Hello, friends! Let’s grab a coffee and chat about how our homeschool year is going. As we reach halfway through the school year (how are we here already!), I wanted to share an honest update on the curriculums we’re using and how they’re working for my four kids. Homeschooling is such a journey, isn’t it? It’s always helpful to hear what’s working (or not!) for others, so I hope this gives you a glimpse into what’s been successful for us and maybe sparks some ideas for your own homeschool. Let’s dive in!

A Quick Note about My Oldest Daughter

As many of you know, my oldest daughter is dual-enrolled at Grand Canyon University, which has significantly reduced the number of traditional high school classes she’s taking for her senior year. This year, she’s completing college-level courses, including Anatomy and Physiology and Probability and Statistics, as prerequisites for her nursing program aspirations. This approach has been a fantastic way for her to transition into higher education while still enjoying the flexibility of homeschooling. Seeing her take on these challenges confidently and focus on her future career has been rewarding.

Math Curriculum

Simply Good and Beautiful Math 7

My 7th grade daughter is using Math 7 from The Good and the Beautiful this year. It’s been fantastic! The lessons include plenty of pre-algebra concepts, and the well-structured answer guide has been a lifesaver for me as a teacher. The time commitment is just right, making math manageable without being overwhelming.

Shormann Mathematics

My three older kids have been using Shormann Math for their high school math courses, and it continues to be a game-changer for higher-level math. This year, my 11th grader is taking Calculus, and my 9th grader is tackling Algebra 2/Geometry. Although my 12th grader is dual-enrolled and taking college-level math courses this year, she did complete Algebra 2 with Trigonometry last year and it more than prepared her for her for her college courses. Shormann has provided an excellent foundation for their success.

History Curriculum

BJU Press American Government and Economics

My 12th and 11th graders are studying American Government and Economics through BJU Press. The course was recently updated, making it incredibly relevant and engaging. They’re enjoying the engaging instructor, Ms. Bullock, and finding the topics meaningful and timely.

Notgrass World History

My 9th grader, a history enthusiast, chose to dive into world history with Notgrass’ Exploring World History. He’s learning about fascinating time periods like ancient civilizations, the Middle Ages, and the World Wars. The course includes a mix of engaging readings, writing assignments, and hands-on activities that have kept his interest. He appreciates the structured, self-paced approach, which allows him to explore the topics deeply while working independently.

Living Books for History

My 7th grade daughter is exploring early American history using a literature-based approach. She’s been reading engaging books like Sarah Morton’s Day and If You Lived in Colonial Times, as well as selections from a Sonlight book pack focused on early American history. These resources bring history to life through vivid storytelling. After each book, she writes detailed summaries in her notebook, capturing the key events and lessons. This hands-on approach has reignited her love for learning history, as it allows her to connect deeply with the stories of the past while developing her writing and analytical skills.

Language Arts Curriculum

The Good and the Beautiful

My 9th grade son is currently working through High School 1, a comprehensive language arts program that covers grammar, writing, literature, and even art and geography. The high school course is divided into ten manageable units, making it easy to pace through the year. Each unit includes engaging readings from classic literature, writing assignments that encourage critical thinking, and grammar lessons to refine their writing skills. He’s thriving with the variety and depth this program offers, and I love seeing his growth as a writer.

My youngest is completing Language Arts Level 7, which continues to be a favorite. This level integrates grammar, literature, writing, spelling, and art appreciation into one cohesive course. She particularly enjoys the creative writing assignments and the carefully selected literature that fosters both a love of reading and critical analysis. The program's built-in review ensures concepts stick, and the high-quality illustrations and content keep her engaged.

Science Curriculum

High School Science

My 12th grader is dual-enrolled in Anatomy and Physiology at Grand Canyon University as part of her nursing prerequisites. My 11th grader is enjoying Chemistry with BJU Press, taught by the ever-engaging Mr. Harmon, while my 9th grader is diving into Physical Science.

Generations Science

My 7th grader is using a science course from Generations Homeschool. While I appreciate its strong biblical worldview, I wish it included more hands-on activities. Despite this, it’s been effective in expanding her knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Electives

Foreign Language

My 11th grader is finishing his third and final year of Spanish with BJU Press. Spanish 3 delves into more advanced grammar and vocabulary, and he’s been practicing his conversational skills through structured writing and speaking assignments. While he isn’t passionate about foreign languages, this course has equipped him with a solid foundation for college and beyond.

Foundations in Personal Finance

My 12th grader has been loving this practical and informative course by Dave Ramsey. Designed for homeschoolers, the program combines video lessons with real-world applications to teach key financial concepts like budgeting, saving, debt management, and investing. It’s been so rewarding to hear her reference the lessons in everyday conversations, showing that she’s internalizing these critical life skills. As a parent, I’m thrilled to see her gaining confidence in managing her future finances.

Advanced Pre-Med Studies

This course from Master Books is a perfect fit for my senior, who’s interested in a medical career. It provides a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and medical ethics, all presented from a biblical worldview. The curriculum includes four in-depth books and accompanying worksheets that she’s been diligently completing. It’s been amazing to watch her deepen her understanding of the medical field while aligning her studies with her faith.

Intro to Forensic Science

My 9th grader has been exploring this unique elective from Master Books, which is classified as a science course for older students. The curriculum blends real-world applications, such as crime scene investigation techniques and DNA analysis, with a biblical worldview. He’s especially enjoyed learning about the mechanics of firearms and how to evaluate evidence. While we occasionally skip the lab components due to his concurrent physical science coursework, the course has sparked meaningful discussions and captured his interest.

Living Healthy

My youngest daughter and I have been exploring this straightforward and engaging course on nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. The material is concise but packed with valuable information, covering topics like food groups, meal planning, and the importance of physical activity. We’ve been incorporating it into our morning time routine, and it’s been a wonderful way to discuss practical health habits.

World Religions and Cults

As a family, we’ve been reading through the Master Books series on world religions and cults during our morning time. This course goes beyond surface-level understanding to deeply explore the differences between Christianity and other belief systems. Each session sparks meaningful discussions as the kids take notes and reflect on the contrasts between what we believe and the teachings of other religions. It’s been a powerful tool for building their faith and critical thinking skills.

To hear more about each of the curriculums I’ve mentioned above or to learn about the items in my Morning Basket, check out my Youtube videos below.

Thanks so much for sitting down with me to chat about our homeschool year! I always enjoy sharing what’s working for us and hearing about your own experiences. Homeschooling is such a beautiful journey, full of lessons for both our kids and us as parents. Wishing you all the best as you continue on this journey. Happy homeschooling, friends!

Until next time!

Mid-Year Homeschool Curriculum Update