Finding the right homeschool curriculum can feel overwhelming—I’ve been there! If you’re considering BJU Press, you’re not alone. It’s been a fantastic fit for our homeschool, and I plan to keep using it as long as I’m teaching my kids.
Since I know how tough it can be to decide, I’ve gathered real feedback from 30+ homeschool parents (plus my own experience) to help you make the best choice for your family.
In this review, we’ll cover:
✅ What BJU Press is all about
✅ The biggest pros and cons from real homeschool families
✅ Common FAQs answered
Oh, and heads up—this post contains affiliate links, so if you decide to purchase BJU homeschool curriculum here, thank you! It helps support our small homeschool family. 💛
Now, let’s dive in!
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. If you want to do my course on how to homeschool, click here.
What is the BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum?
BJU Press is a Christian homeschool curriculum designed to provide a strong academic foundation with a biblical worldview at its core.
Originally created for Christian schools, it’s been adapted for homeschool families and follows a traditional, school-at-home approach—meaning you take on the role of the teacher while your child works through structured lessons.
Key Features of BJU Press:
📖 Biblical Worldview – Every subject is taught through a Christian lens.
💻 Flexible Learning Options – Choose between online or paper-based formats.
🔄 Money-Back Guarantee – 30-day return policy if it’s not the right fit.
💰 Payment Plans Available – Monthly installment options make it more budget-friendly.
⏳ Time Commitment – Most kids finish their daily work in about three hours.
✅ Accredited Option – Helpful for families needing official school records.
If you want a structured, Bible-centered curriculum with flexibility, BJU Press is definitely worth considering!
My Review of BJU Press
Before diving into the details, let me share my experience with this curriculum—because let’s just say, I didn’t start off on the right foot.
At first, I went all in with the teacher’s manuals… big mistake. I quickly realized I just didn’t have the time (or patience) to keep up with all the lesson plans (see my video above for a good look at those ol’ teachers manuals).
But, my son wasn’t exactly loving my teaching style either.
Then, I discovered BJU Press’s pre-recorded video lessons—and let me tell you, game-changer!
Suddenly, I went from spending way too much time explaining every lesson to simply setting out a few manipulatives and workbooks—and letting the lessons do the heavy lifting.
Now?
My son is thriving.
He’s actually excited to learn, and he’s way ahead in his classes!
If you’re a Christian parent looking for an easy, open-and-go curriculum that actually works, I highly recommend BJU Press.
Is a BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum Online or Paper-Based?
Is a BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum Online or Paper-Based?Good news! BJU Press gives you the best of both worlds—you can choose between:
- an online teacher-led videos + physical workbooks hybrid or
- a fully paper-based curriculum with Teachers Manuals.
Unlike a fully digital program like Monarch, BJU Press isn’t 100% screen-based, which is a big win for parents (like me!) who don’t want their kids glued to a screen all day.
That’s one reason I love this curriculum (see above for a nice visual of it) —I get the flexibility of pre-recorded lessons without sacrificing hands-on learning.
💡 Best Option for Busy Parents: If you’re a work-from-home homeschooler, the online version might be a lifesaver! It’s way less time-intensive, requiring parents to step in for less than an hour a day while the video teachers handle the heavy lifting.
So, whether you prefer bookwork or tech-assisted learning, BJU Press offers a balance that works for different homeschool styles!
The Curriculum Itself
The Curriculum ItselfBJU Press isn’t just another dry, black-and-white textbook program—it’s colorful, engaging, and thoughtfully designed to keep students interested.
I’ve reviewed several of their courses, and I’ve been impressed with the high-quality graphics and layout—especially in their Math and Focus on Fives Kindergarten Reading programs (pictured above).
The visuals are age-appropriate, engaging, and actually help with learning.
But it’s not just about looks—the content is solid, too.
The lessons encourage critical thinking and introduce relevant, real-world concepts in a way that challenges students.
Weaved throughout everything is a Biblical Worldview, which helps kids analyze today’s issues in every subject through a biblical lens.
As a parent, it’s refreshing to see a curriculum that doesn’t just teach subjects—it shapes minds with a strong Christian foundation, something that’s rare in schools today.
Curriculum Options
One of the best things about BJU Press? You have options!
📚 Textbook-Based Learning – Purchase full-grade kits or individual subject textbooks.
💻 Online Learning – Access lessons and materials through the Homeschool Hub for a more flexible, hands-off approach. (I prefer this option!)
Let’s break down what’s included in each option so you can decide what works best for your family!
BJU Press Grade Kits
If you prefer a paper-based curriculum for those who don’t like any screen-time, BJU Press Grade Kits (AKA: Textbook Kits) are an option!
These kits come in a traditional textbook format, making them perfect for families who like a hands-on approach to learning.
You have flexibility in what you purchase, so you don’t have to buy everything if you don’t need it. Here’s what’s included:
📘 Student Kit – Comes with all workbooks, tests, and materials needed for the grade level.
📗 Teacher Kit – Includes answer keys and teaching manuals for every subject.
📕 Complete Grade Kit – The all-in-one bundle, including both the student and teacher kits for a full year of learning.
One of the best parts?
You can buy only what you need.
If you’re homeschooling multiple kids, you don’t have to repurchase the whole kit—just grab extra workbooks and tests for younger siblings.
Super budget-friendly!
BJU Press Subject Kits
Not looking for a full-grade curriculum?
No problem!
BJU Press also offers subject kits, so you can choose only the subjects you need at your child’s grade level (for example: math, science, reading subjects).
📚 Each subject kit includes:
- Student Workbook – All lesson materials and activities
- Teaching Manual – Helps guide instruction
- Tests & Answer Keys – Makes grading easier for parents
- Extra Materials (if needed) – Includes things like math manipulatives or other subject-specific resources
This is a great option if you mix and match curriculum or just need to supplement a specific subject!
BJU Press Video Courses
If you love the BJU Press curriculum but don’t have time to teach every lesson, their video courses might be a game-changer!
🎥 How It Works:
- Students watch pre-recorded lessons taught by BJU instructors
- They complete their workbooks and assignments at their own pace
- Parents don’t have to teach—just oversee progress
💻 How to Access:
- Online – Available through the Homeschool Hub
- 📀 DVD Format – Purchase physical DVDs if you prefer offline learning
Just like their textbooks, you can purchase video courses by grade or by subject, giving you full flexibility.
Why Parents Love BJU Press (Based on Reviews)
⭐ Video Instruction is a Hit!
Many homeschool parents love the video instruction. Why? Because it’s:
✔️ Engaging – The lessons are well-paced and keep kids’ attention
✔️ Short & Effective – Many videos are just 5-10 minutes long, enough to demonstrate key points without dragging on
✔️ Textbook-Integrated – The lessons lead kids back to their workbooks, instead of keeping them glued to a screen for an hour
This format helps kids stay focused and actually retain what they’re learning!
Want a sneak peek?
Check out a sample science video below!
Shared Screens: Easy Parent Access to Student Progress
One great feature of BJU Press’s online system is that parents can log in and track their child’s progress in real time—no guesswork needed!
👀 What You Can Do as a Parent:
- View all completed work at a glance
- Check grades instantly (and adjust them if needed)
- Credit work manually (great for small errors like a misspelled word)
- See real-time updates—no waiting for scores to refresh!
Everything is integrated into one easy-to-use system, so you can stay involved without hovering over your child’s shoulder.
Want to check it out?
Explore their free Homeschool Hub here!
Gospel-Centered & Biblically-Based
Christian homeschool parents love that BJU Press is gospel-centered, not just academically strong.
Every subject is taught through a biblical worldview, helping kids see God’s hand in all learning—from history to science.
If you’re looking for a curriculum that reinforces faith while building knowledge, BJU Press is a solid choice.
Check out other great Christian options here!
Is BJU Press Expensive?
Many homeschool moms say BJU Press is on the pricier side compared to similar curricula.
However, the accredited version is only a small extra cost, which is a nice perk.
💰 What Adds to the Cost?
- Teacher’s Manuals – Some parents felt they needed these for clarity, which increases the price.
- Comprehensive Materials – The curriculum includes high-quality resources, but that comes at a premium.
If budget is a concern, you might want to explore free homeschool options here or the affordable Schoolhouse Teachers curriculum here!
Who Is BJU Press a Good Fit For?
Not every curriculum works for every family, but BJU Press is ideal for parents who want a structured, Bible-based education with built-in support.
Here’s who will get the most out of it:
✅ Christian Families – If teaching from a Christian worldview is a priority, this curriculum keeps faith at the center of every subject.
🎥 Visual Learners – The engaging video courses make lessons easier to understand for kids who learn best by watching.
📅 Parents Who Want Pre-Planned Lessons – Everything is laid out for you, so you can follow along without the stress of planning.
🏫 Families Looking for a Long-Term Option – BJU Press offers a complete curriculum from Pre-K through high school, so you won’t have to switch midway.
🎓 Parents Who Want Accreditation – If you need courses to be officially recognized for college or state requirements, BJU Press has you covered.
⏳ Parents Who Need Independent Learning – The video courses allow kids to learn with less hands-on teaching, making it perfect for busy or working homeschool moms.
If any of these sound like you, BJU Press might be a great fit!
FAQs: Is BJU Press Too Easy or Too Hard?
This is one of the most common questions—and the answer? It depends on your child.
📌 For Advanced Learners – Some parents find BJU Press too easy for gifted students who need more challenge.
📌 For Struggling Learners – Others feel it moves too fast for kids with learning difficulties.
When browsing BJU Press homeschool reviews, I saw both comments—some parents said it was too rigorous, while others felt it wasn’t challenging enough!
Ultimately, it depends on your child’s learning style but this program tends to be towards the more robust side of homeschool curriculum.
BJU vs. Abeka (reviews forum sourced)
When comparing BJU Press and Abeka, BJU Press tends to be the favorite among homeschool parents. Here’s why:
📺 Shorter, More Engaging Videos – BJU Press videos are concise and to the point, while Abeka’s can be long and overwhelming for some students.
🎨 More Media-Rich Content – BJU Press incorporates visuals and interactive elements, making lessons more engaging.
📖 Less Busywork – Many parents find BJU assignments more manageable, whereas Abeka’s workload can feel never-ending.
💰 More Affordable – Abeka is significantly more expensive, making BJU Press the better value.
📞 Better Customer Service – Multiple reviews mention BJU Press has more helpful and responsive support.
Want a deeper comparison?
Check out my video below on Abeka vs. BJU Press!
Do they use Spiral or Mastery-Based Learning?
BJU Press primarily follows a spiral learning approach across its courses (but not always).
🔄 Spiral Learning means:
- Students revisit topics multiple times at increasing levels of difficulty.
- Each review builds on previous knowledge, reinforcing key concepts.
- It helps students gradually improve skills instead of mastering them all at once.
📌 Mastery-Based Learning, on the other hand, requires students to fully master a concept before moving on—which BJU Press does not always follow.
Having said that, they’ve made their math programs both spiral and mastery as this is how homeschool students work best.
How Long Are BJU Press Videos?
📌 Younger Grades: 10–20 minutes per lesson.
📌 Older Grades: Up to an hour per lesson.
The length varies based on the subject and grade level, but lessons are designed to be engaging without overwhelming students.
I often just read my students textbooks for math and science to keep on track and not make things too overwhelming, so feel free to just read textbooks (which can sometimes save up to an hour a day!)
What Denomination Is BJU Press?
BJU Press aligns with Protestant Christianity, originating from Bob Jones University, which teaches Reformed theology.
It’s considered a conservative Christian homeschool curriculum.
Is BJU Press Common Core?
🚫 No!
BJU Press does not follow Common Core standards.
While they may compare their curriculum to Common Core for reference, they have not adjusted their content to align with it and do not support Common Core.
Is BJU Press Challenging?
Yes!
BJU Press is robust and encourages students to think critically and analyze different perspectives.
Their lessons are structured, thought-provoking, and designed to push students beyond memorization, making it a great fit for families who want a strong academic challenge.
Is BJU Press the Same as Bob Jones University?
No. BJU Press is no longer affiliated with Bob Jones University, even though the curriculum was originally developed there.
However, many people still refer to it as the Bob Jones University curriculum, so if you hear that name, they’re talking about BJU Press.
Who Owns BJU Press?
BJU Press is now owned by the BJU Education Group (BJUEG) in Greenville, SC.
Bob Jones University no longer owns it, though the University was its original founder.
What Grades Does BJU Press Cover?
BJU Press offers a complete curriculum from K3 through 12th grade.
This means you can:
✔ Stick with the same curriculum all the way through high school
✔ Use it for multiple children across different grade levels
It’s a great option for families looking for long-term consistency in their homeschool!
Pros & Cons of BJU Press (Based on Reviews)
After reading reviews from The Homeschool Mom and other sources, here are the most common pros and cons homeschool parents mention about BJU Press.
Pros (What Parents Love)
✔️ Encourages Independent Learning – Kids can work on their own, freeing up parents.
✔️ Homeschool Hub Keeps Things Organized – Easy progress tracking & scheduling.
✔️ More Hands-On Than Abeka – Uses manipulatives for a more interactive approach.
✔️ Flexible Scheduling – You can adjust completion times in Homeschool Hub.
✔️ Engaging, High-Quality Videos – Lessons are well-structured and informative.
✔️ Top-Notch Books & Lessons – Well-designed with strong biblical content.
✔️ Accredited at No Extra Cost – A big plus for families needing official records.
✔️ Instant Grading for Quizzes & Tests – Saves time for parents.
✔️ Less Busywork Than Abeka – Assignments feel more purposeful.
✔️ Shorter Homework Time – Kids don’t feel overwhelmed.
✔️ Fun Math Program – Uses manipulatives to make concepts clearer.
✔️ Self-Paced Learning – Kids can go at their own speed.
✔️ Strong Biblical Foundation – Holds the Bible as the ultimate authority.
Cons (Common Complaints)
❌ Songs & Poems Could Be More Creative – Some feel they lack engagement.
❌ Jumping Between Resources – Requires switching between videos, workbooks, and manipulatives.
❌ More Expensive – Costs more than some other homeschool programs.
Neutral Points (Depends on Your Perspective)
⚖️ Protestant, Conservative, Reformed, & Baptist-Aligned – A plus for Protestant families, but not a fit for Catholics.
⚖️ Very Biblical Worldview – Great for Christian families, but secular families don’t like it.
⚖️ Challenging Curriculum – Good for rigorous learning, but not for those wanting an easy program.
⚖️ Some Videos Are Dated – Some lessons look modern, while others feel older.
⚖️ Some Videos Are Long – They cover a lot, but can feel lengthy.
Abeka vs BJU Press
Abeka vs BJU PressBoth BJU Press and Abeka (pictured above) offer rigorous, Bible-based homeschool curricula, but they cater to different homeschooling styles.
BJU Press is more interactive with hands-on learning and shorter, engaging video lessons, making it a great fit for families who want flexibility and less busywork.
It also includes accreditation at no extra cost and allows for easier scheduling through the Homeschool Hub.
On the other hand, Abeka follows a highly structured, traditional approach with a strong focus on memorization and repetition, particularly in phonics and math.
The video lessons are longer, and the workload is more intensive.
Abeka also offers Abeka Academy, a fully online school option.
Ultimately, BJU Press is ideal for families looking for a more flexible, engaging homeschool experience, while Abeka is best for those who prefer a rigorous, structured program.
My Father’s World vs BJU Press
My Father’s World vs BJU PressBJU Press and My Father’s World (MFW) both offer Christian homeschool curricula with strong academics and a conservative biblical worldview, but they take very different approaches to education.
BJU Press follows a traditional, structured approach, using textbooks and workbooks for a clear, step-by-step learning experience.
It’s a great choice for parents who want an organized, easy-to-follow curriculum or are new to homeschooling.
While structured, it still includes engaging visuals and interactive elements to keep learning interesting.
My Father’s World takes an eclectic approach, blending classical education, Charlotte Mason methods, and unit studies.
It’s more flexible and student-centered, allowing children to explore topics based on their interests.
This makes it a great fit for families looking for a hands-on, literature-rich curriculum, though some parents find it craft-heavy at times.
BJU Press is ideal for families who want structure and a traditional learning experience, while My Father’s World is better for those who prefer a flexible, exploratory homeschool style.
Still deciding?
Compare BJU Press vs. My Father’s World more here!
Sonlight vs BJU Press
Both BJU Press and Sonlight are Christian homeschool curricula with strong academics and a conservative biblical worldview, but they take very different approaches to learning.
BJU Press follows a traditional, structured approach, using textbooks and workbooks to teach core subjects.
It also offers video lesson options, which can be a huge time-saver for busy parents who don’t want to teach every lesson themselves.
The curriculum is easy to use, engaging, and well-organized, making it a great choice for new homeschoolers or families who prefer a structured learning style.
Sonlight, on the other hand, is a literature-based curriculum that emphasizes real books, biographies, and historical fiction to teach subjects.
This method brings learning to life through stories and encourages deeper discussions.
While it can be an engaging and interactive approach, it also requires more time and parental involvement compared to BJU Press.
BJU Press is ideal for families looking for a structured, open-and-go curriculum with video support, while Sonlight is best for those who love reading and want a flexible, literature-rich homeschool experience.
BJU Press Online Academy Is Now the Homeschool Hub 🎉
The BJU Press Online Academy has been replaced with the Homeschool Hub, a comprehensive, all-in-one homeschool management tool designed to keep everything organized and stress-free for parents.
📚 What Is the Homeschool Hub?
The Homeschool Hub helps families plan, schedule, and track learning progress while using BJU Press curriculum materials. It offers multiple ways to access lessons, making homeschooling flexible and convenient.
✨ Key Features:
▶️ Streaming Video Lessons – Pre-planned lessons with built-in schedules 📅
📝 Online Tests & Quizzes – Available for Grade 5 and up for instant grading ✅
📖 eTextbooks & Teacher Editions – Digital access to student books & teacher PDFs
💿 DVD Option – Get the same video lessons in a physical format
🛠 Other Features of the Homeschool Hub
📌 Dashboard Overview – See progress, upcoming assignments, and completed work at a glance.
📌 Calendar & Scheduling – Easily plan and reschedule lessons as needed.
📌 Full Course Access – Includes assignments, quizzes, teacher PDFs, and extra resources.
📌 Gradebook – Track progress, review grades, and make edits if necessary.
📌 Reports & Transcripts – Generate transcripts and reports to fulfill homeschooling requirements.
The Homeschool Hub 🎓 replaces the Online Academy while offering more flexibility, organization, and digital tools for homeschool families using BJU Press.
BJU Press Spanish: A Solid Homeschool Language Option
BJU Press also offers Spanish 1, 2, and 3, making it a great choice for homeschool families looking for a structured foreign language curriculum.
Designed with a Christian worldview, this program provides high-quality instruction while allowing students to work independently.
Each course includes physical workbooks shipped to your home, along with pre-recorded video lessons led by an experienced teacher.
The lessons are engaging and interactive, keeping students interested and motivated to learn.
Pricing starts at $119 per course for Spanish 1, 2, or 3.
For a more comprehensive option, the complete elementary Spanish kit is available for $1,118, which includes additional resources like CDs, books, and hands-on materials.
Learn more about BJU Press Spanish here.
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As a teacher who is using the Bob Jones material I have been very unimpressed. The lessons throughout the pre-Civil War and Civil War era reflect a very Northern bias in the material. They make the false claim that Sherman never touched buildings, farms, or seed in his March to the Sea. This is not just incorrect it is an assault on the very traumatic history of his devastating attacks which left hundreds of farms completely devoid of all life and thousands of Southerners completely without home or work.
Further the material for the homework insists that the student write a letter explaining their opposition to Manifest Destiny. The problem is that A) It frames it as a one-sided issue namely that you must oppose it and B) It never clarifies that Manifest Destiny is a term coined by later historians and was never a named or explicitly termed policy. There are other problems but these demonstrate the type of problems encountered throughout the historical material.
At the time when I bought my curriculum the represntative never explained the difference between distant learning and regular learning???
We bought the Dvd’s and still had a hard time understanding curriculum. We bought the entire package deal $800. Not user friendly. I do not recommend.
I think is big changes but, will be greatly improved for my children’s. I feel blessed to found a Christian curriculum for my children.
What is your personal opinion on the teacher manuals? Useful, indispensable or optional?
Optional. Definitely. It depends on how confident you feel teaching without them though. Some people would find it freeing. Others would find trying to do it without the manuals scary.
So do you think the teacher manuals are essential, useful or optional?
Optional. Definitely. It depends on how confident you feel teaching without them though. Some people would find it freeing. Others would find trying to do it without the manuals scary.
Hi, I noticed that in the article it mentions that accreditation is at no additional cost. But it actually does cost more because BJU Press has the Academy of Home Education for accreditation and they have applications fees and yearly fees. Please see this page:
https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/the-academy-of-home-education
Yes, you’re quite right. I’ve corrected that. I talked to one of the consultants about it, and they mentioned it, but i realized later it was wrong info. Thanks so much for taking the time to correct this!