Monarch (Alpha Omega) is an online curriculum for grades 3-12 that integrates Bible studies into core subjects. It simplifies homeschool management with features like automatic grading and multimedia content.
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 Monarch?
Monarch is Alpha Omega Publications' leading online curriculum for grades 3-12. Launched in 1977, it offers a modern, internet-based learning experience. It helps homeschool families manage their education with automatic grading, easy record-keeping, and engaging multimedia content. You'll find five core subjects: Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science. Plus, there are over 60 electives like Spanish, French, Consumer Math, and state history courses. Unlike the old Switched-On Schoolhouse, Monarch is fully online and works on both Windows and Mac.
Pricing and access
For full access to all five core subjects, it costs $399.95 per year or $39.95 a month for each student. If you prefer, individual courses are $109.95 a year, and electives are $99.95 a year ($9.95 a month). Families with multiple students can save money—three students total about $600 a year. Plus, there's a 30-day free trial so you can check it out before you commit. Monarch also qualifies for ESA reimbursement in some states. The yearly subscription saves you about $80 compared to monthly payments, making it a good choice for families planning long-term.
Key features
Monarch shines by easing the workload for parents while keeping the academic standards high. It does about 85% of the grading automatically, so parents only need to check subjective answers like essays. The platform also offers text-to-speech with six voice choices for auditory learners. You get built-in transcript generation and complete record-keeping, which helps with compliance and college prep. With over 50,000 multimedia elements—like videos, animations, 3D models, and interactive games—students stay engaged. They can work independently through structured lessons, take quizzes, and tests that go straight into their grade book. This independence makes Monarch great for busy families or kids who like to learn on their own.
Considerations before choosing
Keep in mind that Monarch requires quite a bit of screen time—students are on computers for most of the school day. The quiz-heavy style might not sit well with kids who dislike frequent testing. Also, the strict answer requirements in automatic grading can sometimes lead parents to adjust scores for acceptable alternative answers. Some families feel the structured format is less creative than hands-on or unit-study methods. If your internet connection is unreliable, that could be an issue. Lastly, the fourth child in a family pays full price, which may be more than some other options. Monarch works best for independent learners who are comfortable with tech and have reliable internet.
The bottom line
Monarch delivers on its promise to simplify homeschool management with automatic grading, built-in record-keeping, and engaging multimedia content. It's a strong option for busy families with independent learners who are okay with screen time. The integration of a Christian worldview is a big plus for faith-based families looking for Bible-focused education. However, if you prefer hands-on learning, less screen time, or more creativity, you might want to look at other options. Don't forget to check out the 30-day free trial at aop.com to see if it's right for you before making a full-year commitment.
