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So I’ve been seeing this question a lot lately — “Do you know any homeschool curriculums that feel more like regular school?” And honestly… yes. Yes I do. Because sometimes we just want something that tells us what to do so we can stop Googling until midnight and maybe get some sleep. While there is an allure to while initially homeschooling that says you can do things however you want, sometimes that is not at all what you are looking for. And if that’s you, you’re not less of a homeschool mom. It doesn’t mean you’re not “creative enough” or “free-spirited enough” or whatever else the internet tries to make us feel guilty about. Some seasons just need structure. If you’re wanting something that resembles the traditional school vibe — textbooks, lesson plans, checkboxes, ALL of those things — here are some solid options. And no, you don’t have to love them all. Just skim and see what makes your shoulders relax a little. There is structure out there for your family. Here is MY list of traditional curriculums that could work for you: Okay, this one is probably the closest to traditional school. Textbooks, quizzes, tests, the whole shebang. Some people love the predictability; some people feel like it’s very intense. Just depends on your kid and your bandwidth. A lot of christian schools use this curriculum because it is so solid.
LIFEPAC, Monarch (online), Horizons… they’ve got options. It’s very school-like but still doable at home. Good if you want open-and-go without feeling like you’re assembling a NASA launch sequence. Whats great about this company is you can piece together what works for your kids because there are so many options. If you want a strong, biblical curriculum … Apologia is wonderful. Think textbooks + notebooking journals. Very structured but not stiff. Apologia is written in a conversational way to help your student feel like the teacher is right there. Another great science option — created by the same author who helped develop early Apologia materials. Very hands on and designed to be the go-to while learning. This is a very solid science curriculum for your middle and high school students. And I see Dr. Jay Wiles name all the time at the homeschool conferences. If you want something that actually teaches a second language without you needing to remember your high school Spanish… this is a great one. Not “traditional school” exactly, but structured enough to count. Think economics, personal finance, worldview — the kind of stuff you wish you’d learned in high school. Feels very school-ish, but in a good, grown-up way. So again not exactly open and go text books, but it doesn’t necessarily fit in the other learning style boxes. Another classic, traditional, full-curriculum option. Textbooks, tests, teacher guides… it’s all there. Honestly, if you handed this to a former teacher, they’d probably feel right at home. This is a VERY solid, christian option.
Very traditional. Very structured. Lots of families love it because it feels like a private school program you can do at home in your pajamas, which honestly sounds incredible. Worktext style. Affordable. Straightforward. Feels like the textbooks we grew up with, but in bite-size pieces. Good for kids who thrive with routine.
Good for younger grades. Solid, simple, very structured. Almost feels like those classic workbooks we used growing up, just… better. This is a great one because it mixes stories with assignments, and I love it because it actually teaches history in a way biblical way that’s not boring. Very school-ish, but with more heart. I’ve had a lot of friends use Notgross for the kids and I’ve never heard negative reviews.
Very traditional, very straightforward. If you want something that feels like the textbooks you used in the 90s, but more wholesome, this is it. They have very solid grammar and math programs. Okay, if you’ve Googled math at all, you’ve seen this. It’s used in a lot of traditional schools too. Logical, consistent, and actually builds number sense. Yes, it can feel challenging, but in a good “my kid actually gets it” way. So… do you NEED a “school-like” curriculum? I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. You know your kids better than anyone. And God has this funny way of equipping us as we go — not before, not all at once, but as we walk it out day by day. Maybe the structure of the curriculum is what you need to see in order to be inspired to build your own curated curriculum. Some families thrive with textbooks and structure. Some need more freedom. Some switch back and forth depending on the week, the weather, the attitude level in the house… all of it. If you’re just trying to make a decision today, give yourself grace. Pick something that feels doable, not perfect for your family. And hey — if you’re still overwhelmed after reading all this, grab your coffee and message me. We’ll sort it out together. Lori Lacey To know God and to make Him known 
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If you’re thinking about pulling your kids out after Christmas break… just know you are not the only mom Googling homeschool things at 11pm trying to figure this out. Truly. So from the jump, DO.NOT.PANIC. You are the parent and you are allowed to take control of your child’s education. And good for you for doing so. Redeeming this part of your childs life will be one of the best decisions you will make for your family. So if you’re starting in January, here are a few things I really want you to know: 1. You don’t have to start perfectly Can we just agree that January is a weird time to start anything? My kids are still in post-holiday candy withdrawal and I’m over here trying to remember what day it is. AND I’m not sure about you, but January is forever and always tied to failed New Year's resolutions. I never keep these. And I’m sure you struggle too. But beginning the journey of homeschooling your kids is NOT a New Years resolution. So don't fall into the trap of thinking you must do this thing perfectly every single day or you fail. You are transforming the dynamic of your family and that takes time. If you are taking your children out of public school I highly, highly recommend deschooling for a period of time. Spend your “school” days reading, spending time together, doing simple crafts, and going for lots of walks. You could start a new hobby together. And I really do mean this for high schoolers as well. Take 3-4 weeks to just be together and allow the muscle memory of what public school feels like to fade away. One big thing I would do is check out the HSLDA website for your state's homeschool laws. Especially if your child has been in public school. There are probably some steps you may have to do to notify the local school system. Also, it is ok to not jump through the school districts hoops if what they want isn't spelled out in the law… Just saying. 2. You don’t need a full curriculum right away Don’t panic-order five different math programs. Starting after Christmas actually gives you this beautiful window to try things, borrow things, or even just do a simple workbook from Target while you figure out what your family needs. A lot of curriculum websites offer free intro’s into their curriculums. If you know other homeschool families, peruse their curriculums. I would also take the opportunity to attend an open house for co-ops/ microschools/ hybrid schools/ resource centers that are iin your area. This is a fantastic way to see what other homeschool families are doing. Classical conversations offers all sorts of open houses throughout the “academic year.” You can find a list of their events here. You can join a couple of homeschooling FB groups and see what other families are talking about. You have time to pick out a curriculum that fits your family rhythm. Lastly, check out your local library. Chances are they are probably plugged into the local homeschool community and have resources available too. 3. It might feel weird. And that’s okay The transition from school to home can be amazing… and also really awkward. For everyone. You’re suddenly with your kids all day and they’re also trying to figure out their new “normal.” Some kids decompress fast, others take months. Some moms too, honestly. If your house feels a little upside down, you’re probably doing it right. If it feels illegal, you are definitely doing it right. And this is especially true for us parents that grew up in the public school system, it feels absolutely wild to be doing something that fundamentally looks different than state school. It just does. This season might look messy. A little loud. Maybe confusing. But I promise, the sweetest homeschool moments don’t happen on the first day anyway. They sneak up later when you’re not even trying and you think, wait… we actually get to do this life together. That is the gift of redeeming your time with your children. If you’re starting after Christmas… Honestly the biggest thing I want you to hear is this: You’re not behind. There’s no schedule you’re supposed to match. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. And if this is where God is nudging you, you can absolutely trust that gentle whisper and take this step. You are the expert of your child and you can trust that knowledge. Lori Lacey To know God and to make Him Known  Is language arts/ spelling a struggle for your child this year? Maybe the program you’re using just isn’t clicking anymore. Or maybe your child dreads writing time altogether. If you’ve been looking for a different curriculum, here are some wonderful options you may not have thought about yet! These programs range from gentle and creative to more structured and sequential. There’s something for every homeschool style and every kind of learner. 📚 Language Arts + Writing Curriculum Options A hands-on, multisensory approach that builds reading and spelling step-by-step. (Great for struggling readers or dyslexia!) A gentle, lifestyle-based writing program that focuses on real communication, copywork, and nurturing a love for writing. A unique blend of history and literature with narration and storytelling at the center. Video-based instruction that teaches composition and literary analysis in bite-sized lessons. Highly structured writing lessons focusing on skills like structure, style, rewriting, and presentation. Designed especially for 6th–8th graders—simple, step-by-step writing lessons perfect for reluctant writers. Teaches reading, spelling, handwriting, and phonics using a complete, logical method. Amazing for dyslexia and struggling readers.
If you are taking time to find a new curriculum, try not to get sucked into thinking that your child is falling behind. They’re not. Seriously. This is the beauty of homeschooling. You get to make course pivots on your, and your childs’, time schedule. 💛 How to Choose? Ask yourself these questions to help you weigh your options:
Even just answering those questions will narrow your choices quickly!
Lori Lacey
To know God and to make Him known |
AuthorLori Lacey is the owner and creator of Journey2Homeschool. Archives
December 2025
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