When I first started homeschooling, I remember feeling so overwhelmed by the sheer number of curriculum options out there. Ellie was just in preschool at the time, and I wanted to give her the best education possible. But every time I looked at a curriculum guide, it seemed like everything was either heavily faith-based or didn’t quite match up with what I envisioned for our learning journey. It wasn’t that I had a problem with religious curriculum—I am a Christian, after all—but I wanted to find something that struck a balance between solid academics and faith without feeling like we were learning from a sermon.

Fast forward to a couple of years ago, when I started talking with my homeschool community. I realized that many of the families I knew were in a similar boat, but with a twist—they weren’t religious or wanted to keep education and religion separate. That’s when I really began looking into secular homeschooling options, not just for us but for friends and readers who might be struggling to find something that works for them.

Finding a secular homeschool curriculum can feel a bit like a treasure hunt. Whether you’re secular, interfaith, or simply prefer a more neutral approach to learning, I promise you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the benefits, drawbacks, and a few curriculum recommendations that might make your search a little easier.

The Benefits of Secular Homeschooling Curriculum

Using a non-religious curriculum has several benefits for families who want a more neutral approach to education:

Academic Focus

One of the things I noticed while using secular curriculum with James last year was how streamlined the lessons felt. We were able to focus purely on the academics without any extra content that didn’t fit into our learning goals for the year. James, being the curious eight-year-old he is, loved how he could dig into subjects like science and history without feeling like we were veering into other topics. The clear focus helped him (and me!) stay on track, which was a lifesaver on days when the laundry was piling up and the toddler needed my attention.

Flexibility For Diverse Beliefs

This hits close to home for many of my friends. We’ve got one family in our co-op where Mom is Catholic, and Dad is more agnostic. They decided on a secular curriculum because it allowed them to keep the school lessons neutral while making space for individual exploration of faith at home. It’s been a game-changer for them, and the kids are thriving with the freedom to ask questions without feeling like they’re being taught what to believe.

Science Based Content

If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you know how much I love nature-based learning. Last spring, we were deep into a unit on ecosystems with Clara, and we wanted to teach her about the cycle of life and how different species evolve to survive. With a secular curriculum, we were able to dive into evolution and the environment with full transparency. The science-based approach allowed her to connect the dots without skipping over or glossing things. Clara loved it—she ended up leading her own little “science experiments” out in the garden for weeks afterward!

The Drawbacks of Secular Curriculum

While secular curriculums offer a lot of freedom, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Lack of Moral Instruction

For families like mine who value faith-based teachings, this can feel like something is missing. When Ellie was younger, we used a religious curriculum that wove in character lessons with the academics. She really enjoyed the stories that connected lessons about kindness or honesty with our faith. With secular programs, you won’t get that same tie-in, so you may want to supplement with your own discussions or lessons about character-building. For us, it just meant having more intentional conversations during dinner or weaving those moments into our daily lives.

Fewer Community Resources

A lot of the homeschooling groups in our area are faith-based, and that can be a challenge when you’re using a secular curriculum. I’ve seen this firsthand with some of the moms in our co-op. One friend told me how difficult it was to find other families using a secular curriculum, which made it harder to participate in certain group activities. I get it—sometimes it feels like you’re out there alone on this homeschooling island. But, thankfully, the online homeschool community is full of amazing secular resources and groups, so don’t be afraid to reach out beyond your local area for support.

Limited Availability in Some Subjects

This one hit me hard when we were looking for a good secular history curriculum for Ellie. It’s surprisingly tough to find something that gives a comprehensive view of world history without leaning heavily toward one viewpoint. We had to piece together several resources, which felt like extra work, but it was worth it to give her a well-rounded understanding of different cultures and events. Just be prepared to do a bit of digging to find the right fit for your family.

Secular Curriculum Options to Consider

If you’ve decided that a secular curriculum is the right fit for your family, you’re in luck—there are some wonderful resources available. Here are a few that have worked for us and other families I know:

Blossom & Root: Blossom & Root has been an absolute joy for Clara, who loves all things nature and art. It’s a gentle, nature-based curriculum that lets us explore the outdoors while still covering all the basics. We’ve spent countless afternoons drawing plants, investigating bugs, and turning our backyard into a classroom. It’s perfect for early learners and integrates creativity into every subject.

Build Your Library: I recommended this to one of the moms in our group who wanted something literature-based for her kids. Build Your Library focuses heavily on reading and storytelling to teach subjects like history and science. It’s relaxed and cozy, which makes it a great option for families who love curling up with a good book.

Oak Meadow: Oak Meadow is another one I’ve heard great things about. It’s Waldorf-inspired and encourages creativity alongside a strong academic foundation. One of the moms in my local homeschool group swears by it, saying her kids have never been more engaged in their lessons.

Torchlight: For those of you looking for a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and diverse perspectives, Torchlight is a fantastic choice. It encourages children to explore different cultures and worldviews, which can help foster a sense of curiosity and empathy.

Moving Beyond the Page: We’ve used Moving Beyond the Page with James, and it’s been a great fit for his hands-on learning style. It’s full of projects and activities that help make abstract concepts feel real, which is great for kids who need to move and create to fully grasp their lessons.

Homeschooling is such a personal journey, and choosing the right curriculum is a big part of that. Whether you choose a secular or religious approach, what matters most is finding something that fits your family’s values and learning goals. Remember, it’s okay to mix and match or change course as you go. We all learn as we go—our kids and us, too!

Have any of you found a secular curriculum that you love? What has worked (or not worked) for your family? I’d love to hear your stories and experiences—leave a comment below or shoot me a message if you have any questions!