As parents and guardians become increasingly concerned about the state of traditional public and private schools, they are ever exploring alternatives to what is taught in such institutions. Homeschooling has become more popular as an alternative to traditional education, as it gives parents the opportunity to have a direct say in what their child is being taught, both in terms of content and methodology. This also means that parents can choose the best homeschool curriculum for their own child, one that best suits their individual learning styles and goals.
But with so many homeschool curriculum offerings to choose from, it can be difficult to discern which ones are the best. In this article, we’ll explore the top-rated homeschool curriculum choices, examining the features and benefits each offers.
What Makes a Good Homeschool Curriculum?
When assessing curriculum options for your homeschool, there are certain criteria you want to keep in mind. These criteria can include scope and sequence, quality of instruction, level of engagement, content flexibility and breadth, parent support, and cost.
The scope and sequence of the curriculum is important, as it outlines the sequence and expectations of topics covered in a given course of study. Quality of instruction is perhaps the most important criterion, as you want to ensure your child is getting an education that is engaging and enriching. Level of engagement refers to the activities included in the curriculum that help bring the material to life; engaging activities make the learning experience more vibrant for children.
Flexibility refers to a curriculum’s ability to be adapted to different ages and learning styles; a good curriculum will be appropriate for learners of all ages, from Kindergarten to high school. Content breadth and depth refers to the variety and amount of content that is taught in a given curriculum. Parent support is key, as you will need to be involved in your child’s homeschooling journey; good curriculum options should include parent guidance to help you understand your child’s progress.
Finally, cost should also be well balanced, as you do not want your homeschooling curriculum to break the bank.
What are the Top Rated Homeschool Curriculum Choices?
There are many homeschool curriculum options available to choose from, but here we will take a look at the top-rated choices. The top rated homeschool curriculum offerings include K12, Abeka Academy, The Keystone School, Classical Conversations, and Kahn Academy.
K12 is one of the most popular homeschool curriculum choices, offering students a curriculum based on their state’s standards. The K12 curriculum includes interactive lessons and activities, giving students a unique and engaging learning experience. K12 also includes tools for assessments and tracking, helping parents stay up to date on their child’s progress.
Abeka Academy is another top-rated homeschool curriculum offering, offering pre-kindergarten through 12th grade curriculums with a unique Christian focus. This option includes student-paced instruction and includes tools for assessment and tracking for parents. Abeka Academy also includes parent support, such as webinars, parent guides, and other resources.
The Keystone School is a highly-rated homeschool program, offering a variety of curriculum options to meet the needs of all students. The Keystone School curriculum is designed to be individualized and flexible, helping to accommodate different learning styles.
The curriculum also includes an online, web-based platform which is used to deliver instruction. Classical Conversations is a popular choice for homeschoolers, offering uniquely structured curriculum with one-on-one coaching.
Classical Conversations offers an online learning and teaching platform, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the material they are studying. Parental involvement is also emphasized in the Classical Conversations curriculum, as parents join their children in the instructional setting to help reinforce the material. Kahn Academy is a more modern option for homeschoolers, offering interactive and engaging lessons in a completely digital platform.
Kahn Academy also includes tools for assessment and tracking, making it easier for parents to understand and monitor their child’s progress.
Conclusion
When deciding on the right homeschool curriculum for your child, or even just getting started with the homeschool journey, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision. While there are many homeschool curriculum offerings available, the five mentioned above are among the top-rated choices. Consider the features and benefits of each option, and consult with other parents in the homeschool community to get a better sense of what is best for your child.
With the right curriculum in place, you can feel confident that your child is getting the best possible education that is tailored to their individual learning styles and goals.