Traditional text books

Is this for me?

Your first year of homeschooling can be scary! Many new homeschoolers are attracted to using "traditional text books" because they are most like what is used in "regular" schools (and many certainly decide to stay with traditional text books throughout their entire homeschool adventure). You'll usually get text books for each subject along with teacher lesson plans. You'll probably be guided through day-by-day lesson plans telling you exactly what to do. If you're a "nervous" homeschooler or if you just liked the school way of presenting material, this if probably the way to go for you!

Where do I Find Traditional Text Books?

There are literally hundreds of companies out there providing traditional text books that can be used by homeschoolers. There are books with whole chapters devoted to this topic (see book recommendations on our "New Homeschoolers" link). Our goal here is not to reproduce these books, but rather to give you a jumping off point. Listed below are some of the biggest and most popular. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive--just a starting point. There are a lot of other great choices. Do your research!

Traditional Text Book Providers

A Beka--a very popular Christian curriculum (used in many Christian schools). Wonderful teacher's guides. Very easy to follow.

Alpha Omega LifePacs-- a series of Christian worktexts that the student works through.

Bob Jones University Press-- Christian textbooks, teacher's guides and workbooks

Calvert School-- They've been around a long time! Secular text book program, used in some private schools. They send you a box with teacher's guides, text books, workbooks and all materials you need to use for the year.

Rod and Staff-- a popular Mennonite text book program that's been around since 1963! Includes teacher's editions

School of Tomorrow-- (aka Accelerated Christian Education) - a series of workbook lessons to work through