BJU Press is one of the most recognizable Christian homeschool curriculum providers in the United States. It offers complete grade-level programs, individual subject courses, printed textbooks, streaming video lessons and DVD instruction from kindergarten through Grade 12.

As a homeschooling dad, I can understand why parents are drawn to it.

BJU Press looks complete, structured and dependable. The textbooks are professionally designed, the courses follow a clear academic sequence, and the video option gives families access to experienced teachers without enrolling in a conventional school.

But BJU Press is also expensive, fairly demanding and more school-like than many homeschool curricula.

After reviewing its textbooks, online courses, Homeschool Hub, academic approach, Christian worldview, accreditation options and current pricing, my conclusion is:

BJU Press is an excellent curriculum for Christian families who want traditional academic structure, strong science and language arts, and professional video instruction. It is best for students who respond well to clear schedules and formal coursework, but it may feel too expensive, time-consuming or rigid for families seeking a relaxed homeschool experience.

BJU Press Review: Quick Verdict

BJU Press is particularly suitable for:

• Parents who want a complete K–12 sequence
• Students who enjoy textbooks and direct instruction
• Families seeking strong science, grammar and writing
• Parents who need support teaching upper-level subjects
• College-bound students
• Families interested in optional accredited enrollment

It may be less suitable for:

• Families on a tight curriculum budget
• Children who become overwhelmed by long school days
• Parents seeking unit studies or family-style learning
• Students who strongly dislike textbooks
• Families trying to minimize screen time
• Parents looking for a gentle or highly flexible curriculum

What Is BJU Press Homeschool?

BJU Press is a Christian educational publisher offering textbooks and instructional resources for schools and homeschool families.

Its curriculum covers subjects including:

• Bible
• Reading
• Spelling
• Handwriting
• English
• Writing and grammar
• Literature
• Mathematics
• Science
• Heritage Studies
• World history
• U.S. history
• Government
• Economics
• Foreign languages
• High-school electives

BJU Press describes its educational approach as combining academic rigor, critical thinking and biblical worldview instruction. Its stated goal is not simply to insert Bible verses into textbooks but to help students evaluate knowledge and culture through Scripture.

Parents can buy the curriculum in three main formats.

Parent-Led Textbook Courses

The parent teaches the course using student textbooks, worktexts, teacher editions, tests and answer keys.

This option gives parents the most control, but it also requires the most preparation.

Online Video Courses

Students watch recorded lessons taught by BJU Press instructors through the Homeschool Hub.

The online option includes digital scheduling, assignments, eTextbooks and other course materials. Complete online grade kits cover core subjects such as English language arts, math, science and history.

DVD Courses

Families can purchase recorded video instruction on DVDs.

This option may appeal to households with unreliable internet or parents who prefer physical media, although streaming is usually more convenient.

My Experience of the BJU Press Approach

What stands out most about BJU Press is that it feels like a complete private Christian school curriculum adapted for home use.

That can be reassuring.

I do not have to wonder whether my child is receiving enough grammar, science or mathematics. The courses are carefully sequenced, the expectations are clear, and assessments are built into the program.

The textbooks are colorful and professionally presented. Lessons generally include explanations, examples, exercises, review questions and formal assessments.

The downside is that the program can make homeschooling feel very similar to conventional school.

A complete day may involve:

• Several separate subjects
• Video classes
• Textbook reading
• Workbook assignments
• Tests
• Essays
• Science activities
• Corrections
• Additional review

That structure can be excellent for one child and exhausting for another.

BJU Press works best when parents treat the schedule as a framework rather than an inflexible command. Even the Academy of Home Education says that parents should make educational decisions based on individual student needs and may omit selected assignments when appropriate.

How Do BJU Press Online Courses Work?

The online video courses are one of the strongest reasons to consider BJU Press.

Students log into the Homeschool Hub and follow a scheduled sequence of recorded lessons and assignments.

Depending on the grade and subject, the platform may include:

• Daily instructional videos
• eTextbooks
• Printable handouts
• Assignment schedules
• Tests
• Digital resources
• Progress tracking
• Gradebook tools
• Automatic grading for some objective assessments

The lessons are taught by instructors rather than delivered as simple narrated slides. Teachers use demonstrations, worked examples, visual aids, maps, experiments and graphics to explain the material.

This can be particularly useful for parents who do not feel prepared to teach subjects such as:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Advanced grammar
• High-school literature
• Spanish

It can also increase student independence.

An older child may watch the lesson, complete the assigned work and check the day’s schedule without waiting for the parent to teach every subject directly.

However, video instruction does not eliminate the parent’s role.

Parents still need to:

• Make sure the student is paying attention
• Check written work
• Help with difficult concepts
• Evaluate essays and projects
• Supervise experiments
• Review mistakes
• Adjust the workload

A child can watch every video and still fail to understand the material. Recorded instruction is a tool, not a substitute for parental awareness.

What Makes BJU Press Different?

Strong Biblical Worldview Integration

BJU Press teaches from a conservative Protestant perspective.

Its materials encourage students to consider how Scripture relates to academic disciplines, history, morality, culture and human purpose.

In science, for example, BJU Press presents the natural world as God’s creation and teaches students to interpret scientific knowledge within a biblical framework. Its broader publishing philosophy also emphasizes biblical worldview development alongside academic rigor and critical thinking.

This is a strength for families who share that theology.

It may be a weakness for:

• Secular families
• Catholic or Orthodox families
• Mainline Protestant households
• Parents who accept evolutionary creation or an old earth
• Families wanting religiously neutral academics

Parents should review textbook samples rather than assuming that all Christian curricula approach theology and science in the same way.

Complete K–12 Academic Continuity

BJU Press offers a coherent sequence from early phonics through high-school literature, advanced mathematics and laboratory science.

That continuity can reduce the learning gaps that sometimes occur when families switch curriculum providers every year.

A student can progress through:

• Elementary phonics and reading
• Formal grammar and composition
• Pre-algebra
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• American and world history
• Government and economics
• American and British literature

This makes BJU Press especially appealing for parents thinking beyond the current school year.

Detailed Teacher Support

The teacher editions are thorough.

They commonly provide:

• Lesson objectives
• Teaching instructions
• Answers
• Discussion questions
• Additional explanations
• Biblical worldview notes
• Suggested activities
• Assessment guidance
• Ideas for helping struggling students

That level of support is useful for parents who want to teach directly but need more guidance than a simple answer key.

The tradeoff is that the teacher editions can be large, expensive and somewhat intimidating.

Formal Tests and Assessment

BJU Press uses more conventional assessment than many relaxed homeschool curricula.

Courses may include:

• Chapter reviews
• Quizzes
• Unit tests
• Cumulative assessments
• Essays
• Projects
• Laboratory reports
• Oral reading checks

Formal testing can help parents identify gaps and produce grades for transcripts.

Still, younger children do not necessarily need every test. Independent homeschool parents can adjust assessments unless they are participating in a program with specific requirements.

BJU Press Subject Review

BJU Press Math Review

BJU Press Math combines conceptual explanations, computation, word problems, visual models and practical applications.

Younger courses use manipulatives and colorful illustrations, while later courses progress into formal secondary mathematics.

The sequence includes:

• Elementary arithmetic
• Fundamentals of Math
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Precalculus
• Consumer Mathematics

Math Strengths

• Clear explanations
• Strong visual presentation
• Good teacher guidance
• Practical word problems
• Consistent K–12 progression
• Video support for difficult courses
• Balance between computation and reasoning

Math Weaknesses

• Lessons can be lengthy
• Some children may need more cumulative review
• Parent-led teaching requires preparation
• Worktexts are often consumable
• The program may feel too traditional for hands-on or discovery-oriented learners

My view is that BJU Press Math is a solid choice for students who want clear instruction and a conventional sequence.

Students who need extensive drill may prefer Abeka or Saxon, while students who need shorter and gentler lessons may prefer Master Books.

BJU Press Science Review

Science is arguably one of BJU Press’s strongest curriculum areas.

Courses use full-color textbooks, diagrams, photographs, experiments, demonstrations and formal scientific vocabulary.

The sequence covers areas such as:

• Life science
• Earth science
• Physical science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Environmental science

BJU Press emphasizes both academic knowledge and biblical interpretation. Its official materials describe science as a way for students to understand and responsibly use God’s creation.

Science Strengths

• Attractive and detailed textbooks
• Strong diagrams and explanations
• Experiments and laboratory work
• Clear sequence through high school
• Video demonstrations
• Good college-preparatory potential
• Strong teacher editions

Science Weaknesses

• The creationist perspective will not suit every family
• Experiments require supplies and supervision
• Textbooks can be dense
• Some activities were originally designed for classrooms
• High-school lab work must be documented carefully

Families using the Academy of Home Education should note that high-school students must physically complete at least eight labs per year for science credit. Watching a recorded lab demonstration does not satisfy that requirement.

BJU Press English and Language Arts Review

BJU Press provides a highly structured language arts sequence.

Depending on the grade, students study:

• Phonics
• Reading
• Spelling
• Handwriting
• Grammar
• Punctuation
• Vocabulary
• Composition
• Research
• Editing
• Literature

The separation of subjects is more traditional than integrated programs such as The Good and the Beautiful.

A younger student may have distinct courses for reading, spelling, handwriting and English. Older students move into formal Writing and Grammar and Literature courses.

Language Arts Strengths

• Systematic grammar instruction
• Strong spelling and phonics
• Frequent writing practice
• Formal editing skills
• Clear literary analysis
• Good high-school preparation
• Detailed teacher support

Language Arts Weaknesses

• Too many separate components for some families
• Grammar can feel repetitive
• Writing assignments require parent evaluation
• The full program can take considerable time
• Literature courses rely partly on anthologies rather than only complete novels

BJU Press is a strong choice for families who want children to understand formal grammar and produce structured academic writing.

Parents wanting a more natural, literature-led approach may prefer Sonlight.

BJU Press History Review

Elementary and middle-school social studies courses are generally published under the Heritage Studies name.

The curriculum covers:

• Communities
• Citizenship
• Geography
• U.S. history
• World history
• Government
• Economics
• Political ideas
• Culture
• Church history

The courses are more textbook-driven than Sonlight or My Father’s World.

History Strengths

• Clear chronological organization
• Attractive maps and visuals
• Formal review and assessment
• Strong government and citizenship content
• Consistent Christian worldview
• Good transition into high-school courses

History Weaknesses

• Less immersive than literature-based history
• Students may memorize facts without developing historical empathy
• Families may want to add biographies and primary sources
• Political and theological interpretations may not suit every household

I would use BJU Press history as a strong academic spine but add full-length books, biographies and primary documents whenever possible.

Is BJU Press Accredited?

The curriculum itself is not accredited.

Textbooks, workbooks and recorded courses cannot independently receive institutional accreditation.

However, BJU Press operates the Academy of Home Education, which offers recordkeeping and an accredited homeschool track for eligible families.

Academy services can include:

• Report cards
• Standardized testing
• Transcripts
• Academic consultation
• A high-school diploma
• Graduation participation
• Formal recordkeeping

BJU Press states that Academy enrollment can provide an accredited diploma and transcript.

The accredited track includes additional requirements.

For example, students must generally use BJU Press materials where available, meet testing requirements and submit work samples. High-school graduation requires at least 24 credits, and a speech elective is required.

Therefore:

• Buying BJU Press books does not make a homeschool accredited.
• Buying BJU Press video courses does not automatically make it accredited.
• Separate Academy enrollment is required for accredited status.

Many homeschoolers do not need accreditation, but it can be useful for families dealing with international requirements, transfers, institutional documentation or personal recordkeeping preferences.

BJU Press Pricing in 2026

BJU Press is more expensive than many workbook-based homeschool programs.

Its official pricing for complete online grade kits in July 2026 was:

The additional printed materials cost $170 within the complete grade kit. BJU Press says elementary packages include more than $550 worth of printed materials, while high-school packages include more than $495 in print materials.

The 2026 catalog also lists $1,149 for regular online grade kits with books, although certain early-grade products may have different pricing.

What Is Included?

A complete online grade package generally includes:

• Core academic courses
• Recorded video lessons
• Digital course access
• eTextbooks
• Assignment scheduling
• Printed student materials when selected
• Tests or testing access
• Parent resources
• Homeschool Hub tools

Exact components vary by grade.

Additional Costs

Parents may also need to budget for:

• Academy enrollment
• Science supplies
• Lab materials
• Art supplies
• Printer ink
• Consumable replacements
• Electives
• Foreign-language materials
• Standardized testing
• Computer equipment
• Internet access
• Tutoring
• Shipping outside standard service areas

The cost becomes easier to justify when parents reuse teacher editions and nonconsumable textbooks with younger siblings.

Online video access, however, is time-limited and cannot be passed down in the same way as a physical textbook.

BJU Press Pros and Cons

Pros

• Complete K–12 curriculum
• Strong academic structure
• Excellent science program
• Thorough grammar and writing instruction
• High-quality video teachers
• Multiple teaching formats
• Attractive textbooks
• Formal tests and grading tools
• Strong high-school preparation
• Optional accredited enrollment

Cons

• Expensive
• Potentially long school days
• Heavy screen time with full video packages
• More school-like than many homeschool curricula
• Numerous books and components
• Separate grade programs are difficult to combine
• Strong conservative Protestant worldview
• Parent-led courses require preparation
• Some students may find the workload overwhelming
• Recorded teachers cannot fully personalize instruction

BJU Press vs. Abeka

BJU Press and Abeka are both traditional Christian curricula, but there are important differences.

BJU Press may be the better option for children who want to understand why a concept works.

Abeka may be better for students who retain material through repeated practice and fast-paced review.

BJU Press vs. Master Books

Master Books is more appropriate for reluctant learners and families wanting shorter lessons.

BJU Press is stronger for formal academic sequencing, science and secondary education.

Is BJU Press Too Difficult?

BJU Press can be demanding, but it is not automatically too hard.

The program may become overwhelming when parents expect students to complete every:

• Video
• Review question
• Worksheet
• Test
• Project
• Enrichment activity
• Optional assignment

A better approach is to adapt the workload.

Parents can:

• Reduce repetitive problems
• Skip mastered material
• Slow the schedule
• Use videos for selected subjects
• Choose different grade levels by subject
• Add breaks between video classes
• Replace some tests with oral review
• Give additional help with reading or writing

Students moving from a gentle curriculum may need an adjustment period.

BJU Press is most successful when parents prioritize mastery over perfect schedule completion.

Who Should Use BJU Press?

BJU Press is a particularly good fit for:

• Christian families wanting formal academics
• Students who enjoy clear expectations
• Visual learners
• Children comfortable with textbooks
• College-bound middle- and high-school students
• Parents needing video instruction
• Families wanting strong science
• Parents who value grammar and writing
• Students who benefit from formal tests
• Families considering accredited enrollment

Who Should Choose Another Curriculum?

Another program may be better for:

• Families wanting relaxed homeschooling
• Parents teaching several grades together
• Students who strongly resist textbooks
• Children who need very short lessons
• Families avoiding screens
• Parents who dislike formal testing
• Secular or religiously neutral households
• Families with a limited curriculum budget
• Children who learn primarily through projects or stories

Final Verdict: Is BJU Press Worth It?

BJU Press is worth the price for families that will genuinely use its strengths.

The curriculum provides:

• Professional instruction
• Complete course sequences
• Detailed teaching support
• Strong science and language arts
• Structured secondary education
• Useful planning and grading tools

As a homeschooling dad, I would consider BJU Press especially seriously for middle school and high school.

Advanced mathematics, laboratory science, grammar and literature become more difficult to teach casually as children grow older. Having experienced instructors and a coherent academic sequence can remove considerable pressure from the parent.

For younger children, I would be more selective.

A complete BJU Press elementary schedule may be more formal than necessary. I might use BJU Press for math, reading or science while keeping other subjects more flexible and family centered.

My final judgment is:

BJU Press is one of the best Christian homeschool curricula for families wanting traditional academics, strong video instruction and reliable K–12 progression. It is academically solid and especially valuable for secondary students, but parents should adjust the workload to prevent the program from turning homeschooling into an exhausting imitation of conventional school.

BJU Press Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BJU Press a Complete Curriculum?

Yes. BJU Press offers complete grade-level programs from kindergarten through Grade 12, as well as individual subject courses.

Is BJU Press Christian?

Yes. It teaches from a conservative Protestant Christian perspective and integrates biblical worldview instruction across academic subjects.

Is BJU Press Accredited?

The curriculum itself is not accredited. Parents can apply separately to the Academy of Home Education for recordkeeping and accredited enrollment.

How Much Does BJU Press Cost?

In July 2026, a full online grade kit cost $979 without printed textbooks and $1,149 with printed and digital materials.

Does BJU Press Include Teachers?

The online and DVD courses include recorded instruction from BJU Press teachers. Parent-led textbook packages do not.

Can I Use BJU Press for Only One Subject?

Yes. Families can purchase individual textbook or video subject kits instead of a complete grade package.

Is BJU Press Good for High School?

Yes. It offers a complete secondary sequence in mathematics, science, writing, literature, history, Bible, government, economics and electives. Optional Academy enrollment can provide formal transcripts and an accredited diploma.

Is BJU Press Young-Earth Creationist?

Its science and history materials reflect a conservative biblical creationist perspective. Parents should review current samples to determine whether the treatment matches their beliefs.