A Curriculum List outlines the subjects you’ll teach and the materials you’ll use in your homeschool. It’s a simple overview and doesn’t dictate daily activities.
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 list?
A Curriculum List is basically a record of what subjects you’ll cover and what materials you’ll use. Think of it like a simple list: "Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, Physical Education." Some states require this for annual homeschool notifications, while others ask for more details like specific textbooks or learning goals. Unlike lesson plans that detail daily tasks, the Curriculum List gives a broad view of your educational approach.
What to include
Keep it simple for states that need a Curriculum List. For instance, Virginia states you don’t have to provide extensive details like book lists or lesson plans. A basic subject list works. If your state needs more info, include: subject names, curriculum providers or publishers, textbook titles if relevant, and formats (like workbook or online). Be honest, but don’t go overboard—this isn’t a research paper. If you’re in a state with strict rules like New York, check their guidelines for what they require.
Curriculum list vs. lesson plans
People often mix these two up, but they’re different. A Curriculum List says, "We’ll study American History using the Story of the World series." A lesson plan says, "On Monday: Read chapter 3, pages 15-22, do the map activity, and discuss essay questions 1-3." States that want a Curriculum List usually don’t require daily lesson plans—that detail is for you. Think of the Curriculum List as something to share, while lesson plans are your private teaching notes. Both are helpful; only one is usually needed for compliance.
The bottom line
A Curriculum List helps you meet state requirements without limiting your teaching style. Most states want a straightforward list of subjects and materials—not a strict plan for every single day. Check your state’s rules, give them what they ask for, and keep it simple. Your homeschool can be much more flexible than any list shows. The list is your general plan; your daily teaching can adjust to your child's needs.
