Course of Study Examples
One of the most common questions new homeschoolers ask: “What does a course of study actually look like?” Here are five real-world approaches with the kind of legally compliant descriptions you might submit to your state.
Note: Not every state requires a written course of study. Check your state’s requirements to see exactly what you need to submit. These examples cover the basics, but some states (like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Minnesota) require additional details such as instructor qualifications, approximate hours, specific materials, or local approval. Always tailor your submission to your state’s specific requirements.
1. Classical (Charlotte Mason)
A family using living books, nature study, narration, and copywork. Emphasis on great literature, history told chronologically, and short focused lessons.
Sample Description
Our home education program includes instruction in reading and language arts through daily narration, copywork, and reading from classic literature. Mathematics is taught using a structured curriculum (e.g., Math-U-See or RightStart). History and geography are studied chronologically through living books and primary sources. Science is covered through nature study, observation journals, and age-appropriate texts. Art and music appreciation are integrated weekly through picture study and composer study.
Works well in all regulation tiers. The structured daily routine and subject coverage maps cleanly to state subject requirements. Nature study journals and narration notebooks create a natural paper trail for states that require portfolio reviews.
2. Boxed Curriculum
A family using a complete all-in-one curriculum package (e.g., Abeka, BJU Press, or Sonlight). The publisher provides textbooks, lesson plans, and assessments for every subject.
Sample Description
Our home education program uses [Publisher Name] curriculum for all core subjects. This includes daily instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies using publisher-provided textbooks, workbooks, and teacher guides. The program includes regular assessments and standardized grading. Physical education, health, and art are incorporated through supplemental activities and the curriculum’s enrichment materials.
The easiest approach for compliance documentation. Most publishers provide scope-and-sequence documents that directly satisfy state subject-listing requirements. Many also offer accredited diploma programs for high school students. In high-regulation states, you can often submit the publisher’s scope and sequence as your curriculum plan.
3. Eclectic
A family mixing methods and materials: a math textbook, unit studies for science, library books for reading, co-op classes for art, and hands-on projects. They choose what works for each child and each subject.
Sample Description
Our home education program combines multiple approaches tailored to each child’s learning needs. Mathematics is taught using [curriculum name]. Language arts include daily reading from library selections, weekly writing assignments, and grammar instruction through [curriculum or method]. Science is explored through unit studies, experiments, and field trips. History and social studies are covered through thematic unit studies, documentaries, and community resources. Art is provided through a weekly co-op class, and physical education through organized sports and outdoor activities.
Eclectic approaches are fully legal everywhere but require slightly more effort to document. The key is showing that you cover all required subjects — the method for each subject doesn’t need to be the same. Keep a simple log of what you use for each subject area, and you’ll have what you need for any state.
4. Unschooling
A family following the child’s interests as the basis for learning. No fixed curriculum. The child pursues deep dives into topics they care about, with the parent facilitating resources, experiences, and connections.
Sample Description
Our home education program is interest-driven and experiential. Reading and language arts are developed through daily self-selected reading, journaling, letter writing, and discussion. Mathematics is integrated into real-world activities including cooking, budgeting, building projects, and strategy games. Science is explored through the child’s current interests (e.g., marine biology, astronomy, electronics) using library resources, online courses, museum visits, and hands-on experimentation. Social studies and civics are learned through current events discussion, community involvement, travel, and historical site visits.
Legal in all states, but requires the most thoughtful documentation in high-regulation states. The key insight: you’re not changing what you do — you’re translating what your child actually does into the language of your state’s requirements. A child obsessed with Minecraft is learning geometry, resource management, and reading (mod documentation). Frame activities in terms of the subjects your state requires.
5. Online / Hybrid
A family using online courses for core academics (e.g., Khan Academy, Outschool, or a virtual academy) combined with in-person activities for socialization, sports, and hands-on learning.
Sample Description
Our home education program uses online platforms for core academic instruction. Mathematics and science are taught through [platform name] with daily lessons and assessments. Language arts and reading are covered through [platform name] combined with independent reading. History and social studies use [platform name] courses supplemented with documentaries and discussion. The student participates in [co-op/sports league/community program] for physical education, and attends weekly [art class/music lessons] for fine arts instruction.
Online programs range from free (Khan Academy) to full-service virtual academies. Important distinction: enrolling in a public virtual school (like K12 or Connections Academy) is usually NOT homeschooling — your child is enrolled in public school. Using online resources while you remain the educator of record IS homeschooling. This matters for which regulations apply to you.
What makes a good course of study
- Cover the required subjects. Every state that requires a course of study specifies which subjects must be included. Our wizard tells you exactly which ones your state requires.
- Be specific enough to satisfy, general enough to flex. Say “Mathematics instruction using Saxon Math supplemented with hands-on activities” rather than just “math.” But don’t lock yourself into a daily schedule you can’t change.
- Use the state’s language. If your state says “language arts,” use that term. If they say “English,” use that. Matching the state’s terminology reduces friction.
- You can change your approach. A course of study filed in September doesn’t bind you for the year in most states. If something isn’t working, adjust. Some states allow mid-year amendments; others simply expect your end-of-year documentation to reflect what you actually did.
How your state’s regulation level affects this
No or low regulation
You may not need to submit anything at all. A course of study is still useful for your own planning, but the state isn’t asking for one.
Moderate regulation
Typically requires a notification with a list of subjects you’ll cover. Any of the descriptions above would satisfy this.
High regulation
May require a detailed curriculum plan submitted to the school district, including materials, methods, and assessment plans. Use the more detailed versions of the descriptions above, and include specific curriculum names where possible.