Trying to find a secular homeschool curriculum can be a daunting task. However, I will say that it’s becoming easier as the days go by. More secular homeschool resources are being created, especially with the surge of homeschoolers since 2020.   

I began my search for a homeschool curriculum when my oldest was just a toddler. I may have bought over 10 different curriculums just to test them out. But we don’t need to tell anybody that little secret.

Needless to say, I wasn’t very happy with many of them.

They were all secular, which was a top priority. But many of them were dry and worksheet heavy, which was a BIG no-no for me. 

I wanted something that was hands-on, full of open-ended experiments, and gave me the flexibility to go down rabbit holes.

After years of searching, I’ve come across a few that I absolutely love. As curriculum dabblers, we pick and choose from a variety of the curriculum below.

I’ve included all of our favorite secular homeschool resources. Plus a quick little blurb about secular homeschooling to make sure it’s right for your family.

What Does Secular Homeschool Curriculum Mean to Us?

As you begin your search for a secular homeschool curriculum, you’ll notice that every company/blog has a different definition of the word secular. Before we get started, I wanted to share my definition of secular resources.

Discusses Religion From a Factual Standpoint

A secular curriculum does not put their personal beliefs into the curriculum. However, that doesn’t mean religion is completely eliminated. Instead, the curriculum teaches religion from a factual standpoint throughout history. As your child learns about history, they will be exploring different religions and each one’s beliefs.

With that said, you shouldn’t find religious content in science, math, or language arts within a secular homeschool curriculum.

Science is Presented in Facts, Including Evolution

This means that the curriculum just looks at the basic facts without adding an evolution or creation viewpoint.

Here is an example of a simple fact and how it is worded through each point of view. A true secular homeschool curriculum should present factual information.

Evolution: A turtle shell evolved to protect it from predators.

Creation: A turtle shell was created to protect it from predators.

Factual: A turtle’s shell protects it from predators.

However, a secular curriculum will usually talk about the theory of evolution from a factual standpoint without telling the child that it is the only reason why animals have certain features.

Anyone Can Use These Resources No Matter What You Believe

Because a secular homeschool curriculum only presents proven facts and encourages a child to explore theories and develop their own understanding, any family can use secular resources.

A secular curriculum allows you to add in your own beliefs and teach your children exactly what you want them to believe.

Or if you’re like me, a secular homeschool curriculum allows me to present multiple viewpoints and beliefs then encourage my children to develop their own beliefs.

Reasons Why Families Choose Secular Homeschool Curriculum

There are many reasons why a family might choose a secular homeschool curriculum. It’s not always about religious beliefs, but religion is the main reason why many families choose secular resources. Here are a few other reasons:

Believe School and Beliefs Should Be Separate

Some families choose to teach through a secular viewpoint because they believe school and religion should be separate. This is part of the reason why we use a secular curriculum.

I want my children to develop their own beliefs instead of following a certain religion or even my own beliefs. I teach my beliefs through modeling and everyday conversations. We also explore different religions throughout history. Then it’s ultimately up to my children to develop their own set of beliefs.

Focus On Academics

This sort of goes with the reason above, but some families would rather have a curriculum that is more focused on academics and presents proven facts.

No matter what your reason for choosing a secular homeschool curriculum, you can find some of the best down below.

Our Favorite Secular Homeschool Curriculum

Besides being a secular resource, my top priorities in making this list were that the curriculum be:

1. Hands-On
2. Open-Ended
3. Full of Experiments/Projects
4. Allowed me to Follow the Child’s Lead Academically
5. Freedom to explore rabbit holes

Academic Secular Curriculum

Logic of English– This is by far the best language arts program I’ve come across. It’s hands-on, multi-sensory, and phonics-based. 

WriteShop– Although Logic of English includes composition, I love adding WriteShop to our schedule. This curriculum teaches the processes of writing and allows me to follow my child’s lead by encouraging dictation. It has a strong focus on developing original thought in the early years.

Math with Confidence– This is a brand new curriculum, and new levels are being released every year. Math with Confidence makes teaching math simple with a focus on both the process and the why of math skills. I also like how it includes a spiral review at the beginning of every lesson. The activities are hands-on and encourages the use of manipulatives to help with mental math. Click here to read our Math With Confidence Review.

Blossom and Root– This is an all-in-one nature-inspired secular curriculum. It’s a gentle option if you don’t want something too academic-heavy.

Torchlight– This curriculum includes history, science, and the arts. It follows a Socratic method which encourages your child to think deeply about what they are learning.

Build Your Library– This is a secular homeschool curriculum that includes math and science. It does have some reading comprehension, but it is not a full reading curriculum.

Secular Supplemental Resources

Outschool– You can find a variety of online classes on Outschool. One requirement of teachers before posting a class is that it’s secular.

ReadingEggs/ MathSeeds– My kids LOVE this app. We use it as a supplement to our regular reading and math curriculums.

Kids Cook Real Food– Want to teach your children how to cook? Kids Cook Real Food has healthy, video-based cooking lessons. They have a full curriculum that builds on your child’s cooking skills.

Prodigies Music– This is a fun way to teach music. They offer a basic music class that uses bells, a piano class, and a ukulele class. My kids like doing these classes while I’m making dinner.

Exploring Nature With Children– This is a year-long exploration of nature. Each month focuses on a different nature theme like the spring equinox and birds in winter.

Wild Learning– This curriculum has a ton of strewing ideas for outside math and reading practice.

Around the World Stories– Listen to audio stories about countries around the world.

STEAM Kids– Activity books full of STEAM activities.

You Are An Artist– Video art lessons using chalk pastels. 

Choosing a secular homeschool curriculum doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming as long as you understand exactly what you’re looking for in a secular curriculum.