphasis on the arts: The curriculum encourages children to express themselves through drawing, painting, music, and movement.
Flexibility and independence: The curriculum provides a framework while allowing for flexibility and independent exploration.
Available in print and online: Choose the format that best suits your family's needs and preferences.
Why You'll Like It:
Engaging and creative: Oak Meadow's curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning.
Gentle and nurturing: The approach is developmentally appropriate and encourages a love of learning at each stage.
Strong community: Oak Meadow offers a supportive community of homeschooling families.
Secular focus: The curriculum is completely secular, focusing on academics and avoiding religious content.
If you're looking for a secular homeschooling curriculum that nurtures your child's imagination and creates a love of learning, Oak Meadow is definitely worth exploring!
3. BookShark
BookShark is a popular secular homeschool curriculum that takes a literature-based approach to learning. Instead of relying solely on textbooks, BookShark uses a variety of engaging books—fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and more—to bring learning to life.
Unique Benefits:
Literature-rich learning: This approach helps children develop a love of reading while learning about history, science, and other subjects through captivating stories and real-life accounts.
Four-day schedule: BookShark provides a flexible four-day schedule, leaving one day a week for field trips, extracurricular activities, or simply catching up.
Multi-sensory learning: The curriculum incorporates a variety of learning styles with hands-on activities, audiobooks, and online resources.
Comprehensive and easy to use: BookShark provides everything you need to homeschool with confidence, including detailed lesson plans, activity guides, and all the necessary books.
Strong parent support: BookShark offers excellent customer support and a vibrant online community where parents can connect and share ideas.
Why You'll Like It:
Engaging and enjoyable: Learning through literature makes education fun and captivating for children.
Reduced screen time: BookShark minimizes screen time, encouraging children to engage with books and hands-on activities.
Easy to implement: The curriculum is well-organized and easy to follow, even for new homeschoolers.
Strong focus on reading: BookShark helps children develop strong reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Secular approach: The curriculum is completely secular, presenting information from a neutral standpoint.
If you're looking for a secular homeschooling curriculum that supports a love of reading and provides a rich and engaging learning experience, BookShark is an excellent option to consider.
Blossom and Root is a secular homeschool curriculum that emphasizes a love of learning, nature exploration, and a gentle, child-centered approach. It draws inspiration from Charlotte Mason and Waldorf educational philosophies and creates a unique blend of hands-on activities, nature study, and literature-based learning.
Unique Benefits:
Nature-based focus: Blossom and Root encourages children to connect with the natural world through outdoor exploration, nature journaling, and hands-on activities.
Charlotte Mason and Waldorf inspiration: This approach combines the best of both worlds, with a focus on living books, narration, and nature study, along with an emphasis on creativity, imagination, and the arts.
Gentle and flexible: The curriculum is designed to be adaptable to your child's pace and interests, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable homeschooling experience.
Strong emphasis on the arts: Blossom and Root integrates art, music, and creative expression throughout the curriculum, developing imagination and self-expression.
Affordable and accessible: The curriculum is available as a digital download, making it an affordable option for families.
Why You'll Like It:
Engaging and inspiring: Blossom and Root make learning fun and exciting, so kids will love to explore new things!
Focus on nature and wonder: The curriculum encourages children to connect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty.
Gentle and child-centered: Blossom and Root respects the individuality of each child and allows for a flexible and adaptable learning experience.
Strong community support: Blossom and Root has a vibrant online community where parents can connect, share ideas, and find support.
Secular focus: The curriculum is completely secular, avoiding religious content and promoting critical thinking.
If you're looking for a secular homeschooling curriculum that develops a love of nature, encourages creativity, and provides a gentle, child-centered approach to learning, Blossom and Root is an excellent choice.
Wildwood Curriculum offers a secular, Charlotte Mason-inspired approach to homeschooling. It provides a comprehensive framework for a rich and engaging education, drawing heavily on living books, nature studies, and the arts.
This curriculum is made for everyone! It helps kids love learning and teaches them how to think for themselves.
Unique Benefits:
Charlotte Mason methodology: This method emphasizes living books (engaging, well-written books by a single author), narration (retelling what has been learned), and short lessons to keep children engaged.
Strong focus on nature study: Wildwood encourages children to connect with the natural world through observation, exploration, and journaling.
Arts and humanities integration: The curriculum incorporates art, music, and poetry to provide a well-rounded education.
Free and accessible: Wildwood Curriculum is available online as a free resource, making it accessible to all families.
Growing and evolving: The curriculum is constantly being developed and refined by a team of homeschooling parents.
Why You'll Like It:
Rich and engaging: Wildwood makes learning fun and exciting! It helps kids get curious and want to learn more, even when they grow up.
Emphasis on living books: This approach exposes children to high-quality literature and encourages them to think deeply about what they read.
Nature-based learning: Wildwood helps children develop a connection to the natural world and appreciate its beauty.
Strong community support: Wildwood has an active online community where parents can connect, share ideas, and find support.
Secular focus: The curriculum is completely secular, focusing on academics and avoiding religious content.
If you want a homeschool curriculum that uses great books, explores nature, and follows the Charlotte Mason approach, check out Wildwood Curriculum. It's a fantastic resource for families who want a complete and engaging secular homeschooling experience.
With so many options available, selecting the right curriculum can feel overwhelming. Let’s make that easy for you.
7 Factors to Consider While Choosing a Secular Homeschooling Curriculum
Choosing the right curriculum is a big decision in any homeschooling journey, but it's especially important when you're looking for secular options. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Your Child's Learning Style and Interests
Every child learns differently. Some children are hands-on learners who love to build, create, and experiment. Others might prefer a more traditional approach with textbooks, worksheets, and lectures.
Think about how your child learns best and what kinds of activities they enjoy. Choose a curriculum that matches their learning style and interests to keep them engaged and motivated.
2. Your Educational Philosophy
It's important to think about what you want your child to achieve with their education. Some parents prefer a structured approach with clear lesson plans and a set schedule. Others prefer a more flexible, child-led approach where the child has more say in what and how they learn.
Some secular curricula are designed to be very open-ended and adaptable, while others provide a more traditional framework with daily lesson plans and assessments.
3. Your Budget
Homeschooling curricula can range in price from free online resources to expensive boxed sets with textbooks, workbooks, and manipulatives. It's important to determine your budget early on so you can narrow down your options and find a curriculum that fits your financial needs. Remember to factor in the cost of any additional materials or resources you might need.
4. Curriculum Content and Completeness
Make sure the curriculum you choose covers all the essential subjects for your child's grade level. This typically includes math, science, language arts (reading, writing, grammar), and social studies.
Think about whether you want a curriculum that integrates different subjects or one that teaches them separately. Also, consider whether the content aligns with your educational goals and values.
Want a Curriculum That Checks All the Boxes?
We know that choosing a homeschool curriculum is a big decision. You want to make sure it covers all the essential subjects, aligns with your educational goals, and, of course, keeps your child engaged and excited about learning.
The School House Anywhere's American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to do just that!
Here's how the AEC delivers a complete and engaging education:
Comprehensive Coverage: The AEC covers all the core subjects your child needs, including math, science, language arts, and social studies. But we don't stop there! We also weave in art, music, nature studies, and even lessons on kindness and character development.
Interconnected Learning: Instead of teaching subjects in isolation, we show children how they connect. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of the world and see how knowledge builds upon itself.
Hands-On Activities: We believe that children learn best by doing. That's why the AEC is packed with hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that make learning fun and memorable.
Flexible and Adaptable: You can easily adjust the AEC to fit your child's pace and interests, creating a truly personalized learning experience.
Aligned with Your Values: The AEC is a secular curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and a strong moral compass.
Join The School House Anywhere and discover a curriculum that checks all the boxes!
5. Teaching Methods and Materials
Different curricula use different teaching methods and materials. Some rely heavily on textbooks and workbooks, while others incorporate games, experiments, online resources, and hands-on activities. Think about your preferred teaching style and your child's learning preferences when evaluating different options.
6. Support and Community
Homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating, but there are many supportive communities and resources available. Some curriculum providers offer online forums, teacher guides, or access to a network of homeschooling families. This can be especially helpful for new homeschoolers who are just starting their journey.
Need a Helping Hand on Your Homeschooling Journey?
We get it—homeschooling can sometimes feel like you're on your own. But with The School House Anywhere (TSHA), you're never alone! We offer a supportive community and a wealth of resources to help you every step of the way.
Here's how TSHA supports you:
Connect with other homeschoolers: Join our vibrant online community to meet other families, share ideas, and find encouragement. It's like having a network of friends who understand the joys and challenges of homeschooling.
Learn from the experts: Participate in live online gatherings with experienced educators and the founder of TSHA. Get your questions answered and gain valuable insights to help you create a successful homeschooling experience.
Get personalized support: Need help with a specific lesson or have a question about the curriculum? Our team is here to help! Attend live office hours or connect with our parent/educator support network.
Stay inspired: Enjoy our podcasts, weekly email updates, and bi-weekly newsletters filled with homeschooling tips, inspiration, and community news.
With TSHA, you're not just choosing a curriculum; you're joining a supportive community that's passionate about helping children thrive.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability
Life with kids can be unpredictable! Choose a curriculum that offers some flexibility and can be adapted to your child's pace and interests. This is especially important if your child has unique learning needs or if you like to incorporate your own ideas and activities into your homeschooling.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a secular homeschooling curriculum that fits your family's needs and helps your child thrive.
Wrapping Up
As you've discovered, there's a wide range of secular homeschooling curriculum resources available, each with its own unique strengths and approach to learning.
Whether you prefer a literature-rich curriculum, a nature-based focus, or a more traditional approach, there's something out there to fit your family's needs and educational goals.
Remember, the key to choosing the right curriculum is to consider your child's learning style, your family's values, and your homeschooling philosophy. Don't be afraid to explore different options and find what works best for your unique situation.
Want to learn more about creating a joyful and engaging secular homeschooling experience?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique, screen-free curriculum that develops a love of learning through hands-on activities, real-world experiences, and meaningful discussions.
Here’s why TSHA is your best bet!
1. Choose the Best Curriculum for Your Family
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) designed to keep children engaged through interconnected learning.
2. Explore Curriculum Samples
Take a peek at lesson plans, worksheets, and video tutorials to see the AEC in action.
Learn step-by-step how to prepare lessons and support your child’s learning confidently.
3. Enjoy Comprehensive Support and Community
Get live guidance from trained educators, join online gatherings with the founder, and access weekly office hours.
Connect with a national network of parents and educators for ongoing support and inspiration.
4. Track Your Child’s Progress with Ease
Use the Transparent Classroom Tool to manage portfolios and stay on top of academic progress effortlessly.
5. Flexible Pricing Options to Fit Your Budget
Affordable tuition starts at $300/month for the first child, with discounts for additional children—and 4th and 5th children are FREE!
Scholarships are available on a per-case basis to ensure every child gets access to this transformative education.
6. Packaged Sessions for Deep Dives and Yearly Curriculum Updates
Focus on 9-week themed sessions to explore topics in-depth.
Stay ahead with free annual updates to keep your curriculum relevant and engaging.
7. Travel and Learn – Anywhere, Anytime!
Follow the AEC curriculum wherever life takes you—learning on the go has never been easier.
8. Everything You Need in One Subscription
Your subscription includes:
300+ instructional videos in our educator film library
Live workshops, newsletters, and podcasts
Hands-on material boxes (optional purchase)
Get Started Today!
Join The School House Anywhere to give your child the best start in life! Visit The School House Anywhere for more information or personalized guidance.
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