Best Secular Curriculum for 2025 (And My Personal Favorites!)

 
Secular homeschool image of best first grade curriculum picks.
 

Hello, I’m Keri! I’m a secular homeschool mom of two amazing boys. Choosing the right homeschool curriculum can feel incredibly overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to find secular options. If you’ve spent any amount of time researching homeschool materials, you’ve probably noticed that many programs include religious content. That can make things tricky if you're looking for a neutral, evidence-based approach to education.

If you’re a secular homeschooling family—or simply want materials that focus on facts, inclusivity, and critical thinking—you’re in the right place! This post is your go-to guide for the best secular homeschool curriculum options available in 2025. These are hand-picked resources for every core subject, plus a few of my personal favorites that we’ve loved in our own homeschool journey.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to change things up mid-year (we’ve all been there!), this guide will help you discover secular homeschool curriculums that are flexible, engaging, and aligned with your values.

I’ll be reviewing some of these curriculums in detail on my YouTube channel, so make sure you subscribe if you’d like to see how they work in real homeschool life!

 

Youtube coming soon!

youtube coming soon!

 

What Is Secular Homeschooling & Why Does It Matter?

Secular homeschooling means using educational materials that are neutral in terms of religion and focus on scientific, evidence-based learning. For many families, secular homeschooling allows for a more inclusive, adaptable learning environment—one that doesn’t shy away from teaching things like evolution, global cultures, or diverse perspectives.

Why More Families Are Choosing Secular Curriculum:

✔️ Covers science-backed topics without filtering or omitting
✔️ Encourages critical thinking and open dialogue
✔️ Avoids religious bias—great for interfaith, non-religious, or progressive families
✔️ Promotes diversity, inclusivity, and global understanding

 
Boy writing in curriculum workbook for homeschool
 

What Makes a Curriculum Truly Secular?

Not all materials labeled “secular” are actually free from religious undertones. It’s important to vet each program carefully. Here’s how I evaluate homeschool curriculum:

🔍 Read the mission statement – Does the company identify as faith-based or inclusive/secular?

📚 Look at sample lessons – Are there science gaps? Does it avoid important topics like evolution or climate change?

🌐 Check reviews in secular homeschool groups – Fellow moms are often the best resource!

🚫 Be wary of “neutral” science – Some programs say they’re neutral but omit key concepts or present non-scientific viewpoints.

 
A homeschool shelf with books, curriculum, and educational games, showcasing secular homeschool resources.
 

Best Secular Curriculum by Subject

📖 Language Arts

These programs focus on literacy, writing, and grammar—without religious content.

Blossom & Root – Gentle, Charlotte Mason-inspired, and packed with creative, literature-rich lessons. We used this during our early homeschool years and it created such a beautiful foundation.

Torchlight – Literature-based, inclusive, and focused on critical thinking. It’s a favorite for families who love discussion-rich learning.

Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) – Advanced and ideal for language-loving learners. We’re planning to dive into this for second grade!

Grammar Galaxy – A whimsical, story-based approach that teaches grammar through narrative adventures.

All About Reading / All About Spelling – My all-time favorite! These are structured, open-and-go curricula that use the Orton-Gillingham approach. We’ve completed Pre-Reading through Level 3 of AAR and we’re loving AAS Levels 1 & 2.

🔢 Math

Math is a subject where secular options really shine. These are some of the best for different learning styles:

Beast Academy – Comic-style, concept-heavy, and truly fun for kids who love logic puzzles and problem-solving.

RightStart Math – Hands-on and manipulative-heavy. Perfect for visual and kinesthetic learners.

Singapore Math – A tried-and-true mastery approach that builds strong number sense and problem-solving skills.

CTCMath – Great for online, self-paced learners who prefer a digital experience.

Math Mammoth – My personal favorite! It’s affordable, mastery-based, and doesn’t require a ton of prep—yes please!


🔬 Science

This is often the trickiest subject to find genuinely secular content, but the programs below are awesome:

REAL Science Odyssey (RSO) – Fun, hands-on, and written specifically for homeschoolers.

Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding (BFSU) – A deeper, more conceptual program for families who love to dig in.

BookShark Science – Literature-based and aligned with secular standards (you can skip or adapt the faith components in some packages).

Mystery Science – Our current family favorite! The video lessons are so engaging, and the kids beg to do more. It’s science that feels like play.

🌎 History & Social Studies

It can be hard to find inclusive, secular world history, but these options are great:

Curiosity Chronicles – Told from the perspective of two kids, this program is story-driven and wonderfully engaging.

History Quest – A narrative-based approach that works well with multiple ages.

Build Your Library – Another Charlotte Mason-inspired program with fantastic book lists and rich, secular content.

Story of the World – Not originally secular, but many families use it with tweaks and additional resources to balance the perspective.

💻 Online Learning Programs

Looking for flexible, digital tools? These are all secular-friendly:

Outschool – Live online classes in every subject imaginable.

Night Zookeeper – Game-based writing program that makes storytelling fun and engaging.

CTCMath – A great option for visual and independent learners.

Khan Academy – Free, comprehensive, and well-known for math and science.


📦 Best All-in-One Secular Homeschool Curriculum

These “open-and-go” programs cover multiple subjects with a cohesive structure—perfect if you’re just starting out or prefer a done-for-you plan.

Blossom & Root – Gentle and nature-inspired, great for early years.

Torchlight – Literature-based and progressive. A favorite for modern, secular families.

Moving Beyond the Page – Unit-study based, perfect for kids who love hands-on learning and projects.

Build Your Library – Excellent for book lovers who enjoy rich read-alouds and literature tie-ins.

 
Homeschool mom taking notes on secular curriculum.
 

FAQs About Secular Homeschooling

Q: Where can I find secular homeschool communities?
A: Check out Facebook groups like Secular, Eclectic, Academic Homeschoolers, Reddit threads, or even local meet-ups!

Q: Can I mix secular and faith-based curriculum?
A: Absolutely. Homeschooling is personal. Use what works best for YOUR family.

Q: Is secular homeschooling anti-religion?
A: Not at all. It just means religion is taught separately, and academics are kept neutral and evidence-based.


Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Secular Curriculum

Finding the best secular homeschool curriculum isn’t always easy—but it IS possible, and it’s 100% worth the search. Whether you prefer hands-on learning, literature-rich lessons, or a more traditional workbook approach, there are secular homeschooling resources out there that will fit your style and your child’s needs.

📌 Related Posts:

 
 

💡 New content drops every Thursday—so be sure to check back!

 
Best Secular Homeschool Curriculum for 2025 including top subject picks and personal favorites.
 

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Start small, follow your child’s lead, and remember—you’re part of a growing community of families learning right alongside you. You’ve got this!

👉 Let’s Chat! Drop your favorite secular curriculum in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working in your homeschool!

📩 Want more homeschool tips?

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Let’s navigate this homeschool adventure together! 💙

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Thinking About Homeschooling? Here’s Everything You Need to Know