A Curriculum Fair, or convention, is an event where curriculum publishers, educational vendors, and homeschooling families come together. It's a great way to explore materials, attend workshops, and connect with others in the homeschooling community.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population. 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.
What is a curriculum fair?
A Curriculum Fair—often called a convention—brings together curriculum publishers, vendors, and homeschooling families all in one place. These events usually last 2-3 days. You'll find big vendor halls with over 100 exhibitors, plus workshops, keynote speakers, and chances to network. For many families, this fair is the highlight of their homeschool year. It’s a perfect time to check out materials, talk to publishers, grab discounts, and leave with new ideas and connections.
What to expect at your first fair
Stepping into a Curriculum Fair for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. That’s totally normal! You'll see booths from major publishers like Sonlight and Math-U-See, along with small family-run businesses offering unique resources. Many vendors have special convention discounts, free shipping, or bundle deals. Besides the vendor hall, you can join workshops on topics like teaching reluctant writers or managing high school transcripts. Most fairs also have keynote sessions with well-known homeschool speakers. The vibe is welcoming, and experienced homeschoolers are happy to help newcomers.
Making the most of your visit
To have a productive visit, preparation is key. Before you go, check the vendor list and mark the booths you really want to see. Set a budget with your spouse—it's easy to overspend when you're excited! Wear comfy shoes, bring a tote bag or rolling cart, and pack some snacks. During the fair, start with your must-visit booths while you’re energized. Ask about return policies before buying anything. Take notes or photos of items you want to look into later rather than rushing into purchases. And remember, you don’t have to buy everything there—vendors' websites are still available after the fair.
The bottom line
A Curriculum Fair offers something that no website can. You can flip through actual workbooks, compare programs side by side, and have real chats with curriculum creators. If you're feeling lost with all the options, a well-planned visit can provide clarity and confidence in your choices. Even seasoned homeschoolers find value in these events for discovering new resources, attending workshops on current challenges, and reconnecting with the homeschooling community. If there’s a big convention nearby, it's definitely worth checking out at least once.
