A secular curriculum teaches academic subjects without any religious influence. It focuses on facts and evidence, allowing families to teach faith separately if they choose.
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. 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 secular curriculum?
A secular curriculum covers subjects without mixing in religious teachings. For example, a secular science program talks about evolution based on evidence, skipping creationism. In history, it discusses world religions from a cultural viewpoint, not favoring any one faith. The goal is purely academic. This means using peer-reviewed, evidence-based content. Secular doesn’t mean anti-religious; it just means religion isn’t included in the lessons. Many families using this type of curriculum teach their beliefs separately.
Why families choose secular curriculum
Families choose a secular curriculum for many reasons. Some are non-religious and want their lessons without faith views. Others are religious but prefer to keep academics and faith apart. Multi-faith families often seek neutral content that doesn’t favor one tradition. Some just want science to be evidence-based where secular and religious views can clash. The common theme is a desire for academic content to stand on its own without religious angles.
Identifying secular materials
When you look for curriculum, check for clear statements that say it’s secular. Publishers who target this market usually make it obvious. Look at science sections to see how they deal with evolution. Check history content for a fair view of world religions. If you don’t see Bible verses or references to God’s plan, it’s likely secular. Resources like The Secular Homeschooler Resource Guide can help you find which materials are secular.
Subjects where it matters most
The difference between secular and religious content hits harder in some subjects. Science is the biggest one—secular curricula teach evolution and scientific theories without mentioning creationism. In history, the way religions are presented can vary between cultural and devotional. Health and sex education often differs significantly too. However, subjects like literature, math, and foreign languages usually don’t have major differences. Families might mix secular and religious materials based on these factors.
The bottom line
A secular curriculum is great for families wanting academic lessons without religious content. This includes non-religious families and those who prefer to teach faith separately. The market for secular options has grown a lot. Programs like Build Your Library and Blossom and Root offer full K-12 secular choices, along with subject-specific materials. When you check out curricula, pay attention to how they handle science and look for clear statements about their approach. The aim is to find materials that fit your vision for homeschooling.
