Independent curriculum, also known as eclectic or à la carte homeschooling, allows you to choose your own educational resources for each subject. This method gives you control over your child's learning experience, but requires more planning than using a boxed curriculum.
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). 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.
What is independent curriculum?
Independent curriculum, often called "à la carte" or "eclectic" homeschooling, lets you pick your own educational resources. Instead of getting everything from one place, you can mix and match. For example, you might love Saxon Math but prefer All About Reading for language arts. You could use online courses for science while pulling history from library books and documentaries. This method gives you a lot of control over your kids' learning, but it does need more planning than a boxed curriculum.
Who should consider this approach?
Independent curriculum is great for families with kids who learn differently than what standard programs offer. It suits experienced homeschoolers who are confident in their choices, parents who like to research materials, and families looking for budget-friendly options—especially those who use the library a lot. It's also good for high schoolers with specific interests needing specialized resources. However, it might not be the best fit for first-time homeschoolers, families wanting minimal prep, or parents unsure about making curriculum decisions.
Making it manageable
One of the biggest challenges with independent curriculum is the research involved. Here are some tips to help: Start by curating just one or two subjects while using a structured curriculum for the rest. Join homeschool forums to see what has worked for others. Take advantage of your library before buying anything—holding materials can help you decide. And if something isn't working mid-year, it’s totally fine to switch. Sometimes, changing to a better fit saves more time.
The bottom line
Independent curriculum offers a lot of flexibility and personalization. You can build your child's education around their needs instead of fitting them into a one-size-fits-all program. The catch? It takes time—researching, selecting, and organizing materials is an ongoing task. Many families find a balance: curating some subjects on their own while using structured curriculum for others. Start simple, adjust as you figure out what works, and remember—don't aim for perfection in your first year.
