Christian homeschool curriculum refers to educational programs designed to integrate Christian faith throughout all subjects. These materials present content from a Biblical worldview, often incorporating Scripture study, character development, and creationist science alongside core academics.
What is Christian Curriculum?
Christian curriculum differs from secular materials with religious supplements added on. Rather than teaching subjects neutrally and offering optional Bible study, Christian curriculum derives its fundamental principles from Scripture and works them out across all subjects. History becomes the story of God's work through time. Science explores God's creation. Literature engages with truth, beauty, and moral questions. No education is truly neutral—both secular and Christian curricula carry underlying assumptions about truth, origins, morality, and purpose. Christian families choosing these materials want those assumptions to align with their faith.
Key Takeaways
- Approaches range from Bible-integrated (woven throughout all subjects) to Bible-based (worldview framework)
- Major publishers include BJU Press, Abeka, Sonlight, My Father's World, and Apologia
- Most address origins from young-earth creationist perspectives, though approaches vary
- ESA funding in many states (Arizona, Florida, others) can be used for Christian curriculum
- Publishers range from highly structured (Abeka) to literature-based (Sonlight)
Major Publishers and Their Approaches
**BJU Press** offers traditional, academically rigorous curriculum viewing all subjects through Creation-Fall-Redemption narrative. Multiple format options include textbooks, e-textbooks, and video lessons. Known for strong academics with Biblical worldview.
**Abeka** provides highly structured, traditional curriculum with heavy memorization and repetition. Originally designed for Christian schools and adapted for homeschool. Often considered a grade level above public school in rigor.
**Sonlight** uses living books to teach history, literature, and Bible through discussion and critical thinking. Literature-based with global missions perspective throughout.
**Apologia** is best known for engaging science curriculum from a young-earth creationist perspective. Conversational textbooks with notebooking options now extend to Bible, worldview, and math.
Choosing Based on Learning Style and Structure
For **traditional, structured learners**: Abeka offers the most rigorous approach with daily plans and classroom-style videos. BJU Press provides academic rigor with more flexibility in format.
For **literature-lovers**: Sonlight builds curriculum around rich living books with discussion-based learning. The Good and the Beautiful emphasizes literature and character (note: created by LDS authors—preview for theological alignment).
For **hands-on, unit-study families**: My Father's World combines Charlotte Mason ideas with thematic, pre-planned units. Master Books offers hands-on, literature-based programs with gospel-centered character training.
For **budget-conscious families**: Easy Peasy All-in-One provides free, complete online Christian curriculum K-12. Many Good and the Beautiful materials are available free.
ESA and Funding Eligibility
Many state Education Savings Account programs allow Christian curriculum purchases. Arizona's universal ESA covers Christian schools and homeschool materials through approved vendors. Florida ESA programs (average $8,000 per student in 2024-25) approve Sonlight and other Christian curricula. Alpha Omega Publications specifically markets ESA compatibility in multiple states.
Funding rules vary significantly by state. Not all programs cover all educational options, and approved vendor lists change. Before purchasing, verify current eligibility with your state's education department and the specific ESA program you're using. Some states require programs to be based in-state.
The Bottom Line
Christian curriculum offers families the opportunity to integrate faith throughout their children's education rather than treating it as a separate subject. The market provides options ranging from highly structured daily plans to flexible literature-based approaches, from rigorous academics to gentle character-focused programs. No curriculum is perfect for every family. Consider your teaching style, your child's learning preferences, your theological distinctives, and whether you want pre-planned structure or flexibility. Request samples, read reviews from families in similar situations, and remember that you can mix publishers—many families use different curricula for different subjects.
