BJU Press is a curriculum provider started by Bob Jones University. It offers a biblically-centered approach for homeschool families with materials from Pre-K to 12th grade.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is BJU Press?
BJU Press started in the 1980s by Bob Jones University. Now, it’s one of the biggest suppliers of textbooks for homeschool families. Their curriculum goes from Pre-K to 12th grade and focuses on a Christian worldview. This means it connects every subject to biblical teachings, not just Bible class. Students learn through themes of Creation, Fall, and Redemption, seeing Scripture as the top authority. BJU Press gives families options: they can choose parent-led books or video lessons through the Homeschool Hub.
Format options
BJU Press offers flexible ways for families to use their materials. The parent-led format includes traditional textbooks, detailed Teacher's Manuals, and even hands-on manipulatives. If you prefer video lessons, the Homeschool Hub has daily classes taught by experienced teachers, with shorter videos than some other programs like Abeka. Many families like mixing both formats—using online videos with physical workbooks—so kids aren't glued to screens all day. You can buy all-in-one grade kits or just individual subjects to fit your needs.
Teaching approach
BJU Press focuses on a traditional teaching style that uses a lot of workbooks and has a clear progression. The curriculum promotes active learning, so students connect with the material instead of just memorizing facts. It includes multisensory experiences and encourages critical thinking skills like analysis and evaluation. In the early years, parents guide about half of the schoolwork. By middle and high school, students work more independently while parents help keep them on track.
The bottom line
BJU Press strikes a balance in the Christian curriculum world. It's more engaging than strict programs like Abeka, but more structured than literature-based options like Sonlight. Families often praise its reduced busywork, great graphics, and flexibility between textbook and video methods. While the initial cost is high, Teacher's Manuals are a must. For families wanting a solid academic program with biblical integration across subjects, BJU Press is a reliable choice backed by decades of homeschool experience.
