When you first decide to homeschool, it’s easy to fall into the curriculum overwhelm. There’s SO many choices out there. What if you pick the “wrong” one?!
Here’s some peace of mind: there is no wrong or right choice.
Here’s some more peace of mind: Schools all use the same curriculum for every kid and there is no way every kid fits into the same curriculum mold.
Our first year homeschooling was a whole year of trial and error and figuring out what worked for who. Even as we wrap up our third year, we aren’t using any of the same things we used then. It took us tons of picking curriculum, trying it, and finding out that it either didn’t work for me or didn’t work for my kids.
Choosing a curriculum can help guide your homeschool, but it doesn’t define your homeschool. Curriculum can be adapted or changed.
And while we don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars finding out that something doesn’t work, remember that you can always resell things, and in your homeschool the curriculum isn’t what your kids will look back and remember, it will be the joy and the relationships they built with you.
Start with Your Why Before Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum
I would say this is the most important part of your homeschool, no matter what part of your journey you’re on.
I emphasize this a lot because it’s what you will always come back to whether you’re having a tough day with the kids, feeling like your failing, trying to figure out curriculum, or considering sending your kids back to school.
Consider all of these questions before you even think about curriculum:
- Why did you choose to homeschool?
- What values or beliefs influenced your decision to homeschool?
- What do you hope homeschooling will offer your child or family that traditional school couldn’t?
- How does homeschooling align with your long-term vision for your child’s education or upbringing?
- What kind of homeschool experience do you want for your child (and yourself)?
Know Your Child (and Yourself) When Choosing Homeschool Curriculum
Before you dive into any curriculum or planning, take a step back and look at who you’re actually homeschooling. Not just the grade level or age, but your child as a real, full human.
Charlotte Mason was onto something when she said children are born persons, meaning that they are not blank slates for us to draw upon.
What gets your kids going? What lights them up?
Do they love stories? Struggle to do activities that don’t involve a lot of movement? Are they hands-on builders? Find joy in arts and crafts? Curious question-askers who need time to wander and explore? Nature lovers?
Paying attention to your child’s learning style, interests, and personality can make adapting your homeschooling so much smoother (and way more enjoyable for both of you). If your child learns best through movement and experiences, a workbook-heavy curriculum might be a recipe for frustration.
On the flip side, if your kid loves structure and checklists, a completely free-flowing unschooling style could feel stressful for them.
And here’s the part we often forget: you matter too. Your energy, your bandwidth, and your own learning or teaching preferences count.
If a certain approach feels like a constant uphill battle, that’s a sign—not that you’re failing, but that the fit is off. You’re part of the homeschool ecosystem, and your well-being shapes the tone of your days.
Finding the sweet spot between what works for your child and what’s sustainable for you is the goal. It won’t be perfect every day, but tuning into both sides of that equation can help you build a rhythm that feels doable, flexible, and fits your family.
Understand the Different Homeschool Styles
1. Charlotte Mason
The vibe: Picture nature walks, living books, and gentle rhythms.
This approach is all about short lessons, rich literature (they call them “living books”), time in nature, and good habits. It’s structured, but not rigid. It’s a wonderful approach if you want slow, meaningful days.
Perfect for: Families who love reading aloud, nature, and rhythms over checklists.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: You don’t have to do all the things — even just adding a living book and some outside time is a win.
2. Classical
The vibe: Structured, academic, traditional (but at home).
Classical homeschooling follows the idea of learning in stages (grammar, logic, rhetoric). There’s a lot of memorization early on and a focus on logic and classical literature as kids get older.
Perfect for: Families who want a strong academic foundation and don’t mind a bit of structure.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: If you love a plan and a timeline, this might feel comforting. If not, you can borrow bits (like memory work or Socratic discussions) without going full-on Latin.
3. Unschooling
The vibe: No curriculum, all curiosity.
Unschooling is child-led learning. No set lessons and no “school time.” Unschooling involves lots of exploring the world and learning through real life. Kids follow their interests, and parents act more as facilitators than teachers.
Perfect for: Families who value freedom, trust, and natural learning.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: This can feel super freeing, super scary, or both. There are different levels of unschooling depending on how much autonomy is given to your kids, but unschooling ideas (like interest-led learning) can be adapted in many different ways..
4. Unit Studies
The vibe: Everything connects to one big theme.
With unit studies, you choose a topic (like dinosaurs or space or Ancient Egypt) and tie all subjects into it — reading, writing, science, art, and math. This can be great for teaching multiple ages together.
Perfect for: Creative families and kids who love deep dives into a topic.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: This is a great way to make learning fun, especially if you only want to plan one thing and call it a day. There’s lots of resources out there for almost anything you want to do a unit study on.
5. Traditional
The vibe: School-at-home, with worksheets and textbooks.
This approach mimics the classroom with the same subjects, structure, and possibly even the same materials. This is often used with boxed curriculums or online programs.
Perfect for: New homeschoolers who want a similar vibe to the traditional classroom and a clear, familiar path to start with.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: This can be a helpful starting point if you’re overwhelmed, but don’t be afraid to ditch parts that aren’t working. You are not a school, and often those who start here don’t end up here.
6. Eclectic
The vibe: A little of this, a little of that, this mixes multiple styles into one.
Eclectic homeschoolers mix and match styles and resources to fit their family’s needs. You might do Charlotte Mason-inspired reading, a math workbook, and unschool history projects.
Perfect for: Families who might find joy in parts and pieces of many different styles or want freedom, flexibility, and a personalized approach.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: This is where a lot of us end up. It’s strategic and allows you to create a homeschool all your own.
7. Montessori
The vibe: Calm, intentional, and kid-led — with lots of hands-on materials.
Montessori homeschooling focuses on independence, real-life skills, and learning through doing. Think child-sized tools, sensory experiences, and beautiful trays of activities. It’s about letting kids move freely and learn at their own pace through purposeful work.
Perfect for: Families who love structure and freedom, and who value calm, prepared environments.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: You don’t need a full shelf of wooden materials to be inspired by Montessori. Even just encouraging independence and letting your kid explore real tasks (like cooking or sorting) counts.
8. Waldorf
The vibe: Whimsical, seasonal, artsy, and slow.
Waldorf homeschooling is big on rhythm, imagination, and protecting childhood. You’ll find storytelling, handcrafts, natural materials, and a strong focus on beauty and wonder. Academic learning is delayed, with early years focused more on play, creativity, and connection.
Perfect for: Families who love nature, slow days, and screen-free learning.
Lazy Homeschooler thoughts: Waldorf can feel dreamy — but don’t stress if you’re not up for baking bread weekly or knitting by candlelight. You can still lean into rhythm, storytelling, and beauty in your own way.
Set Realistic Expectations
You Won’t Find the Perfect Homeschool Curriculum
Before you stress yourself out too much, know this: the perfect homeschool curriculum doesn’t exist.
That amazing math program or beautifully illustrated history guide might look like it’s going to solve all your homeschool worries, but no single resource is going to check every box for every child, every year, and keep you sane in the process.
The good news is, that takes some pressure off of you.
Curriculum is a tool, not a non-negotiable commitment. You’re not locked into anything for 12 years (or even 12 weeks).
Most homeschoolers do adjust and pivot their initial choice in curriculum throughout their homeschool journey. This isn’t because they messed up, but because they’re learning right alongside their kids what works and doesn’t work for their family. That’s part of the process.
Especially in your first year, give yourself permission to start small and stay flexible. You don’t need a full curriculum package for every subject out of the gate.
Choose one or two areas to focus on, try things out, and see how your child responds and how you handle implementing things as well.
You can always add more later or switch things out when needed. Homeschooling isn’t about sticking to a rigid plan; it’s about building something that actually works for your unique family.
There’s no one right way to do this homeschool thing, but there are lots of good enough options that can lead to great learning and a peaceful homeschool life.
Look for Open-and-Go Homeschool Curriculum (if You’re Overwhelmed)
When you’re just starting out, and especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed, open-and-go curriculum can be a total lifesaver.
These are the resources that don’t require a ton of prep on your part or a lot of planning when you’re still trying to find your footing.
Open-and-go means exactly what it sounds like: you open the book (or digital file), and you’re ready to go. You don’t need to do a whole lot beforehand or after to know how to use it.
While you’re still figuring out your routine, finding balance in homeschooling and maintaining your household and life, and just getting used to being a homeschooler, these simple, low-prep options can help you build confidence and keep things moving forward without stressing about the details.
Once you’ve found your rhythm, you can always add in more creative or hands-on pieces. But in the beginning, make things as simple as possible for yourself.
Check out this blog post about what you really need to start homeschooling, including a comparison of some great curriculum to get you started.
Don’t Buy All the Things
It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement (and overwhelm) of curriculum shopping.
It’s also easy to get comparison crazy when you see everyone online with shelves bursting with books and bins full of supplies. But here’s your permission slip to not buy everything at once.
In your first year, I recommend you stick with the basics. If you’re doing traditional subjects (no matter what style you’re going with): reading, writing, and math.
Seriously, you don’t need to teach chemistry, Latin, and medieval history on day one. Building a strong foundation—and a rhythm that works for your family—is way more important than covering every subject right away.
If you’re doing a less traditional approach like unschooling or unit studies, that makes it even easier.
You can always add more later as you find your groove. And honestly, sometimes less really is more.
Read Reviews and Watch Flip-Throughs
Before you invest in any curriculum, take a few minutes to see what real homeschoolers are saying about it.
Cathy Duffy is a great website for finding information on almost any curriculum you can think of.
There are also thousands of homeschool YouTubers who will give a rundown and opinion on whatever you are considering. I suggest looking at multiple for the same curriculum if you take this approach since different things will work for different families.
Try asking questions in homeschool Facebook groups or online communities for other people’s experiences as well. People are usually more than happy to share what worked (or didn’t) for them.
Ask These Questions Before You Hit “Purchase” on Any Homeschool Curriculum
Before you click “add to cart,” take a pause and ask yourself a few questions:
- Is it in my budget? (No curriculum is worth financial stress.)
- Does it fit my child’s learning style? (Will it engage them or frustrate them?)
- Do I have the time and energy to use it consistently? (Be honest with yourself!)
- Can I tweak it if it’s not a perfect fit? (Flexibility matters.)
If a curriculum checks most of those boxes, it’s probably worth a try. If not? It might be better to keep looking—or wait until the time feels right. There is no timeline, and there is no such thing as falling behind.
Remember, your kids are still learning even in those moments where they aren’t being explicitly taught.
Remember: You’re Allowed to Pivot
Here’s something no one tells you when you start homeschooling: you are allowed to change your mind.
That homeschool curriculum you spent hours researching, and hopefully not too much money? It might not work out.
The plan that felt perfect in August might feel completely wrong by October. That doesn’t mean you failed. It’s all a learning opportunity and a chance to find your way.
Most homeschoolers switch things up at least once (or twice… or ten times). It’s normal. In fact, it’s part of the process.
You’re not just figuring out what your child needs — you’re also discovering what you need to feel confident and calm
So if something feels off? Pivot. Adjust. Try something new. There’s no one “right” way to homeschool, and you’re not behind just because something didn’t work out.
Give yourself permission to experiment. That’s how you build something sustainable that actually works for your unique family.
You Don’t Have to Get It Perfect
If you’re waiting to feel 100% ready before choosing a curriculum, I can tell you, that is a very hard place to get to. You won’t fully know if a curriculum is going to work until you try it out.
The heart of homeschooling has never been about the “right” math book or the perfect schedule. It’s about connection with your child, curiosity that leads the way, and the flexibility to grow and shift as you go.
You are the expert on your child. You know their strengths, their interests, and what is best for you both. That matters so much more than any boxed curriculum or scope and sequence.
So start slow. Pick something simple. Try it out. You’re not locked in forever.
And no matter what — you’re doing great.
If you’re looking for a more clear cut way to choose curriculum, check out my FREE Curriculum Decision Guide Checklist. It will walk you through how to choose the “just right” curriculum for you and your family.
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