The Levels of Secular Homeschool Material: How Far We’ve Come

The Levels of Secular Homeschool Material: How Far We’ve Come

When I started homeschooling 14(ish) years ago, finding truly secular materials was infinitely more difficult. So much of the resources homeschoolers had easy access to were overtly religious. What we now consider truly secular curriculum were rare to non-existant. Homeschool families who wanted a secular education often had to modify existing curricula, pull from multiple sources, or create their own materials from scratch.

Thankfully, the landscape has changed. Today, there are far more secular homeschooling options, and families have greater access to high-quality resources that don’t require extensive modifications. However, not all materials labeled “secular” are created equal. Some are fully secular, while others exist in a gray area—avoiding religion without being truly comprehensive in subjects like science or history.

This article isn’t about shaming anyone for past choices. Many of us used what was available because there simply weren’t better alternatives. Instead, this is a guide to understanding the different levels of secular homeschool materials so you can make informed decisions that fit your family’s needs.

The Levels of Secular Homeschool Material

1. Truly Secular (and Inclusive)

These materials are fully secular, meaning they have no religious influence, include accurate science, and present history and literature without omitting key topics for religious reasons. They often prioritize inclusivity and critical thinking.

• What to Expect: Science materials include evolution and climate science without hesitation. History covers world religions as a topic of study, but does not promote any religious viewpoint. Subjects include a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

• Examples:

• Blossom and Root
• Torchlight
• Fish Tank Learning

• Who It’s Best For: Families who want a completely secular education without gaps or modifications.

2. Secular, but Tinted

This category is for materials that do not necessarily have religious content, but remain affected by a Christian or Eurocentric world view. Within this world view, you see whiteness centered. This is particularly evident in subjects like literature and history.

• What to Expect: Old, white guy, “classic” literature. No obvious religious content. Literature, history, and advances by white people are upheld as fundamentally more important, while the impacts of non-white people and societies aren’t recognized in the same way. Tokenism so they look more diverse.

• Examples:

• Well Trained Mind Press
• Core Knowledge Foundation
• Moving Beyond the Page
• Evan Moor Social Studies/History

• Who It’s Best For: Secular families might use these resources when they feel like parts of it align with their values or their specific needs, and are okay with supplementing to get more diverse authors and inclusive viewpoints.

4. Neutral

These materials are marketed as secular, but contain clear gaps, biases, or alternative explanations that align with religious perspectives. They may use language that subtly leans away from secular science, like calling evolution a “theory” in a way that suggests it’s debatable.

• What to Expect: Science materials that avoid evolution but teach “adaptation” in a way that aligns with intelligent design. History books that present religious movements in a positive light without discussing their negative impacts.

Note: If a company has a “secular” or “non-sectarian” version to their normal religious version, then that redone version is most likely neutral and still has a christian bias.

• Examples:

• Bookshark (Sonlight without the explicit Christianity)
• Timberdoodle
• Elemental Science
• Friendly Biology Secular Version

• Who It’s Best For: Families who don’t necessarily care if something is fully secular, or are willing to heavily modify curriculum.

How Far We’ve Come

Years ago, most secular homeschoolers had to get creative. We adapted religious curricula, patched together resources from various places, and spent countless hours ensuring our kids got a well-rounded, accurate education.

Today, we have more choices than ever. There are now entire curricula designed with secular homeschoolers in mind, making it easier to find high-quality materials that don’t require constant modifications. The growth of secular homeschooling communities has also made it easier to share resources, review programs, and support one another.

Families in the past did the best they could with what was available, and their demand for better resources helped pave the way for what we have now. The goal isn’t to judge past choices but to celebrate how far we’ve come and help new homeschoolers navigate today’s options with clarity.

Where Does Rabbit Hole Learning’s Curriculum Align?
We make it a goal to only provide truly secular and inclusive curriculum options. If you ever notice I recommend a resource that doesn’t conform to this, please contact me and let me know. I do my best to research (and research again) (and maybe research a third time just to be sure), but things occasionally fall through the cracks. I am human and if I know better I will do better.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you fall on this spectrum, the important thing is making informed choices that align with your family’s values and educational goals. If you’re looking for truly secular materials take the time to preview lessons, check reviews, and join secular homeschooling communities with the same values as your family.

The good news is that secular homeschooling is thriving, and with more options than ever, families can create an education that reflects their values and provides a strong academic foundation.