Pick curriculum for each subject

One subject at a time

You do not need a full boxed program to start. Many families choose reading and math first, because those build year on year, and add the rest gradually from the library and free materials.

• Find where your child is now. A short placement check for reading and math saves months of material that is too easy or too hard.
• Look at a sample lesson before you buy. Most publishers post one. Ask: could I teach this tomorrow, and would my child sit for it?
• Check the teacher's part. Some programs script every word; others give a list of topics. Pick the one that matches how much planning time you have.
• Count the minutes. Note how long a lesson takes for your child's age and whether that fits your day.
• Use the library. Many subjects, such as history, science and literature, can run on library books for a long time.

Before you spend

Set a budget for the year and decide what you will buy now and what can wait. Used copies, borrowing from other families and free materials cover a lot. If your state has ESA or voucher money and you plan to use it, read what it changes first.

Peabody Teach sells nothing and has no affiliate links, so the free tools below are here because they are free, not because we earn from them.