Monarch is a fully online, self-paced Christian homeschool curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications covering grades 3-12 with five core subjects, featuring 85% automatic grading and over 50,000 multimedia elements.
What is Monarch?
Monarch is Alpha Omega Publications' flagship online curriculum, providing complete Bible-integrated education for grades 3-12. Founded in 1977, Alpha Omega Publications designed Monarch as a modern, internet-based learning platform that simplifies homeschool management through automatic grading, comprehensive record-keeping, and multimedia-rich content. The curriculum covers five core subjects—Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science—plus over 60 electives including Spanish, French, Consumer Math, and state history courses. Unlike its discontinued predecessor Switched-On Schoolhouse, Monarch operates entirely online and works on both Windows and Mac systems.
Key Takeaways
- Covers grades 3-12 with five core subjects and 60+ electives
- 85% of content is automatically graded, minimizing parent workload
- Full access costs $399.95/year or $39.95/month per student
- Features 50,000+ multimedia elements including videos, animations, and interactive games
- Requires reliable internet connection—not available offline
Pricing and Access
Full curriculum access covering all five core subjects runs $399.95/year or $39.95/month per student. Individual courses cost $109.95/year, and electives run $99.95/year ($9.95/month). Multi-student family discounts are available—three students cost approximately $600/year total. A 30-day free trial lets families evaluate the platform before committing. Monarch is approved for ESA reimbursement in applicable states. The yearly subscription represents roughly $80 savings compared to paying monthly, making annual payment the better value for families planning long-term use.
Key Features
Monarch's strength lies in reducing parental workload while maintaining academic rigor. The 85% automatic grading handles most assessment, with parents reviewing only subjective responses like essays. Text-to-speech with six voice options supports auditory learners. Built-in transcript generation and complete record-keeping simplify compliance and college preparation. The platform's 50,000+ multimedia elements—videos, animations, 3D models, and interactive games—keep students engaged beyond textbook learning. Students work independently through structured lessons, taking quizzes and tests that feed directly into the grade book. This independence makes Monarch particularly suited for busy families or those with independent learners.
Considerations Before Choosing
Monarch requires substantial screen time—students work at computers most of the school day. The quiz-heavy assessment style may frustrate students who dislike frequent testing. Rigid answer requirements in automated grading mean parents occasionally need to override scores for acceptable alternative answers. Some families find the structured format less creative than hands-on or unit-study approaches. Internet dependency creates challenges for families with unreliable connections. The fourth child in a family pays full rate, making large families pay more than some competitors. Monarch works best for independent, tech-comfortable learners in families with reliable internet who value automated grading and comprehensive record-keeping.
The Bottom Line
Monarch delivers on its promise of simplified homeschool management through automatic grading, built-in record-keeping, and engaging multimedia content. For busy families with independent learners who don't mind screen-based education, it's a strong choice. The Christian worldview integration appeals to faith-based families seeking Bible-infused academics. However, families preferring hands-on learning, minimal screen time, or creative expression should look elsewhere. The 30-day free trial at aop.com offers risk-free evaluation—take advantage of it before committing to a full year.
