Maybe your child is experiencing bullying or bad school culture, and you want to try homeschooling for a term. Perhaps you’re traveling and need a program to cover your time away. Or maybe you just want to give home education a shot and have the option to return to school if it doesn’t work. What are your best options for short-term homeschooling programs? I’ll cover them in this curriculum.
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10 BEST Short-Term Homeschooling Programs
Below are some great options if you’re doing some temporary homeschooling. We’ll chat about these options in detail below:
- BJU Press – open-and-go, accredited, video lessons
- Veritas Press – classical, accredited, FREE consultation here
- Ignite Christian Academy (by AOP) – accredited
- Abeka Academy – an old favorite
- Acellus Academy – secular
- Northgate Academy – online, high school to college
- and more!
All of the programs in this list are accredited homeschool options.
This allows you to easily show schools a transcript of the work your child has completed upon returning to school.
Accredited options aren’t mandatory – they’re just easier if you homeschool short-term.
It technically means you’re not homeschooling…you’re just going with an online school.
However, there are pros and cons to this type of homeschooling (check out the video below for a closer look at this issue).
BJU Press – Popular Short-Term Homeschool Program
If you’re looking for a temporary homeschool program or a short-term homeschool solution, look no further than BJU Press!
BJU Press is my favorite accredited homeschool program for a good reason – they offer an open-and-go Christian curriculum for grades K-12 that is both fun and effective.
This program lets parents work in the background while the online pre-recorded teacher, using video lessons and workbooks, does all the work for them.
BJU Press integrates a biblical worldview into various subjects, promoting critical thinking and character development while encouraging children to think about the gospel meaningfully.
Their engaging and colorful program will excite your children about learning using video lessons alongside physical workbooks and texts, making it easy for families of all skill levels to get started.
As someone who has used BJU Press in my own homeschool, I can confidently say it is one of the best homeschool programs.
Their curriculum is comprehensive, engaging, and effective, and it has helped my children thrive academically and spiritually.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or just looking for a temporary solution, I highly recommend using BJU Press.
Buy BJU Press here.
Veritas Press – free consultation here
Veritas Press is a great option for a short-term homeschool program.
Veritas Press is a classical homeschool curriculum, meaning it teaches using a more classical method (see the video below for the classical method).
It offers an online curriculum for students (including video lessons) from kindergarten to grade 12.
Veritas Press focuses on the trivium, which involves teaching children in the:
The main goal of this approach is to provide children with knowledge and teach them how to use it logically, analyze it critically, and present their ideas gracefully.
Teenagers learn to communicate their knowledge and ideas effectively to become good citizens.
The program offers LIVE classes where students can interact with their peers and teachers online.
Alternatively, parents can choose self-paced classes for their children to complete at their own convenience.
Veritas offers FREE homeschool consultations here.
Ignite Christian Academy (Formerly Alpha Omega Academy)
Ignite Christian Academy (ICA) is an accredited curriculum that gets rave reviews and is, maybe, the best AOP‘s product yet.
ICA has high educational standards, so students are well-prepared for college or university applications.
Beyond its academic excellence, ICA is affordable compared to private school options.
ICA is flexible, and students can access lessons anytime, meaning a student can have a job and homeschool simultaneously.
Their teachers offer expertise and personalized instruction, ensuring students receive individual attention and support.
Through live teacher support, including telephone, email, online contact, interactive lessons, and more, students can meet in real-time and engage with teachers and fellow classmates.
Check out ICA here.
Abeka Academy – Christian Short-Term Homeschool Program
Abeka Academy is another ‘accredited homeschool curriculum’ that is often compared with BJU Press.
The program has a good name and is very popular.
Abeka is a Christian homeschool curriculum that has offered books and programs to families worldwide for decades (I even used them when I was homeschooled in the late 90’s).
They offer a blended learning approach with video lessons and physical workbooks.
You can check out more about Abeka Academy here or buy their curriculum directly here.
Memoria Academy (by Memoria Press)
Memoria Academy is a classical curriculum by Memoria Press. They are a Christian curriculum for grades K-12.
MA uses these things in its curriculum:
- great books (which are a hallmark of classical education),
- Latin (learning this is part of the grammar stage), and
- critical thinking skills (part of the second stage of classical education).
They are best known for their great Latin homeschool curriculum.
Like most programs on this page, they also offer an unaccredited version.
Discover Memoria Press in this review, or buy their curriculum directly here.
Acellus Academy – Secular Short-Term Homeschool Program
Acellus Academy is a popular secular online homeschool program offering a complete and self-paced short-term homeschool program for all grades.
This secular program provides diverse courses covering core subjects and electives, allowing students to tailor their education based on their individual interests and academic goals.
With engaging video lessons, interactive assessments, and real-time progress tracking, AA offers a flexible learning experience.
Acellus Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), a regional accreditation agency.
Check out more about Acellus Academy here.
Northgate Academy – Affordable Short-Term Homeschool Program
Northgate Academy is a great option for high school students.
They are committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth; Northgate Academy provides a variety of courses that integrate a biblical worldview into the curriculum.
Students can expect engaging and fun coursework that reinforces learning while encouraging traditional values.
One of Northgate Academy’s standout features is its affordability.
It offers a competitive pricing structure compared to other programs.
The flexible online platform lets students finish their coursework entirely online, making it convenient and available from anywhere in the world.
With highly qualified instructors and a student-centered approach, Northgate Academy ensures learners receive the support they need to succeed.
Check out Northgate Academy more here.
CLRC Online – Good for Temporary Homeschooling
The Classical Learning Resource Center (CLRC) provides an accredited classical curriculum for Grades K-12.
Emphasizing a classical approach to education, CLRC offers live, online classes conducted via Zoom, ensuring real-time engagement between teachers and students.
The program’s instructors, many of whom hold advanced degrees and extensive teaching experience, deliver high-quality educational instruction and support.
It’s important to note that the curriculum comes from an Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective.
Notably, all courses are recorded, allowing students to revisit past sessions or catch up on forgotten lessons.
CLRC is accredited by WASCLive and offers NCAA-approved core courses.
It meets rigorous academic standards and allows students to earn college credit through dual enrollment.
With 24/7 access to assignments and grades, this short-term homeschool program provides a comprehensive and transparent homeschooling option.
Sora Schools
Sora Schools is an accredited online homeschool that offers middle and high school students a flexible and rigorous curriculum.
They use innovative teaching methods to prepare students for higher education and real-world challenges.
If you’re looking for an accredited, high-quality homeschooling experience, Sora Schools is an excellent choice for online education.
Miacademy
MiAcademy provides a fun and entertaining online environment for students, encouraging interaction through chats, videos, and contests.
This platform enhances the learning experience and fosters a sense of community among students.
Moreover, it introduces a reward system, allowing students to earn fun incentives.
These rewards serve as positive feedback, motivating students and recognizing their efforts in the learning process.
With a focus on education and enjoyment, MiAcademy aims to make homeschooling a rewarding and enriching experience for every student.
Check out a Miacademy review here.
Pros and Cons of Accredited Curriculum for Temporary Homeschooling
Accredited homeschooling programs offer a variety of advantages and disadvantages for parents considering short-term homeschooling.
Advantages
One of the main advantages is that accredited programs are often recognized by educational institutions and employers, which can be helpful if you:
- plan on enrolling your child back into a traditional school or
- want to ensure that your child’s transcript will be accepted by colleges and universities.
Accredited programs have a great reputation and offer high-quality education, giving parents peace of mind knowing that their child is getting the best possible education.
Additionally, accredited programs typically take a more structured and rigorous approach to education, which can help ensure that your child stays on track.
Disadvantages
However, there are also some disadvantages to using an accredited curriculum.
One of the biggest disadvantages is that accredited programs can be significantly more expensive than non-accredited programs.
Some accredited programs may have a more rigid structure, leaving less room for customization and creativity.
This can be a disadvantage for parents who are looking for a more flexible approach to education.
Moreover, some parents may find the accreditation process time-consuming and stressful.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether or not to use an accredited curriculum for short-term homeschooling.
Consider your child’s individual needs and learning style, as well as your own goals and budget.
Ultimately, your family’s unique situation and preferences will determine whether or not to use an accredited curriculum.
The Bottom Line on Short-Term Homeschool Programs
Temporary homeschooling can be a great option for families needing flexibility or looking for a different approach to education. Short-term homeschool programs offer various options, from accredited to non-accredited programs, and it’s important to choose the one that best meets your family’s needs. While each program has its advantages and disadvantages, the most important thing is finding a program that works for your child’s needs. Short-term homeschool programs can provide a great solution whether you’re traveling, dealing with school-related issues, or simply wanting to try homeschooling. So, take the time to research and find the program that’s right for you and your family.