Homeschool curriculum review
Apologia
Mastery-based science, creation-based, narrative
Last reviewed January 2025 · Price last checked January 2025
About This Curriculum
The gold standard for Christian homeschool science. Apologia offers complete, rigorous science courses for elementary through high school with a young-Earth creation perspective. Known for its engaging writing style and thorough lab activities.
This review looks at who Apologia fits best, who should compare alternatives, what a normal day can look like, parent prep, cost, and similar programs to consider.
Who This Fits Best
Apologia is strongest for christian families covering K–12 who want the curriculum approach and teaching style to match their family rhythm. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include comprehensive, rigorous science for homeschoolers and engaging writing style — reads more like a textbook than most.
Who Should Consider an Alternative
Consider an alternative if young earth creation and anti-evolution perspective or science curriculum only. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Apologia against the alternatives below before buying.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
A typical day with Apologia leans on activities, manipulatives, projects, or visual practice rather than only workbook pages. It rewards families who can tolerate some setup and cleanup in exchange for more concrete learning.
Parent Prep Required
Apologia requires moderate parent prep. Read the next lesson, gather any materials, and decide what to skip, slow down, or supplement based on your child.
At a Glance
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
- ✓Comprehensive, rigorous science for homeschoolers
- ✓Engaging writing style — reads more like a textbook than most
- ✓Solid lab component in every course
- ✓Covers elementary through AP-level high school science
- ✓Strong community and co-op support
Consider Before Buying
- –Young Earth Creation and anti-evolution perspective
- –Science curriculum only
- –May not satisfy secular college admissions expectations
Best Alternatives
If Apologia is close but not quite right, compare it against curricula with similar tags, worldview, or teaching style.
Masterbooks
Living books, creation-based, literature-rich
Notgrass History
Narrative, literature-based history
Abeka
Traditional textbook-based, direct instruction
Compared With Similar Curricula
Frequently Asked Questions About Apologia
How much does Apologia cost?+
Apologia runs about $80–$200 per year. Per course; student notebook and solutions manual sold separately
What grades does Apologia cover?+
Apologia covers grades K–12. Always check the publisher's current placement guidance before buying.
Is Apologia faith-based or secular?+
Apologia is christian. The gold standard for Christian homeschool science. Apologia offers complete, rigorous science courses for elementary through high school with a young-Earth creation perspective. Known for its engaging writing style and thorough lab activities.
Who is Apologia best for?+
Apologia is strongest for christian families covering K–12 who want the curriculum approach and teaching style to match their family rhythm. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include comprehensive, rigorous science for homeschoolers and engaging writing style — reads more like a textbook than most.
Who should avoid Apologia?+
Consider an alternative if young earth creation and anti-evolution perspective or science curriculum only. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Apologia against the alternatives below before buying.