Curriculum Resources, Vendors, Classes
Links are Provided
We offer these recommendations and services to help you design the perfect learning plan for your child.
The cost of your curriculum is not included in your tuition.
You are free to purchase any curriculum that you feel would best suit your child's needs.
For your convenience, we offer the Acellus for Schools online curriculum program.
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Fully accredited by WASC and managed by our staff
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Features engaging video-based instruction
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Available with a variety of middle school and high school electives.
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Students may choose with up to 6 courses at a time
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Additional cost $1300/year
Curricula Recommended by Our Families
Multi-Subject Activities and Full Curriculum Providers:
The Good and the Beautiful offers a highly recommended, complete and engaging faith-based curriculum that connects children to the good and the beautiful in life. Students and parents love this well-organized and interesting curriculum. The Good and the Beautiful makes homeschooling less overwhelming and less time-consuming for both the student and the instructor while maintaining high academic standards. Affordable resources of the highest quality, make homeschooling economical and accessible. Pick and choose resources or order a complete curriculum. Outstanding.
NEW! SchoolHouse Discoveries Get complete multi-subject, family-style, themed unit study kits curated for K-4th and 5th-8th graders delivered right to your doorstep. Subscribe or order a single kit. High interest and great quality. Kids get excited to learn! Great for individuals, families, and co-ops.
NEW! ESPECIALLY FOR TEENS! TUTTLE TWINS ACADEMY COURSES
Explore Tuttle Twins Academy and dive into their courses without any commitment—your first lesson is free so you can decide for yourself if these courses are perfect for you. Whether your teen is curious about civics, critical thinking, or personal finance, they can experience the engaging educational content firsthand.
These courses empower teens with knowledge that inspires critical thinking and fosters thoughtful discussions. Start learning today and see why families trust Tuttle Twins Academy for values-aligned education.
Rainbow Resource Center and Christianbookstore both offer extensive catalogs of books, workbooks, courses, and other support materials for homeschoolers. These are wonderful places to shop for outstanding and diverse titles and materials.
Sonlight has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Christian homeschool education offering a literature-based, complete curriculum-in-a-box for all grades.
Time 4 Learning offers a comprehensive homeschool secular curriculum for grades pre-k through 12. Very affordable and easy to start! Time4Learning's website is full of helpful hints, guidance for California homeschoolers, and even groups to meet up with. Gets better each year.
Power Homeschool is the Acellus curriculum offered directly to parents. The curriculum itself is not accredited.
Monarch program an excellent fully online curriculum published by Alpha Omega. Affordable excellence with a 30-day free trial, outstanding academics, automatic grading and feedback, and dynamic, media-rich lessons.
IXL is supplemental curriculum offering practice and review drills and games in core subjects with great diagnostics, and analytics. However, instruction is limited so this provider is best for reviewing and keeping skills sharp. Reasonable prices; skills linked to 40+ textbooks.
The Kahn Academy offers free online video lessons and tutorials in a wide range of high school subjects, especially in math and sciences. Donations are appreciated so that these great courses may continue.
Study.com is a fee-based, multi-media program offering comprehensive courses broken into brief 7-12 minute video lessons. Videos are fast-paced but come with a written transcript. Very good for high school students who need fast-paced engaging lessons. Quizzes are available.
Easy Peasy All-in-One is a free Christian curriculum provided online for pre-k through grade 12.
ABCmouse and Adventure Academy provide complete online gameified curricula for students aged 2 to 13 years old. Monthly fees are $9.95, but often discounts are available. 30-day free trials.
Ducksters offers information and activities in a fun, interactive format covering all core subjects.
Language Arts:
The Institute of Reading Development was founded in 1970 and has been a premier provider of reading instruction ever since. IRD offers reading programs for every grade level that combine reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing development with live online instruction and independent practice using outstanding novels for each session. Four school-year sessions, as well as summer sessions, are offered at each grade level. A top pick of mine...personally!
Write at Home offers a variety of online writing and literature courses for students in grades five through twelve. Teachers provide instruction, grade and give feedback on written work, and work with students through multiple submissions.
The Institute for Excellence in Writing provides print and online curriculum and courses in all aspects of language arts and at all grade levels.
See also our Booklists for many recommendations including Mrs. Gaspar's personal favorite Amazon booklist for students and parents.
Math:
Mr. D Math Live provides online and live math courses and tutoring for middle and high school students.
High School Math Live! offers live math courses (as the name implies) as well as self-paced independent study courses. All courses have math teachers who assign and grade work and provide testing and tutoring.
Math U See is an extremely popular and successful math program offering a unique approach to math education that is mastery-based and student-paced.
Saxon Math is skills-based and as Rainbow Resources calls it, "The most popular homeschool math program hands down!
Singapore Math Singapore Math is a highly effective teaching approach based on research of math mastery in Singapore, which consistently ranks at the top in international math testing.
Key-To Math Series provides a step-by-step, visual approach to teaching math concepts. Topics are covered in self-paced workbooks, each encouraging children to tackle these subject areas in as much depth as they can, rather than working strictly within the confines of an age-graded math program.
Miquon Math is a hands-on curriculum for early grades that helps students actively explore math and learn by doing.
Social Sciences and integrated programs:
Story of the World is by far the most popular and well-regarded history program chosen by our homeschool families. Story of the World is part of Susan Wise Bauer's "Well Trained Mind," curriculum and offers a history program that your family can fall in love with. Story of the World is for elementary ages, while History of the World expands the program into High School ages. Even if your family is choosing another curriculum, these books bring to life history and are highly recommended as a supplement to any homeschool program.
The Well-Trained Mind website provides extensive resources, articles, books, and materials to ensure that your children receive the absolute best education possible. I strongly encourage all families to peruse the guidance available at this site.
The Tuttle Twins provide a clear, freedom-focused social studies series using ideas and images that children understand.
Ramsey Homeschool Dave Ramsey Courses in Personal Finance, Planning, Career and College Guidance.
Outschool has become a great resource for homeschoolers. Live online classes are offered on virtually every topic imaginable. Be sure to check each teacher's introduction video and reviews to make sure you find the best fit. Many courses are offered on a per-class basis so that you may shop around to find the right courses and teachers for each of your students.
Science and Tech:
My Fun Science! Yay! Finally, a live, online science, math, and tech vendor with exciting and interesting classes at all grade levels. A truly STEAM approach, including art, engineering, and graphic design, among traditional high school course offerings.
KiwiCo Science, Geography, Maker, Art, and more...Activities and projects delivered to your door based on your child's age and interest. These are terrific!
Code.org is committed to the premise that every child should have the opportunity to master computer science. Learn to code at home with this engaging and 100% FREE program. Many courses and levels. Learn to Code!
Practically Equipped Kids have a blast learning skills related to Fire & Water, Knots & Lashings, Shelter Building, Trapping & Foraging, and more! Virtual guides teach the skills through engaging online videos, and the program is easy to access from any device. With a new 2-hour session available each week, there’s always more to discover! Work as a family or form a group. Outdoor adventure begins here!
Courses for Gifted and Talented Students:
Stanford Online High School and Middle School courses are available as single courses in a wide variety of subjects and academic levels.
Athena's Academy gives gifted and talented students the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, who share their passions and curiosities, through weekly webinars and online activities. Course offerings include English, History, Science, and Foreign Languages.
Online G3 provides classes for gifted middle and high school students that include a weekly live and interactive component. Courses may be chosen individually, by semester. Outstanding for 2e students!
Open Tent Academy (OTI) is a consortium of instructors who offer homeschooling students an array of amazing classes. OTI courses offer a "live" component to instruction so that students may interact with each other and the teachers. Parents may choose one stand-alone class or an entire curriculum.
Art, Music, Enrichment, and Support (Online and Local Offerings)
Under Pressure Homework Help local South Orange County tutoring and teaching center opened and operated by veteran teacher extraordinaire Ginny Villa and her amazing staff of hand-selected tutors. The center offers personalized teaching for homeschoolers of any age with tutoring support in all subjects. Ms. Villa has created a fabulous environment to foster students' love of learning and achievement of personal goals.
Terri Novacek-Element Empowered: Terri offers families individualized learning assessments, analysis, and guidance to create the best-customized learning plan possible for each child. Focusing on the individual's learning styles, interests, and talents, Terri guides families to set appropriate goals and choose a curriculum that will best put the student's strengths and interests to work and lead to meaningful learning. Thirty years of experience working with a wide range of learners in a variety of settings. Contact terrinovacek@yahoo.com.
Urban Workshop: Real Tools, Real Projects! These 12-week courses give students probably their only opportunity to work in an "Industrial Arts" type, old-school shop and offer multiple courses, levels, and media with which to work from woodworking, metal fabrication, electronics, silkscreening, sewing, and much, much more. Classes in Costa Mesa, Orange County. I'm so excited about this place!
The Animation Course - Online Drawing and Animation Classes by a former Disney Animator. Check out the student work!
Classical Conversations connects you with a local community of like-minded families pursuing a classical Christian education. Classical Conversations equips homeschool parents with the confidence to raise bright, observant students who have a lifelong love of learning. Multiple locations.
C3C Classes are offered in South Orange County and provide homeschoolers opportunities to participate in collaborative, hands-on activities, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. Highly organized schedules are published in advance.
Orange Coast Musical Arts homeschool music program has grown to include beginning through advanced levels of band, a marching band, drumline, orchestra, choral music, and lessons in many instruments.
Mission: Renaissance Fine Arts Classes for children and youth in studios throughout California and Texas.
Click here to find a studio near you.
Sandy's Art Studio is a local treasure in San Clemente, CA. Sandy has worked with students privately and in school settings.
ArtventureOC studio fine art classes for children, youth, and adults in Aliso Viejo, CA.
Talega Prep Booklists:
The following lists Include art, math, science, and history lists, mostly for elementary grades, some for middle and high school, that we have used ourselves while homeschooling our children.
Starting to Read
Our Favorite Picture Books
Maze and Puzzle Books
Books with Dinos, Geology, and more
Books for Math
Remember to Search Amazon for the Math Texts and Resources Recommended Above
Books for Science
Books for History and Geography
Homeschool Favorite Books for Students of All Ages
Recommended Reading Lists by Grade with a discussion of the value of core literature in your children's lives. This is a bookseller site, but most, if not all, titles are available at your local library.
The Homeschool Mom's list of great books lists
1000 Good Books List Chosen by homeschool families based on several criteria including literary value, focus on good works, warmth, tenderness, courage, humor, and other values and characteristics that we cherish, ability to nourish the intellect and fire the imagination and cross-age barriers to be enjoyed by all. The site is Judeo-Christian focused, but the majority of books work for secular families who desire wholesome, high-quality classic literature, broken into sections for children of all ages.
50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12 Created by Common Sense Media. These are the best and most popular books covering a wide variety of topics and genres for children of all backgrounds.
99 Classic Book Challenge is geared toward high school and adult readers who seek a well-rounded literary experience.
Mensa Excellence in Reading Program and Booklists Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the booklists by grade level. This website offers many activities and resources for gifted student readers.
We are affiliated with Amazon, and make a commission from purchases.
Creating a Course of Study
Creating a fully customized Course of Study (COS) for homeschooling is a dynamic and thoughtful process. It involves understanding each child's individual needs, skills, and interests, while also ensuring that the education is comprehensive, balanced, and rooted in resources that align with the family's values.
Here’s a step-by-step guide a homeschooling parent might take to build such a curriculum:
1. Assess Each Child’s Age, Developmental Stage, and Learning Needs
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Evaluate Skills and Knowledge: Determine each child’s current academic level by reviewing their work, speaking with them about what they enjoy, and identifying areas where they may need more support. For example, a 5-year-old might focus on literacy and basic math, while a 12-year-old might be ready for more in-depth science or history.
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Learning Style: Some children are visual learners, others auditory, or kinesthetic (hands-on). Knowing how each child best absorbs information is key to creating engaging lessons.
Tip: Keep a learning journal for each child to track progress, struggles, and breakthroughs.
2. Set Clear Learning Goals for the Year
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Educational Philosophy: Some homeschooling families follow classical education (focusing on grammar, logic, and rhetoric), unschooling (allowing the child’s natural curiosity to guide learning), or a Charlotte Mason approach (emphasizing literature, nature study, and moral education). Decide which philosophy resonates with the family’s values.
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Core Subjects: Decide on the subjects you want to cover. Typical subjects include:
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Language Arts (reading, writing, grammar)
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Math (arithmetic, geometry, algebra, etc.)
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Science (biological sciences, physics, chemistry, earth science)
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History & Social Studies (world history, US history, geography, civics)
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Art and Music (creative expression, appreciation, and theory)
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Physical Education (movement, fitness, and health)
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Tailored Goals: Define what your child should ideally know or be able to do by the end of the year. This is flexible based on the child's progress.
3. Identify and Prioritize Interests
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Interest-Based Learning: Homeschooling allows for the flexibility to incorporate a child’s personal passions and curiosities. For instance, if a child loves dinosaurs, incorporating paleontology into their science curriculum or reading books about dinosaurs can make learning more engaging.
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Integrate Cross-Disciplinary Subjects: For example, if your child loves space, you can tie in science (space science), language arts (writing stories about space), and math (calculations related to space distances, rocket speeds, etc.).
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Student-Led Projects: Encourage the child to explore areas of personal interest that might not be on a traditional school syllabus, like a project about a particular country, or developing a business idea.
4. Research Wholesome, Trusted Resources
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Veteran Homeschool Recommendations: Experienced homeschooling parents often recommend specific resources, materials, and books. Look for advice from homeschooling blogs, forums, Facebook groups, or local homeschooling co-ops.
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Charlotte Mason Resources: If following Charlotte Mason, consider using resources like "Ambleside Online" or "The Good and the Beautiful."
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Classical Resources: If following a classical model, websites like "Classical Academic Press" or "Memoria Press" offer textbooks, workbooks, and curricula that align with classical education.
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Hands-On and Project-Based Learning: Resources like "KIWICO" or "STEAM kits" can help younger children learn STEM concepts through hands-on experimentation.
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Online Resources: Websites such as Khan Academy, Coursera, or Duolingo can supplement learning, particularly in areas like math, language, and foreign languages.
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Tip: Stick to materials that match your child’s age and developmental level while also considering your values—whether that’s academic rigor, creativity, or a particular worldview.
5. Plan Flexibly, but with Structure
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Daily/Weekly Schedules: While homeschooling allows flexibility, a certain level of routine helps children know what to expect. Create a weekly or daily schedule that balances:
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Core subjects (Math, Language Arts)
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Creative subjects (Art, Music)
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Physical activity (P.E. or outdoor play)
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Breaks (to keep energy and focus high)
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Free time (where children can explore their own interests)
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Be Flexible: While the structure is important, homeschooling gives parents the opportunity to adjust based on the child’s interests and needs. If a child is particularly fascinated by a topic, consider diving deeper into it and adjusting the schedule for a while.
6. Incorporate Real-World Learning Opportunities
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Field Trips: Take your children on trips related to their studies. Museums, historical sites, farms, nature reserves, and even local businesses can offer valuable educational experiences.
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Community Involvement: Involve children in volunteer opportunities or internships. This can tie in with learning about citizenship, social studies, and ethics while also providing valuable hands-on experience.
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Home Projects: From gardening and cooking to carpentry or creating a homemade birdhouse, real-world tasks can teach math, science, and practical life skills.
7. Create a Balance of Independence and Guidance
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Self-Directed Learning: Older children can be given more autonomy to guide their learning process. This might mean choosing books to read, setting goals, or conducting experiments. Support them in developing self-discipline and time-management skills.
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Parental Involvement: Younger children or those needing more guidance will benefit from hands-on teaching. This may involve one-on-one instruction or using educational games to make learning fun and engaging.
8. Review and Adjust Regularly
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Ongoing Assessment: Keep track of how each child is progressing and adjust the course of study accordingly. Some children may need more time in one area, while others might zoom ahead. Regularly checking in with them will help fine-tune the curriculum.
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Feedback from the Child: Ask your children about what’s working for them and what they enjoy. Their feedback will be invaluable in shaping the direction of their learning.
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Flexible Milestones: While it’s good to set long-term goals, allow the flexibility for short-term goals to evolve. If a child suddenly shows interest in a new subject, integrate it into the curriculum.
9. Utilize Technology & Online Communities
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Learning Apps and Platforms: There are many digital platforms like Khan Academy, Duolingo, or reading apps that help reinforce and extend learning.
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Online Communities: Join online homeschooling communities (such as on Facebook or Reddit) where parents share resources, activities, and tips that can enrich your teaching.
10. Foster a Love for Learning
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Be a Lifelong Learner: Set an example for your children by demonstrating that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Show them that learning is an ongoing journey, whether it’s through reading, exploring new hobbies, or discussing ideas together.
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Celebrating Achievements: Whether it’s completing a challenging math unit or mastering a new skill in music, celebrate milestones to keep motivation high.
Course of Study Samples
We've listed below sample Courses of Study for several grade levels, each using a variety of methods/materials. These may give you some ideas for planning your own learning plans.
Lapbooks are a great tool to reinforce, review, and assess your child's learning. They can be adapted to any grade level.
Click the image for more info.
Teaching Methods & Guidance
Charlotte Mason offers a three-pronged approach to education. In Charlotte's own words, “Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.” The method utilizes real, living books rather than textbooks and approaches the education of the child holistically. A very popular homeschooling method; Christian-based but used in secular homes as well.
Classical Education based on, "The Well-Trained Mind," by Susan Wise Bauer, provides a comprehensive guide to a rigorous classical education for grades primary through high school. Start with the Story of the World series and activities, maintain timelines, include classic literature and copy work, and your children will be off to a great start.
Thomas Jefferson Education or TJED is a form of Classical Education that considers the developmental stages of learning and applies the 7 Keys of Great Teaching to provide maximum inspiration, engagement, and a lifelong love of learning. The steps are simple, but the outcomes are profound.
Five in a Row is a literature-based, integrated curriculum that fosters a love of learning and the joy of discovery.
Waldorf Learning is based on the curriculum developed by Rudolf Steiner who felt that the best liberal arts education would "weave the lively arts through all subjects," stimulating imaginations colorfully and creatively, inspiring and making learning memorable.
The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach wherein the child is seen as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. Because a hallmark of the method is students of different ages being grouped together, homeschooling true to the method is not without its challenges.
Unschooling is also known as natural, interest-led, and child-led learning. Unschoolers learn from everyday life experiences and do not use school schedules or formal lessons. Instead, unschooled children follow their interests and learn in much the same way as adults do--by pursuing an interest or curiosity.
Blogs/Lesson Ideas
Be sure to connect with other homeschooling families near you. Park days, field trips, group activities, co-op groups, and so many other wonderful resources may be found by searching for Facebook "homeschool groups near me" where ever you are located.
The Homeschool Mom is an exceptional website for homeschoolers with lessons, tips, methods, unit studies, and so much more. This site alone could guide your first year.
Encouraging Moms at Home offers lots of helpful advice and ideas for families, including but not limited to great homeschooling support, lessons and activities, Charlotte Mason methods, and homeschool notebooking .
Hip Homeschool Moms (and Dads too!) A blog full of ideas for homeschooling all ages.
Homeschool Creations' goal is to provide families with resources in the education journey, lots of free printables, and encouragement for families– whether homeschooling or not. Fantastic resources for planning with colorful, well-organized printable planners and a wide variety of tips and techniques to make your homeschooling adventure a success.
Homeschool Organizations
The California Homeschool Network (CHN) is a non-profit organization created by and for homeschooling families in California. The organization provides a wealth of online resources on its website, and sets up an annual Homeschool Expo in June with vendor booths, informational sessions, and an inclusive high school graduation ceremony. A directory of local area contacts helps new families connect with other homeschoolers in their area.
The Homeschool Association of California (HSC) is a non-profit volunteer-operated organization for homeschooling families throughout the state. HSC issues a monthly newsletter, maintains legislative and legal teams, has an extensive website, and also has area contacts in each county. An annual conference is organized each summer.
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a national organization providing legal and legislative advocacy for homeschooling. We encourage all families to join HSLDA and use the resources available through their website.