Embarking on a homeschooling journey is like stepping into the realm of educational possibilities, armed with passion, determination, and a secret desire to be the superhero of your child’s education. But let’s face it, even superheroes sometimes seek validation and a little boost of confidence. That’s where accreditation swoops in, like a trusty sidekick, providing that much-needed assurance for many homeschooling parents. In this article, we unveil the top ten accredited homeschool curriculum programs, handpicked not only to educate but also to empower you on your homeschooling odyssey.
But, I’ll let you in on a secret, and that is that you won’t find any accredited homeschool curriculum programs.
But, you will find online schools that look almost identical to homeschool curriculum programs (and in many cases, they produce curricula for schools as well as homeschools!)
So, in this article, we’ll discuss the following ‘accredited’ homeschool curriculum programs:
- BJU Press
- Veritas Press
- Abeka Academy
- Memoria Academy (by Memoria Press)
- Ignite Christian Academy (by AOP)
- Acellus Academy
- Northgate Academy
But let me tell you about each of these programs in more detail before I explain more about so-called accredited homeschool curriculum programs.
Affiliate links used in this article.
BJU Press
BJU Press offers a comprehensive Christian curriculum for grades K-12. Their materials integrate a biblical worldview into various subjects, promoting critical thinking and character development.
BJU Press offers students a blended learning approach using video lessons alongside physical workbooks and texts.
They have an engaging and colorful program that encourages children to think about the gospel…something I love!
I use this program in my homeschool, and we love it.
We use the non-accredited version, however. (See the end of the article for the advantages and disadvantages of using an accredited curriculum).
Check out BJU Press here.
Veritas Press
Veritas Press offers a classical Christian curriculum for grades K-12.
Because they are classical, they focus on the trivium – teaching children in the grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages.
The idea is to give children knowledge and show them how to use it logically and analyze it critically. Then teenagers learn how to present thier knowledge and ideas gracefully and winsomely to make good citizens.
Veritas Press offers LIVE classes where children can interact with peers and the teacher in an online environment.
Alternatively, parents can choose self-paced classes for children to do at their leisure.
Veritas offers FREE homeschool consultations here.
Abeka Academy
Abeka Academy is another ‘accredited homeschool curriculum’ similar to BJU Press. The program has a good name and is very popular.
Abeka has provided Christian homeschool curriculum books and programs to families worldwide for decades.
They offer parents a blended learning approach, and children can learn through video lessons as well as physical workbooks.
You can check out more about Abeka Academy here or have a look at their curriculum directly here.
Memoria Academy (by Memoria Press)
Memoria Academy, a program by Memoria Press, follows a classical Christian curriculum for grades K-12.
They emphasize a classical education approach like Veritas Press, integrating the study of:
- great books (which are a hallmark of classical education),
- Latin (learning this is part of the grammar stage), and
- critical thinking skills (which is part of the second stage of classical education).
They are maybe best known for their great Latin homeschool curriculum.
Like most of the programs on this page, they also offer an unaccredited homeschool version in addition to their accredited version.
Check out Memoria Press in this review, or check out their curriculum directly here.
Ignite Christian Academy (by AOP)
Ignite Christian Academy (ICA) is an accredited curriculum you can use in your homeschool.
ICA is committed to the highest educational standards. The idea is to ensure a student is well-prepared for college or university applications.
Beyond its academic excellence, ICA is comparatively affordable (given accredited homeschool curriculum programs are significantly more expensive usually than non-accredited).
ICA provides the flexibility to create a personalized calendar and access lessons at any time of day, striking a balance between education and a busy life.
With a firm commitment to a Christian worldview, ICA not only focuses on academic growth but also nurtures spiritual development, acknowledging each student as a gift from the Creator.
Their qualified faculty brings teaching expertise and personalized instruction, ensuring students receive individual attention and support.
Check out ICA here.
Acellus Academy
Acellus Academy is a widely recognized and popular online homeschool program that offers a comprehensive and self-paced curriculum for students in grades K-12.
As a secular program, Acellus Academy provides a diverse range of courses covering core subjects and elective options, allowing students to tailor their education based on their individual interests and academic goals.
With its engaging multimedia lessons, interactive assessments, and real-time progress tracking, Acellus Academy offers a dynamic and flexible learning experience.
Acellus Academy is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), a regional accreditation agency.
As an accredited institution, Acellus Academy provides families with the assurance that their students are receiving a recognized and reputable education.
The accreditation also offers potential benefits such as seamless credit transfers and increased opportunities for college admissions.
Check out more about Acellus Academy here.
Northgate Academy
Northgate Academy is a reputable online Christian school that offers accredited homeschool programs for high school students.
With a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, Northgate Academy provides a variety of courses that integrate a biblical worldview into the curriculum.
Students can expect engaging and fun coursework that reinforces learning while reinforcing traditional values.
One of the standout features of Northgate Academy is its affordability, offering a very competitive pricing structure compared to other programs.
The flexible online platform allows students to complete their coursework entirely online, making it convenient and accessible from anywhere in the world. With highly qualified instructors and a student-centered approach, Northgate Academy ensures learners receive the support they need to succeed.
Whether you are a traditional high school student, a homeschool family, or an adult learner seeking to complete your high school education, Northgate Academy offers an excellent option for obtaining an accredited high school diploma.
Check out Northgate Academy more here.
Accredited vs Non-Accredited Curriculum
When exploring homeschool curriculum options, you may come across the terms ‘accredited’ and ‘non-accredited.’
It’s important to understand the distinction between these two categories to make an informed decision about the curriculum you choose for your homeschooling journey.
An accredited homeschool curriculum is actually a program run by a school that has accreditation – it’s really an online school.
A non-accredited homeschool curriculum is a program run by a company (or even the parent or group of parents) that hasn’t been accredited by an accreditation agency.
Why Homeschools Can’t be Accredited
Homeschools themselves cannot be accredited because accreditation is a process that applies to academic institutions, such as traditional schools or virtual learning programs.
Accreditation involves a comprehensive review conducted by accreditation agencies to assess whether an institution meets specific educational standards.
Since homeschooling is primarily facilitated by parents or guardians, who serve as educators, the concept of accrediting individual homeschools does not apply.
However, homeschool curriculum programs can align with recognized educational standards or incorporate elements from accredited programs to provide parents with confidence in the quality of the materials they choose for their homeschooling journey.
Benefits of Homeschool Accreditation
Accredited homeschool curriculum programs offer a number of advantages to parents you should consider, namely:
- Recognition and Validation: Accreditation provides recognition and validation of your homeschool program’s adherence to established educational standards, giving you confidence in the quality of education you provide.
- Seamless Transition: Accredited homeschool programs can facilitate a smoother transition back into traditional schooling or transferring credits to other educational institutions if needed.
- Access to Resources: Accredited homeschool programs often provide additional resources, support, and services to homeschooling families, such as counseling, standardized testing, and extracurricular activities.
- External Evaluation: Accreditation involves external evaluation by educational experts, which can provide valuable feedback and guidance to help enhance your homeschool program.
- Increased Opportunities: Accreditation may open up additional opportunities for scholarships, grants, and participation in educational programs that require accreditation.
But, it’s not all smooth sailing, and this is a reason why most parents choose to use non-accredited homeschool programs.
Disadvantages of Accreditation
Some disadvantages of using so-called accredited homeschool curriculum programs are:
- Restrictive Requirements: Accreditation may come with specific requirements and guidelines limiting flexibility and the ability to customize your curriculum according to your child’s unique needs and interests.
- Cost: Some accreditation processes can be expensive, involving fees for evaluations, membership, or ongoing compliance. This financial burden may be a disadvantage for some homeschooling families.
- Time and Administrative Burden: Seeking and maintaining accreditation can be time-consuming and require additional administrative tasks, which can detract from the focus on teaching and the homeschooling experience.
- Curriculum Limitations: Accredited programs may have a specific curriculum that must be followed, which may not align with your preferred educational philosophy or religious beliefs.
- Loss of Autonomy: Accreditation may require adherence to certain educational standards or teaching methods that limit the freedom and flexibility you have in tailoring your homeschool program to your child’s individual needs.
It’s important to carefully weigh the benefits and disadvantages of accreditation based on your unique circumstances, educational goals, and personal preferences to make an informed decision about pursuing accreditation for your homeschool program.
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Open to a NON – Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?
When you’re thinking about accredited homeschool curriculum programs, you should remember that accreditation is not the only path to a successful homeschooling journey.
While accredited programs offer reassurance and align with recognized educational standards, it’s important to remember that non-accredited homeschool curriculum programs can be just as effective and even more flexible.
Choosing a non-accredited program allows you the freedom to tailor your child’s education to their specific needs and interests. It opens up a world of possibilities, enabling you to customize your curriculum, teaching methods, and pace of learning.
In fact, you may be surprised to find that some non-accredited programs offer curricula virtually identical to their accredited counterparts, minus the accreditation label.
So, take a deep breath, embrace the flexibility, and trust your instincts as you navigate the vast array of homeschooling options available.
Whether you opt for an accredited or non-accredited program, what truly matters is the dedication and love you pour into your child’s education.
With your guidance, they will flourish academically, develop strong character, and grow in their faith.
Remember, homeschooling is not a one-size-fits-all journey.
Each family has unique needs, values, and educational goals. So, as you embark on this adventure, find solace in the knowledge that choosing a non-accredited program is not only acceptable but can also provide a more relaxed and personalized homeschooling experience.
In the end, it’s the dedication, creativity, and love you invest in your child’s education that will shape them into lifelong learners. So, go forth with confidence, embrace the freedom of choice, and create an extraordinary homeschooling journey that suits your family’s needs. The path to educational success is yours to forge, accredited or not. Happy homeschooling!
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