Q: My husband is skeptical of our ability to home school. He'd like to find a Christian-based curriculum that is complete, but I think our child is above and below grade level in a few areas. Can you recommend something?
A: The complete curriculum is an excellent way to start if you feel uneasy about your ability to provide a well-rounded education. One that might fit your needs is Bob Jones University Press. They offer three forms of complete curriculum, but when choosing a year, you can opt to go up or down a grade in several subjects.
- BJU HomeSat, their satellite network brings telecasts into your home, providing classroom guidance to go along with texts and workbooks. They have a complete subject list for each grade and yet they offer flexibility and support for those that desire it.
- BJU HomeSat on DVD, their satellite program available on DVDs. Rather than taping satellite programming or watching it live, you can purchase the entire grade on DVDs. This eliminates the need for a satellite dish and gives more mobility to your studies.
- The Academy of Home Education (AHE), their structured traditional curriculum is monitored and graded by BJU staff. Parents oversee the work at home, but the student receives grades, transcripts and even a high school diploma from BJU.
See more information at their Web site:
***Bob Jones University Press - Home School options
You might also consider The Jubliee Academy, Alpha Omega Academy, or A Beka Academy, which all offer similar programs.
Q: We're not looking for a religious-based curriculum. In fact, we don't want one, but it seems that so many of them are that way. Why is that and can you recommend some options?
A: You're right -- the roots of home schooling are often found in religious families and organizations and there is a lot of material that is based there. But if that's not what you seek, there are many other good options. Our text lists some in chapter 4, pages 46-47, and you'll also find that the public schools may be willing to share their text book list with you or the state department of education may have guidelines for you to start with.
The textbook publishers have a wealth of books to choose from and between those, workbooks found in many bookstores, and the public libraries, I think you'd find a good core for any age group.
If you're looking for a more structured curriculum, you may find it in a university context offering accredited K-12 classes, such as Texas Tech University, which offers fully accredited classes for all grade levels. Read more about their program at their Web site:
***Texas Tech University - Home School options
