Homeschooling offers the unique advantage of flexibility in designing a curriculum that best suits your child’s learning needs. Thankfully, the internet has opened up a world of free educational resources, making homeschooling accessible to families with varying budgets. In this article, we’ll explore a diverse range of free homeschooling curriculum options. These resources cater to different age groups and subjects, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for homeschooling families.
1. Ambleside Online
Ambleside Online follows the principles of Charlotte Mason, an influential educator from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This free Christian curriculum is renowned for its focus on living books, which are well-written, narrative-style books that captivate and inspire young learners. Ambleside Online provides a free, detailed, and easily accessible schedule for each grade level, encompassing subjects like literature, history, geography, nature study and science, Bible, music, hymns, artist study, handicrafts, and more. The creators of this curriculum make it easy to find multiple free options for each book or resource, even including audiobook links via LibriVox where applicable. Notably, Ambleside Online does not offer options for a free math curriculum but does include a list of recommended paid options on their website.
2. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Designed to be a complete, comprehensive curriculum from Pre-K to high school, Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool is an excellent choice for parents seeking a structured and easy-to-follow program. Covering all core subjects, such as math, language arts, history, and science, the curriculum is presented in a straightforward manner, making it accessible even to homeschooling beginners. Additionally, Easy Peasy All-in-One offers a Christian worldview option, making it suitable for families seeking faith-based content.
3. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a widely recognized and respected online educational platform that offers free instructional videos and practice exercises for various subjects, including math, science, history, economics, and more. With its interactive and adaptive nature, Khan Academy tailors learning to individual needs, ensuring students progress at their own pace. The platform provides a nearly comprehensive online math curriculum, making it a popular choice for homeschooling families looking for a strong math foundation.
4. Little House Kindergarten
Specifically designed for kindergarten-aged children, Little House Kindergarten offers a free and engaging curriculum inspired by the classic “Little House on the Prairie” book series. This curriculum covers basic subjects like reading, math, art, science, and more. With a focus on hands-on learning and creativity, Little House Kindergarten helps young learners develop a solid foundation for their educational journey.
5. The Good and the Beautiful Math
For families seeking a faith-based math curriculum, The Good and the Beautiful Math is a solid option. Created by Jenny Phillips, this curriculum offers a complete math program for grades K-8, encompassing arithmetic, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Grades K-6 are available for free. The lessons incorporate captivating artwork and real-life application, making math enjoyable and relatable for students in diverse grade levels.
6. Ray’s Arithmetic
Ray’s Arithmetic is a timeless and historically significant resource in the world of homeschooling. With its comprehensive math curriculum, clear and logical presentation, and emphasis on mental math, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking effective math instruction. Available for free, Ray’s Arithmetic is easily accessible online, making it an affordable option for families looking to provide their children with a strong mathematical foundation.
7. Freedom Homeschooling
Freedom Homeschooling is a treasure trove of free curriculum choices for homeschooling families. This website curates a wide range of subjects and grade levels, offering a collection of links to free resources from various providers. From core subjects to specialized topics, Freedom Homeschooling has a variety of quality materials listed that can meet many families’ unique needs.
8. Under the Home
Like Ambleside Online, Under the Home is another Charlotte Mason-inspired resource that compiles free homeschooling materials, relying upon many books in the public domain. This website presents a diverse selection of subjects, including literature, history, science, and more. With an emphasis on hands-on learning and creativity, Under the Home provides a well-rounded and engaging curriculum for homeschooling families to explore.
9. The Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum
Hillsdale College offers a free and comprehensive American history and civics curriculum for grades K through 12. Designed to provide a thorough understanding of the nation’s history, this curriculum emphasizes the principles of liberty, limited government, and the importance of the Constitution. The curriculum includes online video courses by Hillsdale College professors, interactive learning activities, and an emphasis on primary sources to study history.
10. Mater Amabilis
Mater Amabilis is a Catholic homeschool curriculum inspired by the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy. It focuses on a liberal arts education that emphasizes the formation of good habits, a wide range of subjects, and the use of living books and hands-on activities. It typically covers subjects such as literature, history, geography, science, math, and more. A key feature of this curriculum is that includes catechesis materials for Catholic children, making it a great option for Catholic families interested in Charlotte Mason homeschooling.
Bonus Option: Your Local Library
Beyond books, local libraries often provide a wealth of free resources that can supplement homeschooling efforts. Many libraries offer access to online databases, educational software, and e-books, opening up a world of knowledge at your fingertips. Additionally, some libraries host free educational programs, workshops, and language-learning resources like Rosetta Stone, making them invaluable partners in a well-rounded homeschooling education.
Conclusion
The availability of free homeschooling curriculum options has revolutionized the way families approach education at home. With diverse resources available online, parents can create a well-rounded and engaging homeschooling experience for their children.
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