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What is the Apologia Homeschool Curriculum?
Apologia is a popular complete homeschool curriculum that provides comprehensive, self-paced, and engaging educational materials for grades K-12.
The curriculum focuses on teaching all subjects with a biblical worldview.
But, they’re mainly known for their science, taught from a biblical, creationist perspective.
One of the key strengths of the Apologia curriculum is its in-depth, hands-on approach to science education.
The curriculum is designed to be student-led and interactive.
This lets students learn through:
- experimentation,
- observation, and
- exploration.
This approach makes science more accessible and relevant to students, helping to deepen their understanding and increase their engagement with the subject.
Another strength of this curriculum is its comprehensive coverage of various scientific topics.
This includes:
You can get:
- primary textbooks (just the books)
- the basic set of a subject (textbooks and workbooks)
- super-sets (above plus manipulatives etc.)
In addition to its complete coverage of subjects, the Apologia curriculum is notable for its clear and fun writing style.
The curriculum is written in a conversational tone.
This makes complex scientific concepts easy to understand.
Also, this science program is highly flexible, meaning students can tailor their learning experiences to individual needs.
The curriculum provides a range of resources, including textbooks, study guides, and lab kits, allowing students to learn at their own pace and in a way that works best for them.
What is the Creationist Approach to Science?
Although most readers know the creationist approach, I thought it best to delineate it to make sure.
The creationist view of science education is based on the belief that the natural world was created by a supernatural being (God).
The story of creation, as described in the Bible, is a true and accurate account of the universe’s origins.
This view contrastsĀ the scientific theory of evolution, which posits that species have changed over time through natural processes such as mutation and natural selection.
From a creationist perspective, teaching science involves incorporating biblical principles and a biblical understanding of the natural world into teaching scientific concepts.
This approach seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of science that considers both scientific evidence and the beliefs and values of their faith.
Parents who choose to use a creationist approach to teaching science may do so for several reasons, including:
- a desire to align their educational values with their religious beliefs,
- a belief that this approach provides a more comprehensive and well-rounded education or
- a concern that the theory of evolution is inconsistent with their religious beliefs.
It’s important to note that the scientific community does not accept the creationist view of science education.
It’s definitely at odds with the scientific consensus.
However, for many parents and educators, the creationist view provides a meaningful and relevant framework for understanding the natural world and the role of science in our lives.
What Does Apologia Mean in this Context?
What Does Apologia Mean in this Context?The word “apologia” is derived from the Greek word “apologĆa,” which means “defense” or “justification.”
In the context of the Apologia Curriculum, the curriculum helps teach students a defense of the biblical worldview perspective.
The curriculum helps students understand the scientific concepts they’re studying in the context of their religious beliefs.
Apologia gives students a clear understanding of why this perspective is scientifically valid and defensible.
Features of Apologia
Here is a list of some of the key features of the Apologia program:
- Biblical, Creationist Perspective: This curriculum approaches science education from a biblical, creationist perspective, helping students understand the world and their place in it from a biblical viewpoint.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The curriculum covers many scientific topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy, providing students with a thorough scientific foundation.
- Hands-On Approach: This program is designed to be student-led and interactive, allowing students to learn through experimentation, observation, and exploration.
- Clear Writing Style: The curriculum is written in a clear, conversational tone that makes complex scientific concepts easy to understand, even for students with limited prior experience in science.
- Flexible and Adaptable: The curriculum provides students and teachers with the resources to tailor their learning experience to their needs and preferences.
- Lab Kits: The curriculum comes with lab kits, allowing students to conduct experiments and gain hands-on experience with scientific concepts.
- Study Guides: The curriculum includes study guides, which provide students with additional resources and support as they learn about science.
- Textbooks: The textbooks in the curriculum provide a comprehensive overview of scientific concepts and include engaging illustrations and examples.
- Experienced and Knowledgeable Author: The curriculum was written by Dr. Jay Wile. Dr. Wile is a well-respected scientist and homeschool educator with over 30 years of experience in science education.
These are the main key features of the Apologia curriculum.
What Grades Does this Curriculum Offer?
Apologia has programs for all ages, including:
- PreK and
- Grade 1-12.
They also offer parent resources to help you teach science easily and in a fun manner.
How Much Does the Apologia Homeschool Curriculum Cost
The Apologia curriculum varies in cost a fair bit depending on the grade you buy.
Younger years are less expensive, and older years are more costly as there are more involved and more manipulatives.
Another thing that changes the cost is the format you buy the program in.
If you buy a program with video lessons, it can be more engaging but expensive.
Because you buy each subject individually, the cost can also vary depending on what you choose.
You can get away with a set for around $100, making it a pretty average cost for a homeschool science curriculum.
Apologia also has free shipping on orders over $150.
When Can I Buy This Curriculum on Sale?
Around the same time people buy curriculum in America, Apologia often goes on sale. So this is around June, July, or August.
What Homeschooling Method Does This Program Use?
This program primarily uses the Classical and Charlotte Mason homeschooling methods, but it is pretty eclectic and hands-on, too.
Apologia is designed for homeschooling environments and is compatible with variousĀ homeschooling methods.
It is often used by parents and teachers who follow a classical education, Charlotte Mason, or unschooling approach, as well as those who adopt a more eclectic approach to homeschooling.
If you don’t know much about homeschool methods, take the homeschool methods quiz here to learn what method suits you.
Does Apologia Include All Subjects?
No, this science curriculum is explicitly focused on science education and does not include all subjects. However, within the field of science, Apologia offers a comprehensive range of courses and materials, including:
- Biology: A comprehensive high school biology course designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the biological sciences.
- Chemistry: A comprehensive high school chemistry course designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of chemistry and prepare them for more advanced courses in the field.
- Physics: A comprehensive high school physics course designed to provide students with a solid understanding of physics principles and prepare them for more advanced courses in the field.
- Astronomy: A course in astronomy. This is designed to help students understand the structure and behavior of the universe.
- Zoology: A series of courses in zoology. This is designed to help students understand the animal kingdom and our planet’s diverse forms of life.
- Botany: A course in botany designed to help students understand the world of plants and their role in our environment.
- General Science: A course in general science designed for elementary school students, covering a wide range of scientific topics and concepts.
- Math:(Surprise!) You can bundle math and Science at the moment up to Grade 4
In addition to these core science courses, the Apologia homeschool science program also offers a variety of supplementary materials and resources, including lab kits, study guides, and textbooks, to help students maximize their learning experience.
As students get older, they can take more advanced courses like Marine Biology.
Can I Use This to Supplement Another Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes, this program can be used to supplement another homeschool curriculum.
This is a common use for this curriculum.
Many homeschooling families find that Apologia is a complete syllabus.
It’s engaging and complements their existing curriculum.
For example, some families use Apologia to supplement a homeschool curriculum that does not include science.
Apologia can be used for curriculums focusing on other subjects such as language arts, history, and math.
If using a secular program with an evolutionary perspective, some parents may want to supplement it with a creationist curriculum like Apologia.
For example, many dinosaur homeschool curricula are like this.
Are There Any Drawbacks to This Curriculum?
Like any educational product, this program has its strengths and weaknesses. Some of the potential drawbacks of using this curriculum include:
- Cost: The Apologia homeschool curriculum can be more expensive than other homeschool science curriculum options. The price can add up if you are purchasing multiple books for multiple children.
- Availability: While this program is widely available, it may not be accessible in all areas. Shipping costs can also be a factor for families in remote locations.
- Limited secular resources: While this program provides a biblical, creationist perspective on science, some families may prefer a secular approach. If you’re seeking a secular curriculum, Apologia may not fit your family best.
- Rigidity: Some homeschooling families find the Apologia curriculum quite structured and rigid. They say it doesn’t give as much flexibility as they were looking for. (Other families love the flexibility involved, though. And the amount of flexibility has been listed as one of the features! Your comfort with the curriculum depends on how much flexibility or rigidity you want in your homeschool.)
It is important to remember that these are potential drawbacks and that your personal experience with the Apologia curriculum may vary.
Before deciding, it is a good idea to research the curriculum thoroughly and read reviews from other homeschooling families.
What are Other Curriculum Programs Like Apologia?
There are many other science homeschool curriculum programs similar to Apologia. These include:
- BJU Press
- Masterbooks
- Abeka Science
- AOP Monarch Science
- Real Science-4-Kids
- Berean Builders
- Creation Science Study Program
- Hands-On Science by Bridgeway Academy
- Science Shepherd
- Science in the Beginning by Master Books
- The Young Scientists Club
- God’s Design for Science by Pioneers of Faith.
Let’s compare a few of these with Apologia below.
Berean Builders vs Apologia
Like Apologia, Berean Builders Science Curriculum is also designed to be used by homeschooling families.
However, it is more flexible and less structured than the Apologia Science Curriculum.
Berean Builders Science Curriculum provides a biblical perspective on science.
However, it does not cover all the science topics that the Apologia homeschool curriculum.
Instead, Berean Builders focuses on providing a solid foundation in scientific principles rather than a comprehensive science education.
This makes it a good choice for families looking for a more relaxed, less rigorous curriculum with a biblical worldview.
Check out Berean Builders here.
Masterbooks Science vs. Apologia
In comparison to Apologia, Masterbooks is less rigorous.
It has a science curriculum focuses on providing students with a biblical perspective on science and a solid foundation in scientific principles.
The curriculum is less comprehensive than the Apologia curriculum.
And it doesn’t cover as many science topics.
However, Masterbooks Science (written primarily with a relaxed Charlotte Mason approach) is designed to be used by families who want a more relaxed, less structured program.
The curriculum is also conversational, makingĀ it easy for students to understand and enjoy.
Check out Masterbooks here.
BJU Press vs Apologia
BJU Press and Apologia are similar in the format in which they provide their materials.
They both offer online or book-based choices.
But the main difference between the two is the teaching methods they employ.
Apologia is a mix between Classical, Charlotte Mason, and other methods, while BJU Press uses a more fun traditional method.
Both programs, however, have excellent reviews and are very hands-on.
I use both Apologia and BJU Press. I’m a fan of BJU Press more, though.
Check out BJU Press here.
Abeka vs. Apologia
Abeka teaches less narratively (with fewer stories).
Video lessons with Abeka tend to be a fair bit longer.
Abeka provides a reasonably traditional education. On the other hand,Ā Apologia uses a range of educational methods (like Charlotte Mason and Unit Studies).
Both programs offer online and offline formats.
However, Abeka is significantly more expensive.
The Good and the Beautiful vs Apologia
The Good and the Beautiful Science curriculum is literature-based.
It emphasizes hands-on experimentation and critical thinking skills.
The program is designed to be used by families who are looking for a more relaxed and flexible approach to science education.
The curriculum is written in a conversational style. So it’s easy for students to understand and enjoy.
TGATB is presented in a way that encourages students to make connections between science and their faith.
However, please keep in mind that this program is written by a lady who attends the LDS (Mormon) church.
This means TGATB content won’t be gospel-centered like the Apologia curriculum will be.
See this article for more on this issue (there’s a controversy surrounding TGATB for this reason).
Where Can I Purchase This Program?
You can purchase this program at their website here.
Is Apologia Homeschool Accredited?
No.
The Apologia homeschool curriculum is not accredited.
Accreditation is a process by which an outside agency evaluates an educational institution or program.
This agency then decides if the program meets specific standards.
If the agency accredits the program, it becomes an official school.
Accreditation is often seen as a stamp of quality.
This is sometimes important for parents who want to ensure their children receive a high-quality education.
However, homeschooling curriculums are not typically accredited because homeschooling is considered a form of private education.
Therefore, they’re not subject to the same regulations as public or private schools.
Instead, homeschooling families can choose a curriculum that aligns with their educational philosophy and values.
If you’re confused about accreditation (don’t worry, it’s probably my fault), I’ve made a video that people have said is helpful for understanding accreditation below.
How Popular is the Apologia Program?
Apologia is highly popular.
Especially among Christian homeschoolers in America.
It is a well-known and highly regarded homeschool science curriculum.
Thousands of homeschooling families across the U.S. and worldwide have used this program for over two decades.
The curriculum has received many positive reviews from homeschooling families and educational organizations.
They’re especially praised for their:
- quality and
- effectiveness.
The popularity of this science program is due in part to its strong reputation and the growing popularity of homeschooling in general.
More families today are looking for alternative educational options beside public school curriculum.
They want something that lets them customize their children’s education.
Something that also aligns with their values and beliefs.
And something that’s quality.
Apologia is all that and more.
Can you look at the curriculum samples before buying?
Yes, you can look at samples of the Apologia program before buying.
The Apologia website provides several resources for families considering the curriculum, including:
- sample pages,
- student notebook samples, and
- course outlines.
Additionally, families can also read reviews and testimonials from other homeschooling families.
My experience with Apologia is 5 out of five stars. And that’s what many people give them (see below):
Previewing the curriculum materials can help you get a better sense of the:
- content,
- format, and
- style of the curriculum.
It will help you decide if it fits your family well.
It’s always a good idea to review any homeschooling curriculum before purchasing.
This means you can be confident that you’re getting a program that will meet:
- your educational goals and
- needs.
If you’re interested in trying the Apologia curriculum, I recommend visiting the Apologia website.
Here, you can download free samples to try before you buy.
What Format Does This Program Come In?
This curriculum is available in a variety of formats, including:
- Hardcover Textbook: The hardcover textbook is the core component of the program. It covers all of the science topics for a particular course, including background information, scientific concepts, experiments, and activities.
- Student Notebooks: The student notebook is a workbook that provides a place for students to take notes, complete assignments, and record the results of experiments.
- Audio CDs: The audio CD features recordings of the hardcover textbook. So, it’s a valuable resource for students who prefer to listen to the material instead of reading it.
- Solutions and Tests Manual: The solutions and tests manual answers the questions and activities in the student notebook. They also have quizzes and tests to assess student learning.
- Online Curriculum via Videos: Besides the traditional print materials, the Apologia homeschool program is also online with VIMEO videos. This makes it more accessible and convenient for homeschooling families – an excellentĀ option for high school-aged students. However, the videos can be pricey.
The format of this science program is designed to be user-friendly, flexible, and engaging.
This makes it a popular choice for homeschooling families.
The combination of the hardcover textbook, student notebook, and audio CD lets students learn and engage with the material in the way that works best for them.
Do They Have Placement Tests?
I haven’t seen any placement tests by Apologia (although if you know of any, let me know in the comments below!).
Can I Get a Free Trial of Apologia?
Yes.
Apologia provides free, unrestricted access to the first module of each course.
This lets potential buyers preview the curriculum without any time constraints.
Want to Learn About Homeschooling?
So, you’ve learned a lot in this Simply Charlotte Mason curriculum review.
But you may want to learn more about homeschooling in general. 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
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You’ll have lifetime access to the course for just $67.
Sign up now and start your journey to a successful homeschooling experience!
2. The Free How to Homeschool YouTube Channel
Do you 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 homeschooling, you’ll find something valuable on our channel. And the best part? It’s completely free!
I know you’re going to love the channel!
Benefits of the Apologia Curriculum
ApologiaĀ provides several benefits to students, teachers, and parents. These benefits include:
- engaging and interactive way of learning to help students retain information and develop critical thinking skills.
- covers Biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy, among other subjects, providing a complete overview of key scientific concepts.
- Biblical, creationist perspective of the curriculum aligns with Christian religious beliefs and values.
- flexible and adaptable, allowing students and teachers to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs
- . It is an excellent choice for homeschoolers and educators.
These are just a few benefits of using Apologia, making it an excellent choice for homeschoolers and educators.
Can Apologia Be Used In Schools?
Yes.
Apologia can be used for school science.
Teachers can use video lessons (through VIMEO) or do things through the open-and-go textbooks.
Either way, it’s a great creation science choice.
See this link on using Apologia in Christina schools here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apologia is a highly effective and engaging homeschool science curriculum. It gives students a fully hands-on education in all subjects. Whether you are a homeschool parent looking for a curriculum for your child or a science teacher looking for a resource to use in your classroom, this program is excellent.
