Looking for a free homeschool curriculum that actually works? The good news is that there are now dozens of free homeschool programs available online. The bad news? Many aren’t complete curriculum packages, some require a lot of parent preparation, and others don’t fit every family’s educational philosophy.
After homeschooling my own children and reviewing dozens of homeschool programs over the years, these are the free curriculum options I’d look at first.
Some are Christian.
Some are secular.
But most are are completely free.
Others are technically free but require optional books or supplies.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the strengths, weaknesses, and ideal family for each curriculum so you can find the best fit for your homeschool.
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:
- Easy Peasy
- Ambleside Online
- Puritans Homeschool
- An Old Fashioned Education
- Khan Academy
- Hippo Campus
- The Classical Curriculum
- Little House Kindergarten
- Mater Amabilis
- 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.
10 Free Homeschool Curriculum Packages
1. Easy Peasy All-in-One
If you’re looking for a completely free Christian homeschool curriculum, Easy Peasy is probably the first program you should investigate.
Created by homeschooling mother Lee Giles, Easy Peasy offers a full curriculum from preschool through high school. Families can access daily lesson plans online, making it possible to homeschool without purchasing expensive curriculum packages.
One reason Easy Peasy remains so popular is its simplicity. Parents don’t need to spend hours creating lesson plans or piecing together resources from different websites. Instead, students simply log in and follow the lessons for the day.
Of course, the trade-off is that much of the curriculum is delivered online. Families trying to limit screen time may find this frustrating, particularly in the younger years.
Still, for families on a tight budget, it’s difficult to beat the value. If I needed a complete Christian homeschool curriculum without spending money, Easy Peasy would be one of the first places I’d look.
It’s also good to note, this program uses lots of secular resources so it’ feels like a Christian core with secular padding.
Best for: Families wanting a complete free Christian curriculum from preschool through high school.
2. Ambleside Online
For Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, Ambleside Online is often considered the gold standard of free curriculum.
Rather than relying on textbooks, Ambleside uses living books, narration, nature study, and rich literature to provide a broad education. Thousands of families have used the program successfully over the years, and an active online community makes it easier to find support when questions arise.
What makes Ambleside particularly attractive is the quality of the book selections. Many of the resources are available free online because they are now in the public domain, helping families provide a rich education without a large curriculum budget.
The biggest challenge for many parents is the amount of reading involved. Charlotte Mason homeschooling programs often requires substantial parent involvement, particularly in the younger years. Some families use audiobooks to lighten the load.
If you love the Charlotte Mason philosophy and don’t mind being actively involved in your children’s education, Ambleside Online is one of the best free options available.
Best for: Charlotte Mason families who want a rich literature-based education.
3. Puritans Homeschool
Puritans Homeschool is a lesser-known option, but it may appeal strongly to families looking for distinctly Reformed Christian resources.
Produced by the Puritans Network, the program emphasizes theology, Christian character, and solid biblical teaching. Parents who appreciate Puritan writers and a strongly Christian worldview will likely find much to enjoy here.
It’s important to understand, however, that this isn’t a complete homeschool curriculum. Rather than providing every subject from kindergarten through graduation, it serves more as a collection of resources and studies that can supplement other curriculum.
For families wanting a deeper focus on theology and Christian discipleship, Puritans Homeschool may be worth exploring.
Best for: Reformed Christian families seeking supplemental curriculum resources.
4. K12
If you’re looking for a free public-school-at-home program, K12 is one of the most comprehensive options available.
Unlike many homeschool curriculum providers, K12 was designed to deliver a full education online. In states where the program is publicly funded, eligible families may be able to access curriculum, teacher support, and other educational resources at little or no cost.
The lessons are professionally produced and often include videos, interactive activities, and automated grading. For parents who feel nervous about teaching certain subjects themselves, this level of support can be reassuring.
That said, K12 isn’t technically a homeschool curriculum in the traditional sense. Because it follows public school requirements, families generally have less flexibility than they would with an independent homeschool program. The curriculum is also a secular homeschool pick, which may not suit families seeking a Christian worldview.
Because you’ll find all sorts of teaching found in public schools in this curriculum (pronouns and beyond!).
Best for: Families seeking a free public-school-at-home program.
5. An Old Fashioned Education
One challenge with free homeschooling is sorting through the overwhelming number of resources available online. That’s where An Old Fashioned Education can be helpful.
Rather than creating an entirely new curriculum, the site organizes thousands of free educational resources into a usable curriculum framework. Much of the material comes from older books that are now in the public domain.
The result is a treasure trove of free textbooks, literature, history resources, and educational materials that might otherwise be difficult to discover.
Because the curriculum relies heavily on older books and self-directed learning, it won’t appeal to every family. However, parents who enjoy classical education, Charlotte Mason methods, or simply finding quality resources without spending money may find it invaluable.
Best for: Families who enjoy building their own curriculum from free educational resources.
6. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is one of the most well-known free educational websites in the world.
Although it isn’t a complete homeschool curriculum, it provides high-quality instruction in subjects such as math, science, economics, computing, and test preparation. The lessons are easy to follow, and students can progress at their own pace.
One feature I particularly like is the progress tracking. Students can see exactly where they’re succeeding and where they need additional practice. This makes it easier for parents to identify learning gaps.
The biggest drawback for Christian homeschoolers is that Khan Academy is entirely secular. It also doesn’t provide a complete curriculum package, so most families use it alongside other resources rather than as their sole curriculum.
Even so, many people see it as one of the best free educational tools available online today.
Best for: Families looking for free math and supplementary subject instruction.
7. Hippo Campus
Hippo Campus is another free online learning resource that can supplement a homeschool education.
The site contains thousands of educational videos covering subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, and humanities. Many of the resources are geared toward middle school, high school, and college-preparation students.
Because the lessons are video-based, Hippo Campus can be particularly helpful for independent learners who enjoy learning from lectures and visual presentations.
Like Khan Academy, however, Hippo Campus isn’t a complete homeschool curriculum. Most families use it to strengthen individual subjects rather than as their primary educational program.
For older students who want additional explanations or enrichment opportunities, it’s a useful resource to keep in your toolbox.
Again, this one is thoroughly secular.
Best for: Middle school and high school students needing supplemental instruction.
8. The Classical Curriculum
Families interested in classical education may enjoy exploring The Classical Curriculum.
This website collects a wide range of classical education resources, many of which are available free online. You’ll find literature, history resources, educational plans, and recommendations designed around the classical model of education.
Like Ambleside Online, much of the value comes from access to excellent books that are now in the public domain. Parents can often provide a surprisingly rich education with little financial investment.
The trade-off is that parents typically need to take a more active role in planning and organizing the curriculum. This isn’t a “open the box and start teaching” type of program.
For families attracted to classical education but hesitant to spend hundreds of dollars on curriculum, it’s a worthwhile place to start.
Best for: Classical homeschoolers seeking free educational resources.
9. Little House Kindergarten
If you’re searching for a free preschool homeschool curriculum or free kindergarten homeschool curriculum, Little House Kindergarten deserves a close look.
Created by a former teacher and homeschool mother, this curriculum was specifically designed for young children. Unlike many free programs that rely heavily on screens, Little House Kindergarten focuses on printable lessons, hands-on activities, stories, and gentle learning experiences.
One thing parents often appreciate is that the curriculum doesn’t try to push academics too early. Lessons are short, age-appropriate, and designed to nurture a love of learning rather than overwhelm young children with worksheets.
The curriculum is funded by families who choose to contribute, meaning many parents can access it for free or very little cost.
For families beginning their homeschool journey with preschoolers or kindergarteners, this program is seen as one of the strongest free options available today.
Best for: Preschool and kindergarten families wanting a gentle, printable curriculum.
10. Mater Amabilis
Catholic homeschool families often struggle to find curriculum recommendations that align with their faith. Mater Amabilis helps fill that gap.
Based on Charlotte Mason principles, Mater Amabilis combines rich literature, narration, habit training, and living books with a distinctly Catholic worldview. The result is a curriculum that feels both academically strong and spiritually grounded.
Like many Charlotte Mason programs, Mater Amabilis relies heavily on quality books rather than textbooks. Families willing to invest time in reading and discussion often find the approach both enjoyable and effective.
The curriculum is organized by year levels, but parents have flexibility to adjust placements depending on their children’s abilities and educational needs.
For Catholic homeschoolers looking for a free curriculum option, Mater Amabilis is one of the most respected programs available.
Best for: Catholic families wanting a Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschool education.
11. Freedom Homeschooling
Freedom Homeschooling takes a slightly different approach from the other programs on this list.
Rather than providing a complete curriculum, it functions as a large directory of free homeschool resources. Parents can browse curriculum by subject, grade level, educational philosophy, or worldview.
This makes it particularly useful for homeschoolers who enjoy mixing and matching resources. Whether you’re searching for free math programs, language arts resources, science lessons, or Christian curriculum options, Freedom Homeschooling can help point you in the right direction.
The obvious downside is that you’ll still need to make curriculum decisions yourself. Families looking for a complete “open-and-go” program may prefer Easy Peasy or K12 instead.
However, if you enjoy customizing your homeschool, Freedom Homeschooling can save you countless hours of research.
Best for: Families wanting a directory of free homeschool curriculum resources.
12. Under the Home
Under the Home is a free curriculum built around Charlotte Mason principles. It’s secular, but there are Christian books in the course because the Charlotte Mason method often has that!
Covering kindergarten through middle school years (Grade 5), the program includes lesson plans, book recommendations, activities, and educational resources across a range of subjects. The lessons encourage children to engage with quality books, nature, history, and ideas rather than simply completing worksheets.
One of the strengths of Under the Home is its flexibility. Parents can use the curriculum as written or adapt it to suit their family’s needs and schedule.
Like many Charlotte Mason-inspired programs, however, it requires more parental involvement than some online curricula. Families looking for independent learning may find it less convenient than programs such as Easy Peasy or K12.
Still, for Christian homeschoolers who love the Charlotte Mason philosophy, Under the Home offers remarkable value for a completely free curriculum.
Best for: Christian Charlotte Mason families wanting a free curriculum.
What Is the Best Free Homeschool Curriculum?
If I had to recommend just one free homeschool curriculum to most families, Easy Peasy would probably be my top choice.
It’s one of the few programs that provides a complete curriculum from preschool through high school, incorporates a Christian worldview, and doesn’t require parents to spend hours assembling lessons from multiple sources.
That doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone.
Charlotte Mason families will likely prefer Ambleside Online or Under the Home. Catholic homeschoolers may gravitate toward Mater Amabilis. Families wanting a public-school-at-home experience may find K12 a better fit.
The good news is that homeschool parents today have more free curriculum options available than ever before. With a little research, it’s entirely possible to provide a quality home education without spending a fortune on curriculum.
Can You Really Homeschool for Free?
Yes, many families successfully homeschool for very little money.
Programs such as Easy Peasy, Ambleside Online, Little House Kindergarten, and Under the Home provide access to substantial portions of a homeschool education at little or no cost.
That said, “free” doesn’t always mean completely free. You may still choose to purchase books, art supplies, science equipment, printers, or supplemental curriculum. Many homeschool families also decide to invest in specialized subjects such as math, reading, or foreign languages.
Even so, using free curriculum can dramatically reduce the overall cost of homeschooling and make home education accessible to families on almost any budget.
Affordable Paid Alternatives Worth Considering
While free curriculum can work extremely well, some families eventually decide they would like more structure, teacher support, video instruction, or professionally designed materials.
If that’s you, these are some affordable paid programs worth investigating:
- SchoolhouseTeachers
- BJU Press Homeschool
- Compass Classroom
- Master Books
- My Father’s World
These programs aren’t free, but many families find the additional support and convenience worth the investment.
Free Resources for Homeschool
Even if you choose one of the free homeschool curriculum packages above, don’t forget about the many free educational resources available online. Khan Academy, PBS LearningMedia, local libraries, museums, and homeschool co-ops can all help supplement your child’s education at little or no cost.
For more ideas, check out my complete list of free and paid homeschool resources.
Other Free Homeschool Resources Worth Exploring
Even if you choose one of the free homeschool curriculum packages above, there are plenty of additional resources that can enrich your homeschool. But be careful as a lot of the content often has questionable material in it. You’ll want to preview it first:
- LibriVox for free audiobooks
- Project Gutenberg for classic literature and public-domain books
- National Geographic Kids for science, geography, and nature studies
- Library of Congress for history and primary source documents
- NASA for Students for STEM learning
- Coursera for older students wanting university-style courses
- BBC Bitesize for educational videos and lessons
- Duolingo [NOT RECOMMENDED see this video as to why]
These resources work particularly well as supplements to a free curriculum, helping you fill gaps or explore your child’s interests in greater depth.
What Supplies Do You Need for a Free Homeschool Curriculum?
One of the advantages of free homeschool curriculum is that you don’t need much to get started. Most families can begin with basic supplies such as pencils, paper, notebooks, and internet access.
Depending on the program you choose, you may also want a printer, library card, art supplies, or a few inexpensive books. Even with these extras, free curriculum can significantly reduce the overall cost of homeschooling.
Finally…
A free homeschool curriculum can be an excellent option for families wanting to homeschool on a budget. Whether you prefer a complete Christian curriculum like Easy Peasy, a Charlotte Mason approach like Ambleside Online, or a secular option such as Khan Academy, there are more free choices available today than ever before.
The best curriculum isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—it’s the one that fits your child, your teaching style, and your family’s goals. With so many quality free resources available, it’s entirely possible to provide a rich and effective homeschool education without spending a fortune.
I am interested in homeschooling my grandchildren due to COVID19.
Great choice!
Trying to enroll in 8th grade
Yay! That’s so exciting! This is definitely the page to get a good free homeschool curriculum to help you do that 🙂
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!
How do I get my kids started
Check out the Ultimate Guide to homeschooling on the homepage which is a PDF download. It’s got everything to get you started 🙂
I am looking for some different programs…so thanks!
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
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.
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!
I checked it out and I’ve added it to the list. Thanks for the heads up!
How can I homeschool my 10th grader free
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.
I need 8 th grade homework
i love the good job