how do I homeschool Illuminate Bible Series

Let’s face it; homeschooling isn’t always cheap. That’s why the words ‘free homeschool curriculum packages’ are music to any parent’s ears! With the rising costs of home education, finding high-quality, cost-effective resources is more important than ever. Thankfully, there are a number of fantastic free homeschool curriculum programs available online, which can make all the difference for families looking to provide their children with an exceptional education from home. So, whether you’re on a tight budget or just love a good deal, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for free homeschool curriculum programs!

Rebbecca Devitt

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. If you want to do my course on how to homeschool, click here.

The free homeschool curriculum packages we’ll look at on this page are:

  1. Easy Peasy
  2. Ambleside Online
  3. Puritans Homeschool
  4. An Old Fashioned Education
  5. Khan Academy
  6. Hippo Campus
  7. The Classical Curriculum
  8. Little House Kindergarten
  9. Mater Amabilis
  10. Freedom Homeschooling

Also, for free homeschooling help, SUBSCRIBE to the How to Homeschool channel on YouTube to maximize your homeschooling success with free expert tips and resources.

2 Free/$1 Curriculum Samples to Try

If you love classical and Charlotte Mason education, Compass Classroom is offering many lessons for free. They also offer one-month free access to ALL of their courses and program. Their courses are really entertaining and educational, so check them out here.

You can also try Schoolhouse Teachers (an incredibly comprehensive and affordable program) for $1 by using the code ONEDOLLAR here.

10 Free Homeschool Curriculum Packages

1. Easy Peasy All-in-One

Easy Peasy All-in-One is probably the most popular free Christian homeschooling curriculum option today.

Written by a Christian mom who selflessly desired to make home education affordable, this program is easy to follow and is an eclectic mix of home education methods.

Boasting a complete curriculum from K-12, Easy Peasy also has different subjects written constantly by other generous parents. In my opinion, this is one of the best free programs you’ll find today.

With this program, you can literally do k through 12 homeschool free.

Read more about EP at this link.

(If you love the sound of an excellent Christian curriculum, you can also check out BJU Press which is maybe the best homeschool program around today.)

Supplies you'll need when studying with Easy Peasy learning.

2. Ambleside Online

If you’re a fan of the Charlotte Mason* home education method, Ambleside Online is a good option for you. With thousands of links to relevant resources and free books, this curriculum gives you a detailed schedule and lots of information.

There are also many forums where parents who use Ambleside discuss their questions about the curriculum. This free homeschool curriculum is, I believe, the best curriculum for CM fans today. This is evidenced by many of today’s CM curricula being founded on Ambleside Online materials.

Note: Some parents struggle with all the reading they have to do aloud. For this reason, some Charlotte Mason home education families use Audible to reduce the amount of reading they have to do. It’s also a good option for parents who might get a croaky voice after a while and want the reader to take over. You can try it for free for one month to see if it suits your family.

If you’re open to a CM curriculum that’s not free, check out the other Charlotte Mason curriculum options here.

*The term ‘Charlotte Mason’ refers to a homeschooling method. If you don’t know much about homeschooling methods, do my homeschool methods quiz to learn more and discover which one suits you most.

3. Puritans Homeschool 

If you love the theological steadfastness of the Puritans, the Puritans Homeschool is a great free option for your homeschool. This program is produced by the Puritans Network and is a homeschool program based on Puritan thinking.

Please note that this curriculum isn’t a complete program; you won’t find all the subjects covered. However, you will get solid reformed Christian teaching and many good books from this resource.

(If you love the sound of a rigorous Christian curriculum, look at Compass Classroom which does a fantastic job of promoting critical thinking with its online lessons. Compass has lots of free lessons available too.)

4. K12

If you’re looking for a free public school education at home, K12 has you covered.

K12 is a free curriculum for Americans because it is publicly funded

This means you don’t have to pay a cent…if you’re a United States citizen.

If you live elsewhere, you’ll have to pay for this program.

 K12 is a secular program (just like all public schools in America and Australia).

This public school curriculum gives an engaging experience for homeschoolers by utilizing animations and fun visuals. There’s tutoring help if needed. And it’s one-on-one, which is excellent. 

If I’m honest, a big reason parents homeschool is to get away from public school curriculum.

But if you’re not in that boat, you can look at this program.

5. An Old Fashioned Education

An Old Fashioned Education offers many free homeschool curriculum printables. As a compendium of curricula, literature, and textbooks, this website gives parents a great list of free resources they can use to supplement other free curricula or resources they’re using.

Many of the resources on this site are from the public domain (meaning they were printed before the 1920s and are now free of charge as they’ve run out of copyright).

Having found almost too many free home education resources, the author created her website to organize the free resources.

They are now in a useable, ordered pile. This seems like a problem most home-educating parents might face – especially if they’re figuring out their own specialized curriculum.

So, An Old Fashioned Education provides a good resource that shouldn’t overwhelm us (compared to if we were to go looking for free resources ourselves).

Many of the books are also living books, as the author is a fan of the Charlotte Mason method.

6. Khan Academy

While I’m not thrilled with the prospect of an education that’s all online, a free online homeschool curriculum is what many people are looking for these days. And The Khan Academy gives you this.

The great thing about Khan Academy is that you can track your progress as you go. You can see the problems you’re struggling with and the ones you’re breezing through. That’s almost unheard of in a free homeschool curriculum package!

I’ve used a few videos from this site and always found them interesting and educational. However, like many secular curricula, they don’t have a Christian worldview or values, which will be off-putting to some parents.

7. Hippo Campus

Like the Khan Academy, Hippo Campus is another broad video collection targeted at high-school and college-level students. They boast over 7,000 videos (with links to the Khan Academy) in 13 subject areas. In addition, Hippo Campus is an open resource for public learning (meaning you don’t need to log in to access the content).

This is also a secular curriculum funded by Google Grants and the Bill and Melinda Foundation (as you can see on their ‘About’ page).

8. The Classical Curriculum

Because I’m a big fan of Classical education, I decided to include this link to a classical education curriculum for free.

Like Ambleside, you may get many past copyright books for free online. But, you may also need to buy many. It depends on what you decide to purchase. Like Ambleside, you can get many books on audio from Audible. To see if you like it, you get the first month free.

If you’re open to other classical curricula options that are available for a price, head to this link showing five classical curriculum options.

(If you want a mailable classical curriculum, make sure you look at Memoria Press which is probably the best classical curriculum around today.)

9. Little House Kindergarten 

If you’re keen to start home educating your little ones at an early age, Little House Kindergarten might be the curriculum for you. This program is funded by the generosity of parents who use the curriculum and pay what they can (meaning you don’t need to pay at all if you can’t afford it).

Created by a teacher turned homeschool mom, this program is used in homeschools, kindergartens, and other small schools worldwide.  It is based on U.S. standards and is downloadable in a PDF format, meaning you don’t have to expose your kids to too much screen time to get free education for them.

10. Mater Amabilis 

Catholic authors wrote Mater Amabilis with the desire to ‘encourage other Catholic home educating parents in the Charlotte Mason method of education. The curriculum is more of a structured CM style (instead of a method that’s just ‘influenced’ by CM ideas).

Each level has its own set of materials, although parents can move their children up or downgrades depending on where they’re at educationally.

11. Freedom Homeschooling

Freedom Homeschooling offers a compendium of links to free homeschool curriculum options (like An Old Fashioned Education). For instance, if you need some supplementary math, head to their math curriculum page and scroll down the list of resources.

Because so many home educators are Christians, this program also indicates explicitly Christian-based curricula, making things easy for Christians who want a purely Christian curriculum.

12. Under the Home

Under the Home is a free, online Charlotte Mason-style curriculum. Because Under the Home curriculum is based on the principles of the Charlotte Mason method, it is designed to be used in a home-centered learning environment.

It covers various subjects such as language arts, math, science, history, and biblical studies.

The program offers a variety of resources, such as lesson plans, reading lists, and activity ideas, that are designed to be flexible and adaptable to the individual needs of each child. The curriculum is designed for children from kindergarten through 8th grade and is available for free on their website.

It’s important to note that the curriculum is not fully packaged, it’s more like a resource library that offers a wide range of ideas, activities, and resources.

It’s up to the parents to use those resources and adapt them to the needs of their children.

Not Sure What to Use? (Free Homeschool Consultation)

If you’re not sure what curriculum to get and you’d like some advice, Veritas Press offers free homeschool consultations.

Cost of Home Education and How a Free Homeschool Curriculum Reduces It

In the article, the Cost of Home Education, we go through the average cost of home education in the United States. By looking through a series of articles, I’ve roughly calculated my homeschooling might cost around $2,000. But, this cost would include a bought curriculum which takes up a significant portion of the budget.

Be aware that home education costs can vary considerably, and, as the video below indicates, it can be very cheap ($0 ) or expensive, depending on the amount of work you’re willing to do yourself (and the free resources you’re ready to track down and use).

Free Resources for Homeschool

Homeschooling is an increasingly popular form of education for many families. It can be difficult to find the materials and resources needed to homeschool without spending much money. Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources available online that can make homeschooling more manageable and affordable.

One great place to start looking for free homeschool resources is on the internet.

Websites such as Khan Academy (mentioned above) offer free access to thousands of lessons and activities on various topics.

Educational websites like PBS LearningMedia also provide high-quality learning materials at no cost. Additionally, many museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions offer online content that can be used as part of a homeschool curriculum.

Local organizations may also provide helpful resources for homeschoolers. Many cities have support groups or co-ops that offer classes and activities specifically designed for home educators.

Also, I recently compiled a page with paid and free and paid homeschool resources. You can check it out here!

3 Affordable Homeschool Curriculum Options

There are also some affordable homeschool curriculum options that (while not free) are excessively affordable These include the curriculum below (but you can find a full list of affordable homeschool curriculum options here).

Schoolhouse Teachers

Schoolhouse Teachers offers a comprehensive homeschool curriculum from preschool through high school.

Their award-winning, Christian-based curriculum provides a solid educational foundation for your child’s success.

They offer printable PDFs of basic school boxes but also give you access to an enormous range of electives (which is a hit for high school students).

Also, if you like a particular homeschooling approach, you can access their classical, Charlotte Mason, and Unit Studies centers.

Their program can be purchased for under $200 for all children for a year. They also have many sales during the year, which you can check out here.

Lifepac

Lifepac is probably the most affordable mailable homeschool curriculum around today. It is a complete mastery-based, Christian homeschool curriculum produced by Alpha Omega Publications. You can check them out here.

Robinson Curriculum

This program is very affordable. Delivered as a PDF, the program covers all years and all subjects (excluding a math curriculum). You can re-use this program with subsequent children also meaning you get all your curriculum forever for under $200. Not bad.

Want to Learn About Homeschooling?

There are two great ways to learn more about homeschooling: one is free, and one is a $67 fundamentals course.

1. The Ultimate Homeschool Parenting Program

Transform your homeschooling experience and take it to the next level with our comprehensive online course.

Led by expert educator, Rebecca Devitt, you’ll learn the strategies and techniques you need to make homeschooling a success. This program is packed with valuable resources, a personalized curriculum and an effective way to manage your time that will help your children thrive.

2. The Free How to Homeschool YouTube Channel

Want something better than a homeschool blog? Look no further than the How to Homeschool YouTube channel!

This channel is designed to help homeschooling parents with expert tips, educational content and a wide range of resources.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the homeschooling world, you’ll find something valuable on our channel. And the best part? It’s completely free!

Why Homeschool?

Looking for a comprehensive guide to understanding the benefits of homeschooling and why it’s the best choice for your family?

Look no further than “Why on Earth Homeschool“! This book takes an in-depth look at the reasons why homeschooling is an amazing option for families and uncovering the many benefits that are often overlooked.

Discover the benefits of individualized learning, flexible scheduling, strong family bonds and an opportunity for your children to thrive in a way that traditional schools cannot offer. This book will not only offer you the chance to understand the many benefits of homeschooling, but it will also provide you with insights and practical tips to help you make the best decision for your family.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock the full potential of homeschooling with this comprehensive guide.

Order your copy of “Why on Earth Homeschool” today and start your journey towards an exceptional educational experience for your children.

Other Great Free Homeschool Curriculum Websites

There are many free homeschool curriculum programs available online. Some examples include:

  • Duolingo: offers a language learning curriculum
  • Librivox: offers audiobooks that can be used for language arts and literature
  • Project Gutenberg: offers a large collection of e-books that can be used for literature studies
  • National Geographic Kids: offers a variety of free resources, including educational videos and activities, for various subjects
  • The Library of Congress: offers a wide variety of primary source materials, such as documents, photographs, and maps, that can be used for history and social studies studies
  • NASA for students: offers resources for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
  • Coursera: offers online courses from top universities and organizations for various subjects
  • BBC Learning: offers educational videos and activities for various subjects
  • SMART Pocket Homeschool: Low cost homeschool printables and resources

Getting Free Homeschool Textbooks

If you’re looking for ways to keep your homeschooling costs down, free textbooks can be a great way to save. With more and more online resources available, it’s easier than ever to find quality materials without spending a dime. Here is how to get free homeschool textbooks:

First, use websites such as Free Homeschool Deals or The Curriculum Choice, which offer a variety of free materials from reputable sources that can be used for homeschooling. Many of these websites will also offer discounts on products from some of the top providers in the industry, such as BJU Press, Apologia Science, and Saxon Math.

Second, take advantage of open education resources (OERs). OERs are typically created by universities or other educational institutions and made freely available for anyone to use.

Third, ask homeschool parents in homeschool groups whether they have textbooks they can give you or lend you for free.

Fourth, ask your local library if they have old textbooks they can give you.

Fifth, ring up local public schools. These schools often throw out old textbooks, and many give them away for free. You can get them just for asking.

Finally, get online free resources from the public domain and print them off to use as textbooks.

What is the best free homeschool curriculum?

Easy Peasy All-in-One. The “Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool” is a highly regarded free homeschool curriculum that offers a comprehensive K-12 education. It is popular for its accessibility, structured approach, and self-paced learning options, making it a top choice for many homeschooling families.

What Supplies Do I Need If I’m Using a Free Curriculum?

If you’re using a free curriculum, you’ll typically need basic supplies like pens, paper, erasers, and a computer with internet access. The specific requirements may vary depending on the curriculum, but these essentials should cover most of your needs.

Conclusion

Although home education costs are high and we have to give up a lot to educate the ones we love, a free homeschool curriculum can be a sweetener we hadn’t foreseen. With an array of good options to suit your chosen educational style, there are a few reasons the right free program wouldn’t work for your family. Also, with online support through many Facebook groups today, a free program can easily be troubleshot if there’s a problem with the coursework. Finally, because there are so many curricula available, you can easily supplement it with material from another curriculum if you’re not happy with one subject area. In my opinion, a free program would be a good option for many families.

Share your love
Default image
Rebecca Devitt

Most adults don't particularly want to relive their schooling experience on a daily basis. They would gladly move on to a new life devoid of homework and teachers. Very, very few adults will passionately blog about their schooling some 15 years after graduating. This makes Rebecca Devitt somewhat unique. As it happens, she was homeschooled. And she loved it. Still does. And she wishes every kid could get a taste of homeschooling at its very best. Her website How Do I Homeschool, is a springboard for parents to see what a life of homeschooling could be for both them & their children. When she's not blogging Rebecca is still homeschooling her-adult-self by learning Latin, growing weird vegetables and most importantly looking after her two children Luke & Penny. She has a husband Tristan and is a participant at Wollongong Baptist Church. She's also written a book about why parents should homeschool called 'Why on Earth Homeschool'.

Articles: 347

16 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Hi Rebbecca !

    Of course with all that is going on I’m searching for an alternative. I have wanted to switch from public school for a while because, although the school is rated at the top, I felt as if my kid was being left behind. With the virus running around this country and the world, I made up my mind quicker of what to do.

    I enjoyed your round up, it was most helpful! When I read about the Puritans Curriculum, I was disheartened to read their stance in “The Americans for an Anglo American Nation”, especially in our current climate of racial tensions. I always thought the best of religions and although I know some religions promote unity in all people. It’s heartbreaking to actually know there is a religion who wishes to eliminate others based on them not looking the same as those in their church. The other part is, someone else will teach their innocent soul this propaganda.

    Thankfully, there are other programs mentioned that could be helpful for me and my children. For those I thank you sincerely for.

    Be safe, be a blessing, continue love!

    Dawn!

  2. I don’t want any online programs. But, I want to be hands-on with my daughter. I have already homeschooled three of my other children and free. So what can I do? Please help.

    • Hi Shannon,

      The Unit Studies method is all about being hands-on (so is the Montessori method, but it’s especially suitable for younger children).

      Have you looked into KONOS?

      If you don’t want online, BJU Press (at the top of the page) also offers a box sent to your door. Memoria Press (which is classical) and others do this too. I use this and love it!

      Hope that helps,

      Bec

  3. Hello I am trying to enroll my son in homeschool for the rest of his 8th grade year. I need help finding a school how to get his supplies and things of that sort. Please email or call me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

  4. Under The Home is another Charlotte Mason based FREE curriculum. I’ve been using this. Started with K & 1st now in 2nd. It’s for K-5th. Wonderful!

    • Use Easy Peasy All-in-One. You’ll have to purchase supplies, but the cost would be no more than you’d spend on a public school child for incidental expenses. You can also supplement with the other free programs on this page.