Choosing a homeschool curriculum is a big decision. You put in the research, weigh the options, and make the best choice you can for your family. But even with careful research and planning, there’s no guarantee the curriculum you choose will be the best fit. How do you know if your curriculum is actually working?
It’s normal to go through an adjustment period, especially if you’re new to homeschooling. But once you’ve given it some time, it’s helpful to step back and evaluate how things are going. Is your curriculum supporting your child’s learning style? Is it helping you meet your homeschool goals? Or is it making your day harder than it needs to be?
Here are five key signs that your curriculum is (or isn’t) a good fit for your family.
1. Your Child Is Engaged (or Checked Out)
One of the clearest indicators of whether a curriculum is working is how your child responds to it. If they’re curious, asking questions, and showing interest in what they’re learning, that’s a good sign. They don’t need to be thrilled with every single subject, but overall engagement shows the material is connecting with them.
On the other hand, if your child is constantly bored, overwhelmed, or frustrated, it might not be the right fit. A little resistance is normal now and then, but daily tears, blank stares, or rushing through just to get it done can signal a deeper issue. It could be that the curriculum doesn’t match their learning style, reading level, or pace.
2. Lessons Are Getting Done (or Dragging On Forever)
A good curriculum fits into your day, not the other way around. If you’re able to work through lessons in a reasonable amount of time and still have space for other activities, that’s a win. Even on busy days, your curriculum should feel manageable and give you a sense of progress.
If every subject feels like a battle or takes hours longer than it should, it’s worth asking why. Is the material too dense? Is the format confusing? Are there too many steps just to complete one assignment? Time struggles can be a sign that the curriculum needs to be adjusted or replaced with something more flexible.
3. You're Seeing Growth (or Gaps)
Progress doesn’t always happen quickly, but over time, you should start seeing growth. Maybe your child is reading more fluently, solving math problems with less help, or remembering facts from past lessons. These small steps forward show that the curriculum is building skills and reinforcing concepts in a way that sticks.
If you’re noticing the opposite, like major learning gaps, constant confusion, or repeated review of the same topic with no improvement, it might be time to reevaluate. Sometimes, the material moves too fast or assumes prior knowledge your child doesn’t have. You may need to slow down, revisit the basics, or find a curriculum that better supports your child’s starting point.
4. It Supports Your Teaching Style (or Constantly Frustrates You)
Homeschooling is a family effort, and your experience as the teacher matters too. If you feel supported, equipped, and confident with the materials you’re using, that’s a strong sign the curriculum is working. Clear instructions, built-in planning tools, and helpful guidance go a long way in making your day smoother.
If you’re constantly stressed, second-guessing yourself, or unsure what to do next, your curriculum might be adding more pressure than it should. Not every parent thrives with a highly scripted format, and not everyone feels comfortable filling in the gaps. A good curriculum will align with your strengths or at least give you the tools to feel prepared.
5. It Matches Your Family’s Goals (or Holds You Back)
Every homeschool family has different goals. Maybe you're preparing for college, focusing on life skills, prioritizing faith-based learning, or just trying to build a love of learning. A solid curriculum supports those goals and gives you the flexibility to shape your year around what matters most to your family.
If the curriculum keeps pulling you away from what’s important, it might be time to rethink. Are you spending more time fixing problems than enjoying the process? Are you stuck to a rigid structure that doesn’t work for your schedule or values? If your curriculum is becoming a barrier instead of a blessing, it may be time for a change.
Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes, the hardest part of homeschooling is knowing when to pivot. It’s easy to feel like you have to stick with what you started or that changing course means you’ve failed. But adjusting your curriculum doesn’t mean you got it wrong. It means you’re paying attention and doing what’s best for your child.
The right curriculum won’t be perfect, but it should support your child’s growth, fit into your life, and give you confidence as a homeschool parent. If it’s not doing those things, it may be time to explore other options.
Need a curriculum that fits your family?
At AOP, we offer flexible, faith-based homeschool solutions designed to support different learning styles, teaching preferences, and family goals. Whether you want self-paced workbooks or an online program with built-in grading, we’re here to help you find your fit.
