So You’ve Decided to Homeschool—But Where Do You Find the Materials?
- shoalseer
- Jan 15
- 4 min read
One of the very first questions new homeschoolers ask is also one of the most stressful:
Where do I find curriculum?
With so many options available—free, inexpensive, brand new, used, online, offline—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this Tip of the Week, I’m breaking down where to find homeschool curriculum and then highlighting options that fit different homeschooling approaches I’ve outlined in a separate post.
Online Curriculum Retailers
Rainbow Resources
Rainbow Resources is one of my favorite one-stop shops for homeschool curriculum. They carry a wide range of publishers and styles, making it easy to compare prices and read solid descriptions of what you’re buying. While it’s not the same as flipping through a book in person, for an online retailer it’s about as close as you can get.
Christianbook
Christianbook is similar to Rainbow Resources but focuses on Christian curriculum. They offer a wide variety of options, frequent discounts, and sometimes free shipping. You can often find helpful photos and previews of the materials as well.
Tip: Both Rainbow Resources and Christianbook offer limited samples of some curricula. For more in-depth previews, visit the publisher’s website directly—this is usually the best way to see full sample lessons and understand the program’s philosophy.
Used and Discounted Curriculum
eBay
eBay can be a goldmine for new, gently used, or even older curriculum at very affordable prices. Just be sure to compare prices with the publisher’s website so you know you’re actually getting a good deal.
Facebook Buy/Sell Groups
Homeschool curriculum buy/sell groups on Facebook often have thousands of members nationwide. These groups can be an excellent way to save money.
A few cautions:
Always check current retail prices before buying
Use a secure payment method like PayPal, where you can request a refund if needed
Finding Curriculum by Homeschool Style
Traditional Textbook, All-in-One Programs, and Eclectic or Unschooling Approaches
If you’re looking for a more traditional setup—or supplemental materials like games, flashcards, or unit studies—the options above are a great place to start.
I also highly recommend in-person consignment or trunk sales if you have access to them. These sales let you see materials in person and keep money within your local homeschool community.
This weekend at SEER, we’re hosting the Shoals Educational Exchange Sale, our twice-yearly curriculum consignment sale. I always find incredible deals there. You can find more information about the sale here on the Shoals Educational Exchange page or stop by starting at 10 a.m. on January 16.
If you’re an eclectic homeschooler, these sales are especially helpful because you can browse a wide variety of materials all in one place.
Online Homeschooling Options
For online programs, you usually need to go directly to the vendor. Below are some popular choices, along with a few important considerations.
Online schooling can sometimes make it harder for kids to retain information if it isn’t supplemented. Some programs feel too empty, while others are so intense that they drain the joy from homeschooling altogether. Additionally, some popular online programs are not legally considered homeschooling and don’t offer the same freedoms (in Alabama, examples include Connections Academy and K12).
MIAcademy
MIAcademy is a popular option, especially during busy seasons or life transitions (like welcoming a new baby). While it sometimes gets criticized for being shallow, it can be enhanced with printable PDFs and suggested projects. It’s easy to use and offers monthly, yearly, or lifetime payment options.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is completely free and offers a wide range of educational content. Some families use it as their primary resource and love it. While I haven’t used it as a full curriculum, it’s an excellent supplemental tool.
Other Online Options
Easy Peasy
Power Homeschool
Abeka Online
I’ll be doing full reviews of these later, but if online schooling appeals to you, they’re worth exploring. Be sure to research the religious perspective of these programs before purchasing.
Literature-Based and Charlotte Mason Approaches
A literature-based homeschool can be as simple as using your local library combined with unit studies from sites like Teachers Pay Teachers or Etsy.
If you want something more structured, here are a few strong options:
Blossom and Root
Blossom and Root is a beautiful, literature-rich curriculum for families who want structure without rigidity. You can download it instantly after purchase, and it’s very affordable at every level. They run several sales each year, and you can use individual subjects rather than the entire program. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and visually lovely.
Ambleside Online
Ambleside Online offers a completely free Charlotte Mason education plan. You’ll need to purchase or source the books yourself, but many are available through libraries or as open-source texts.
Wildwood Curriculum
Wildwood is a secular Charlotte Mason option. Like Ambleside Online, it provides a free guide while allowing you to choose and purchase the materials independently.
Finding homeschool curriculum doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or expensive. Whether you prefer brand-new materials, secondhand bargains, online programs, or a literature-rich approach, there are more options available now than ever before.
The most important thing to remember is this: there is no perfect curriculum. The best choice is the one that fits your family’s values, your child’s learning style, and your current season of life. Start small, be willing to adjust, and give yourself permission to change course if something isn’t working.
Homeschooling is a journey, and curriculum is just a tool—not the goal.
Where do you love to find curriculum?
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