What Makes a Homeschool Curriculum Secular? A Complete Guide with Reviews
Homeschooling has grown into a powerful movement worldwide, giving parents the freedom to customize their child’s education. One important question many families face is whether to use a faith-based program or a homeschool curriculum secular in design.
But what exactly does “secular” mean in homeschooling? And how do you know if a secular curriculum is right for your family? In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials, explore popular choices, and share homeschool curriculum secular reviews to help you decide with confidence.
What Does “Secular Homeschool Curriculum” Mean?
A homeschool curriculum secular simply means an educational program that doesn’t include any religious teaching or faith-based perspective. Instead, it focuses on:
- Evidence-based learning grounded in science, history, and facts.
- Neutral worldviews that avoid promoting specific religious or spiritual beliefs.
- Inclusive content that’s designed to be used by families of all backgrounds.
This makes it ideal for families who:
- Want a non-religious education for their children.
- Prefer a curriculum that matches public school academic standards.
- Come from diverse faith traditions and want neutrality in learning.
Why Parents Choose a Secular Homeschool Curriculum
Many parents choose a homeschool curriculum secular for practical, personal, or philosophical reasons. Here are some of the most common:
1. Academic Accuracy
Secular materials focus on scientific methods, historical facts, and proven concepts. This ensures kids are well-prepared for higher education and global careers.
2. Inclusivity
Families with different cultural or religious beliefs can all feel comfortable using the same curriculum.
3. Alignment with Public Standards
Secular homeschool programs often mirror national or state-level education guidelines, making it easier to transition back to public/private schools if needed.
4. College Readiness
An accredited secular homeschool curriculum is widely recognized by colleges and universities, giving students equal opportunities for admission.
Free vs Paid Secular Homeschool Curriculums
Parents often ask: “Do I have to spend a lot on homeschooling?” The good news is—no! You can find both free homeschool curriculum secular resources and paid accredited programs.
Free Secular Options
- Khan Academy – Free online courses in math, science, and more.
- CK-12 Foundation – Free digital textbooks in core subjects.
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool (Secular Adaptations) – Offers complete grade-level learning.
These options are great for families on a budget or just starting out.
Paid / Accredited Options
- Oak Meadow – Creative, literature-rich secular curriculum.
- Laurel Springs School – Fully accredited online homeschool.
- Power Homeschool – Self-paced learning with video lessons.
Paid programs often come with teacher support, grading, and accreditation, which can be important for long-term academic goals.
Key Features of the Best Secular Homeschool Curriculum
When comparing programs, look for these features:
- Comprehensive Coverage – Math, science, language arts, and social studies.
- Flexibility – Ability to adapt lessons for different learning styles.
- Accreditation – Essential if your child plans to attend college.
- Engaging Material – Interactive content, hands-on projects, and real-world applications.
- Positive Reviews – Checking homeschool curriculum secular reviews helps you avoid poor-quality programs.
Homeschool Curriculum Secular Reviews
Here’s a quick look at how parents rate some of the most popular secular programs:
| Curriculum | Type | Best For | Parent Review Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Meadow | Literature-based, accredited | Creative learners | “Engaging, arts-focused, but a bit pricey.” |
| Time4Learning | Online, flexible | Self-paced learners | “Easy to use, affordable, but needs more writing practice.” |
| Khan Academy | Free, online | Budget homeschooling | “Fantastic free resource, but requires parent structure.” |
| Laurel Springs | Accredited online school | College-bound students | “Excellent college prep, highly recognized.” |
| BookShark Secular | Literature-based | Reading lovers | “Rich in books, flexible, but requires parent involvement.” |
Pros and Cons of Using a Secular Curriculum
Pros
✅ Neutral and inclusive
✅ Science- and fact-based education
✅ Widely accepted for college applications
✅ Flexible options (free, online, or accredited)
Cons
❌ Some families may prefer religious integration
❌ Can require more research to find the right fit
❌ Accreditation often comes with higher costs
How to Choose the Right Secular Curriculum for Your Family
Choosing the right program depends on your child’s learning style, your teaching preferences, and your long-term goals. Here’s a step-by-step process:
Step 1: Identify Your Goals
- College preparation?
- Flexible learning pace?
- Budget-friendly resources?
Step 2: Test Free Trials
Most programs offer sample lessons—use them before committing.
Step 3: Read Reviews
Search homeschool curriculum secular reviews to learn from other families’ experiences.
Step 4: Check Accreditation (If Needed)
If your child plans to attend college, choose an accredited program.
FAQs About Secular Homeschool Curriculum
Q1: What’s the difference between secular and faith-based homeschool curriculums?
A secular curriculum avoids religious content, while faith-based integrates specific spiritual teachings.
Q2: Is a secular curriculum less effective than a religious one?
No. Both can be equally effective—it depends on your child’s needs and family goals.
Q3: Can I mix secular and faith-based resources?
Yes! Many families blend different resources for a customized approach.
Q4: Are there accredited secular homeschool programs?
Yes. Programs like Laurel Springs and Oak Meadow are accredited and widely recognized.
Q5: Is free secular homeschool curriculum enough for high school?
It can be, but for college prep, you may want an accredited program.
Q6: Which secular curriculum is best for creative learners?
Oak Meadow and BookShark Secular are highly recommended.
Q7: Are secular curriculums accepted by universities?
Yes, as long as they’re accredited or aligned with state standards.
Q8: How much does a good secular homeschool curriculum cost?
Free to $1,500+ per year depending on the program.
Q9: Where can I find homeschool curriculum secular reviews?
Trusted websites, homeschooling forums, and parent Facebook groups.
Q10: Can I switch from faith-based to secular curriculum midway?
Yes, many families make the switch smoothly.
Final Thoughts
A homeschool curriculum secular offers families an inclusive, fact-based, and academically solid path for home education. Whether you choose a free homeschool curriculum secular for budget-friendly flexibility, or an accredited secular homeschool curriculum for long-term college goals, there are excellent choices available.
Before deciding, always check homeschool curriculum secular reviews, consider your child’s learning style, and test free samples when possible.
In the end, the best secular curriculum is the one that helps your child thrive academically, emotionally, and socially—while giving you the peace of mind that you’ve chosen the right path.