[ Help this list grow by sending me your favorite resources. The inclusion of any supplier or service in the list below does not constitute an endorsement by MVHA. Each family should thoroughly research resources, and then decide for themselves which, if any, of them will best meet their family's unique needs. Know that there are MANY, MANY more whole curricula, supplements and educational resources, than what you see here.]

Check out the resources page at Families for Home Education's website. Some of the information below I found with the help of their booklet, "First Things First".

There is a list of a number of (but by no means all!) complete curriculum suppliers at the bottom of this page.

There is a list of a number of (but by no means all!) homeschool magazine publishers at the very bottom of this page.

The following curriculum guides can help you to identify:

   --the educational style with which your family will be most comfortable
      (visit our "Bibliography Page" for a list of additional books about teaching methods)
   --the learning styles of your children
   --which complete curriculums & curriculum supplements, fit your
     belief systems, your family's educational style and your kids' learning styles
   --and much, much more

If you cannot afford to buy them, see if you can borrow at least one of the first two from a friend or library.

Big Book of Home Learning (Volumes I - IV) [best to check out Vol. I first]
by Mary Pride,  published by Home Life, Inc..  These incredibly helpful books are on sale for HALF PRICE for a limited time this spring. Click on their website for more information on this incredible deal!)

Christian Home Educator's Curriculum Manual (Elementary & Jr./Sr. High Volumes)
by Cathy Duffy, published by Grove Publishing (Homeschool Books Division).

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling
by Debra Bell, while not specifically a curriculum guide, it does offer suggestions about choosing curriculum, as well as a wealth of other information helpful to new homeschoolers and veterans.

What Your ____________ Grader Needs to Know (A volume for each grade level. The Core of Knowledge Series, is "dedicated to excellence and fairness in early education, the Core Knowledge Foundation is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1986 by E. D. Hirsch, Jr., professor emeritus at the University of Virginia and author of many acclaimed books including Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know and The Schools We Need and Why We Don't Have Them.)

Homeschool Your Child for Free (More Than 1,200 Smart, Effective, and Practical Resources for Home Education on the Internet and Beyond)
   by LauraMaery Gold, Joan M. Zielinski

The following MISSOURI stores offering various curriculums, supplements, tools & materials can be very helpful:

The Homeschool Sampler (A new bookstore in Kirkwood, MO, created by homeschoolers to meet the specific needs of homeschoolers.  These are gentle & helpful folk who would be happy to help you find what you need, in a warm & beautiful atmosphere. Their delightful store gives you the opportunity to check out "hands-on" a number of whole curricula, supplemental curricula and learning aids, as well as general books on homeschooling.  They also offer a limited selection of used materials.  The next time you take a trip to St. Louis, stop by to browse, because it's just a skip & a jump from Hwy 44.  Chris, Scott and/or Shannon would love to hear about your homeschool.  If you are unable to visit, they are willing to take phone orders by credit card, and mail books to you.)

The Homeschool Sampler
124 West Jefferson Avenue
       Suite 107
Kirkwood, MO 63122

(Easy Parking!  1/2 block west of Kirkwood /Lindbergh. One block north of the Train Station. Behind Mike Duffy’s Restaurant.)

HOURS:
Mon                 closed
Tue & Thu       2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wed & Fri       2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sat                  12:00 noon - 6:00 pm
Sun                  closed

Phone:        (314) 909-9220
Fax:             (314) 909-9230
E-mail:        hssampler@aol.com

 

Sacred Heart Books & Gifts (A bookstore, not far from Kansas City, with a LARGE selection of homeschool books.  Contact Linda Nelson for more information.  Or, visit their booth at the Columbia MMHEC Curriculum Fair.)

Sacred Heart Books & Gifts
14202 Pier Place
Liberty, MO  64068

Phone:        (816) 415-4301
E-mail:        Sacredheart_Books@msn.com

The Good Shepherd Academy (A private school "providing quality educational enrichment in a Christian environment", which also has a curriculum bookstore. Contact Cindy Jones or Stephanie Hill, or visit their booth at the Kansas City FHE Curriculum Fair.)

The Good Shephard Academy Curriculum Bookstore
9910 East Bannister Road
Kansas City, MO 64134

Phone:        (816) 965-8511

The following catalogues offering various curriculums, supplements, tools & materials can be very helpful:

The Rainbow Resource Catalogue (An enormous selection! You may want to check here first.)

Usborne Books (A publisher of hundreds of children's books on many interesting topics that are especially user-friendly and full of vivid pictures.  Providers to the MVHA area are:  Kathy Robertson (573-764-4680) in Rosebud, MO, and Jeanie L. Carey (573-732-????), 313 Trendle Road, Bourbon, MO 65441.)

God's World Book Club (now offering books published by HSLDA, in addition to their usual selections)

Christian Book Distributors (CBD)

Love to Learn

The Homeschool Catalogue

Great Christian Books -- Homeschool Warehouse

Nasco Early Childhood ( A broad selection of teaching materials, learning toys, play equipment, arts and crafts, and games selected specifically for education programs in grades PreK-3. )

Timberdoodle ( Books, educational kits & toys)

Catalogue(s) and sources for Pre-School books:

Playful Learning -- An Alternative Approach to Preschool (Wonderful, insightful, uplifting, homeschool-ordiented ideas about how to start a Cooperative Preschool with other families of pre-schoolers.  PLUS, about 3/4 of the book is devoted to FUN activities that lay a foundation in every main subject area, sorted by subject area.   I used colorful stick on index tabs to identify each area, and felt as if I had a complete preschool curriculum in my hands.  You will want to add your own spiritual training on top of this secular curriculum published by the LaLeche League.

Catalogue(s) and sources for Language Arts, Phonics & Reading books:

Literacy Unlimited (Publishers of English From the Roots Up by Joegil Lundquist, which teaches the Greek & Latin prefixes, suffixes & roots of English words, thereby strengthening students' vocabulary, reading, writing, spelling and SAT scores.  Read Ms. Lundquist's explanation about why it is important for students to learn classical languages.)

The Hedge School(Publishers of The First Whole Book of Diagrams by Mary Daly. You can write The Hedge School, 24934 478 Avenue, Garretson, SD 57030, or order it from Sacred Heart Books & Gifts.

Saxon Publishers (Phonics, Mathematics, Physics)

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (Phonics-based Reading Program that is easy to use and very effective)

Waldorf Student Reading List (Reading List for Pre-K - 8th Grade, from the Waldorf School movement)

Books for the Journey (Reading List for High School, from the Waldorf School movement)

Catalogue(s) for children's & family's Reading books:

Chinaberry Catalogue (Secular Family-oriented Catalogue with excellent books, so screen to meet your needs)

The Company of Books (Secular Family-oriented Catalogue, from the folks who brought you "A Common Reader" Catalogue for adults, with books for young readers, so screen to meet your needs)

Scholastic Books (A publisher of high quality reading books at unusually inexpensive prices, and a distributor of educational software. The MVHA area distributor is Kathy Robertson (573-764-4680) in Rosebud, MO.)

Sources for Missouri History books:

A Guide to Studying Missouri History Through Literature ("An inexpensive Guide to Studying Our States Rich Heritage!" written by Kelly Nahrgang (a homeschooling mom), 19 Edgemont Road, St. Peters, MO 63376, phone: (636) 278-1849, e-mail: knahrgan@mail.win.org. Cost is $21.50 including tax and 1st class shipping.

Missouri Heritage Readers (A series created by University of Missouri -- Columbia, and others, exploring particular aspects of the state's rich cultural heritage. Focusing on people, places, historical events, and the details of daily life,. These books illlustrate the ways in which people from all parts of the world contributed to the development of the state and the region. The books incorporate documentary and oral history, folklore, and informal literature in a way that makes these resources acessible to all Missourians. Intended primarily for adult new readers, these books will also be invaluable to readers of all ages interested in the cultural and social history of Missouri. Titles include:

Jesse James and the Civil War in Missouri

On Shaky Ground: The New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811 -1812

Orphan Trains to Missouri

The Osage in Missouri

The Trail of Tears Across Missouri

German Settlement in Missouri: New Land, Old Ways

Paris, Tightwad and Peculiar: Missouri Place Names

Food in Missouri: A Cultural Stew

Missouri -- Then and Now (A more or less fourth grade level textbook by Perry McCandless & William E. Foley, published by the University of Missouri Press, Columbia, MO. While I usually avoid textbooks, this one is a VERY teacher-friendly and child-friendly book with large, easy-to-read type, lots of large,relevant pictures, photos & maps,an occasional timeline, a glossary, an index, short biolgraphical sketches of famous Missourians, questions to ponder at the beginning of each chapter, activities to solidify learning at the end of each chapter. It's lively enough to hold a child's interest. This book can be purchased from Downtown Book & Toy, 125 East High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, phone: (573) 635-1185.

Missouri -- The Heart of the Nation (A High School or higher book with some illustrations, by William E. Parrish, Charles T. Jones & Lawrence O. Christensen, published by Forum Press, St. Louis, MO).  Available at Amazon.com.

State of Missouri INFORMATION PACKET (A packet of FREE information available from the Secretary of State, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Why not have your fourth grader write a letter of request for one.)

Missouri Citizens: Now, Then and in the Future ("Models of Civic Responsibiltiy for Young Citizens" -- A book about Missouri Citizenship targeted at fourth grade level and up, covering topics of Rules & Laws, Conflict Resolution, Government, Rights & Responsibilities, Citizenship, Education, & Equality, examined past & present. Published by the St.Louis Board of Education. Available from the Law-Related Education Division, MIssouri Bar Association, Millie Aulbur, Field Director, phone: (573) 635-4128, e-mail: milliea@mobar.org [?].)  NOT SURE IF THIS BOOK IS STILL IN PRINT.

Dictionary of Missouri Biography (edited by Lawrence O. Christensen, William E. Foley, Gary R. Kremer, and Kenneth H. Winn )

A History of Missouri: Volume I (1673 to 1820, by William E. Foley )
A History of Missouri: Volume II  (1820 to 1860, by Perry McCandless )
A History of Missouri: Volume III  (1860 to 1875, by William E. Parrish )
A History of Missouri: Volume IV (1875 to 1919, by Lawrence O. Christensen and Gary R. Kremer)
A History of Missouri: Volume V (1919 to 1953, by Richard S. Kirkendall)

The Genesis of Missouri: From Wilderness Outpost to Statehood (by William E. Foley )

Missouri's Black Heritage, Revised Edition.

Catalogue(s) for History books:

Beautiful Feet Books (A wonderful catalogue! Freeze your credit cards in a block of ice before reading.)

Trails Through History (A new department of Tobin's Lab with impressive books.)

Cobblestone Publications (An excellent magazine with one American HIstory theme each month,
                                                    offering almost 200 back issues on fascinating topics.)

Greenleaf Press (Catalogue of History materials)

Let the Authors Speak (A book, not a catalogue, by Carolyn Hatcher that is a "Guide to Worthy Books Based on Historical Setting" sorted by century & location). Many original sources. Available from Old Pinnacle Publishing, 1048 Old Pinnacle Road, Joelton, TN 37080 for $18.95 plus shipping & handling.)

Catalogue(s) for Math books & manipulatives:

Saxon Publishers (Mathematics, Physics, Phonics)

                                   (For Saxon Math materials new, used or slightly damaged available at a discount, here in Missouri, contact Eddie Smith at (816) 923-0436 or e-mail him at smithed@umkc.edu)

Math U See (Combining the strengths of systematic review with the hands-on manipulatives, a complete math program that utilizes interlocking, colorful blocks and fraction overlays to teach math, along with curriculum to provide the review and reinforcement.)

Miquon Math (A math program that allows children to model numbers & operations concretely using a hands-on, pattern-building, discovery method.)

Singapore Math (A math program that makes kids think hard!  This is the program used by students in Singapore, who are reportedly ranked highest on the planet in Math. Yes, it is translated into British English.)

Delta Education (Everything you could ever want for "Hands-on Math".)

Nasco Math (materials for schools, K - 12)

Mindware (Puzzles, books & games that really make a kids think!)

Young Explorers ("Creative educational products" for math, science, geography, music, crafts & sports)

Classroom Direct (a discount school specialty company)

Catalogue(s) for Science Books & Materials:

Conservation Education Discovery Trunks (FREE Tools to borrow from the Sullivan Branch of the Missouri Department of Conservation, Outreach & Education Division. Each trunk provides you with a variety of activities to use in your classroom. Your students will learn about Missouri plant and animal life in an exciting hands-on way. You can borrow a trunk about Mammals, Coyote, Beaver, Birds, Reptiles, Zebra Mussel Mania, Wetlands, Urban Nature, Project Learning Tree, Insects.

Missouri Department of Conservation BOOKSTORE (Check here for nature books for kids & adults, many specific to Missouri.)      

Dr. Jay Wile's High School Science (A branch of Apologia Ministries, offering Creation Science courses in Biology & Chemistry)

Tobin's Lab (Everything you could ever want for "Hands-on Science".)

Home Training Tools (Science equipment and material for Home Schools, K - 12)

Nasco Science (Science equipment, dissection kits, and material for Home Schools, K - 12)

Nasco Health (Health curriculum materials for schools, K - 12)

Nature's Workshop Plus! (Lots of science & nature study supplies)

Saxon Publishers (Physics, Mathematics, Phonics)

Mindware (Puzzles, books & games that really make a kids think!)

Classroom Direct (A discount school specialty company)

Master Books (Creation Science Books, and other devotional books)

Missouri Department of Conservation (Free Science curriculum to Missouri Residents)

Catalogue(s) for Music books & teaching tools:

Music Wonderful Music (Music theory and perfect pitch training via cassettes and workbooks -- beginner through college-aged)

Friendship House ("Cutting edge musical teaching tools")

Catalogue(s) for children's Craft kits & books:

HearthSong (Children's healthy, old-fashioned craft kits & toys)

Classroom Direct (a discount school specialty company)

Nasco Arts & Crafts (materials for schools, K - 12)

Catalogue(s) for children's Critical Thinking kits, books & software:

Critical Thinking Books & Software (Improving your child's reasoning in Reading, Writing, Science & Math)

Catalogue(s) for General School Supplies & Manipulatives & other Educational Tools arts, crafts, office supplies,stickers, charts, displays furniture, games software, kits, sports equipment:

Classroom Direct (a discount school specialty company)

Franklin Electronic Publishers (Can't get your kids to look up mystery words or vocabulary words in a dictionary?  Then try "Solutions in Portable Knowledge" -- handheld electronic dictionaries, foreign language dictionaries, translators, cursive modeling devices, English grammar teachers, crossword puzzle solvers, holy Bibles with search & retrieve.  Looking up words is so much faster, that kids are more willing to take the time mid-story.)

Catalogues for COMPLETE CURRICULUMS (Christian):

Bob Jones University Press (Christian textbooks for homeschools, plus home education by satellite, testing, and MUCH MORE)

A Beka Books (Christian textbooks for homeschools, very commonly used)

Alpha Omega Publications (Christian textbooks for homeschools)

KONOS Character Curriculum (K - 6th Unit Study Curriculum, "distinct from other curricula in that it features: Godly character trait focus, Units with all subjects integrated, Hands-on experiential activities, Discovery learning, Multi-level, family teaching. KONOS uses the entire library as a textbook and the whole world as a curriculum.")

Christian Light Education (A Bible-based, Integrated, and Complete Christian Curriculum for Grades 1-12 )

School of Tomorrow (Accelerated Christian Education, through "The Independent Home School Option" or "Lighthouse Academy", where after diagnostic testing, children are assigned courses that each consist of 12 workbooks called PACEs.)

Sonlight Curriculum (Complete curriculum or option to buy parts of their comprehensive program)

The Sycamore Tree (Incorporated in California since 1982, and provides homeschool educational services to students in grades K-12 all over the world. Supporting the school or anyone needing Christian based educational materials, is a catalog purchasing service which provides a wide range of more than 3000 educational items. You need not be enrolled in the school to order from the catalog.)

Instructional Fair Group (Christian Home Education resources through sixth grade)

Charlotte Mason Research & Supply Company (The Charlotte Mason approach to education)

Ambleside Online Curriculum (FREE Lesson Plans & booklists offered for The Charlotte Mason approach to education. In their own words, "Welcome to Ambleside Online, a free 36 week curriculum that uses the highest quality books and costs no more than the cost of texts. The curriculum uses as many free online books as possible, and there is no cost to use this information or join the support group." It was organized by a group of parents using the Charlotte Mason approach.)

Christian Liberty Academy (K - 12 Correspondence School, testing, publisher and catalogue)

The Potter's School (Internet conferencing technology has made it possible to offer live on-line courses to Junior & Senior High students in their homes. Such classes afford homeschoolers wonderful opportunities for high quality instruction in a variety of topics, expanding academic options while supporting homeschooling ideals. We want to provide on-line courses in which the ideals we value as homeschoolers, where each student receives individual feedback and families determine their own educational priorities, are honored by a dedicated group of on-line teachers who share a biblical worldview. Teaches Creation Science.)

Seton Home Study School (Seton Home Study School, to help parents with the Catholic education of their children, in all subject areas, in grades kindergarten through high school. We are here to assist parents with their educational duties. We help by providing daily lesson plans, counseling by phone, fax and e-mail, testing services, books, software, videos, and other educational materials.)

Our Lady of the Rosary School (An international Roman Catholic homeschool organization which offers complete curriculums for students from grades pre-kindergarten through twelve)

Rod and Staff Publishers, Inc. (Originally Pilgrim Mennonite Press, offers Christian textbooks & materials for homeschools, including some produced by other publishers. Telephone: (606) 522-4348, Address: P.O. Box 3, Crockett, Kentucky, 41413-0003.  You can visit their UNOFFICIAL WEBSITE)

Catalogues for COMPLETE CURRICULUMS (Other Religions):

Muslim Home School Network and Resource (MHSNR) Education Bazaar (Muslim Homeschool Curriculum Source)

       (Additional Muslim Homeschooling information is available at their main site, and on this page at the A to Z Homeschool Site.

Orthodox Jewish Curriculum Resources (from the League of Observant Jewish Homeschoolers -- be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this page, because there is a long blank space in the middle of it!)

      (Additional Jewish Homeschooling information is available at this page at the A to Z Homeschool Site.

Catalogues for COMPLETE CURRICULUMS (Secular):

American School They can also be reached at 800-531-9268 or 708-418-2800. Their address is: American School, 2200 East 170th Street, Lansing, IL 60438. This is an accredited correspondence High School aimed at adults, but available to homeschoolers, and commonly used. Their program lends itself to accelerated education.)

Calvert School (a long established Kindergarten - Eighth Grade correspondence school with its own educational approach)

Clonlara School (K - 12 comprehensive curriculum, "The best of both worlds: Home Education & Private School Enrollment!")

K12 Homeschool (K - 8th comprehensive curriculum, "The K12® curriculum provides everything you need to give your child an excellent education at home, from lessons and materials to planning tools and assessments. You can even mix and match grade levels for different subjects to suit your child's level of development.") Check out their website, but it appears to me that they only go through 8th grade, despite their name. Go figure?

Laurel Springs School (5 - 12 comprehensive curriculum, "independent study programs, distance learning programs, individualized education programs (IEPs), Virtual Schools and online/web-based learning" combined)

Oak Meadow School (K - 12 comprehensive curriculum, a Waldorf-style, child-centered approach to education, "that respect[s] the spirit of children while helping them achieve academic excellence.")

The Teaching Company (High School Video Courses)

The University of Nebraska (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Independent Study High School (ISHS), a fully-accredited, college prep high school offers students, parents, advisers and school administrators courses and a diploma program designed to fit their needs. Choose from 135 courses. Take print and/or online courses.)

The University of Missouri -- Middle School and Elementary Program (Grades 3 through 8: Language Arts - Mathematics - Science - Social Studies, written by certified teachers, and each one is equivalent to a semester of traditional coursework. Whether you choose to complete coursework through the mail, online, or by fax, you can be assured that our courses are of the highest quality.)

The University of Missouri -- MU High School ( Whether you choose to complete coursework through the mail, online, or by fax, you can be assured that our courses are of the highest quality. We provide courses, through a variety of delivery methods, that will complement traditional high school curricula, and provide an accredited diploma program. MU High School offers a diverse and comprehensive curriculum, which includes over 150 courses. )

McGraw-Hill Learning Store ("Your Store for Books and Products from the Nation's #1 K-12 Publisher.")

Scott-Foresman & Company (Lots of Textbooks!)

Educators Publishing Service, Inc. (A publisher of supplemental materials for grades K - 12 and the sole distributor of products for "All Kinds of Minds". )

Sources for HOMESCHOOLING MAGAZINES :

Home Education Magazine (This magazine is "one of the oldest, most respected, and most informative magazines on the subject of homeschooling. HEM is available via subscription, in public libraries, bookstores and on newsstands.
Each issue offers the very best interviews, feature articles, regular columns, political commentary and analysis, news reporting and more!" This appears to be a secular or inclusive [open to religious & secular homeschoolers] magazine.)

The Link -- The Nation's Homeschool Newspaper (This newspaper is simply amazing! It is inclusive, combining articles and advertising that appeal to virtually every type of homeschooler. The Columnists are nationally known figures with excellent ideas & advice. The ads are very informative. A printed version of The Link--a Homeschool Newspaper is available FREE —there is no subscription rate. It is available in retail outlets, libraries and bookstores throughout the United States free. If you would like to be on their mailing list and receive The Link free bi-monthly, click here. Or, you can read it on line by clicking here.

Practical Homeschooling (Mary Pride's magazine, whose "viewpoint is Christian, but meekly so -- this is a practical "How To" magazine, not an evangelistic treatise" comes from this Missouri homeschooler, the creator of The Big Book of Home Learning)

The Teaching Home (For 21 years, The Teaching Home has provided information, inspiration, and support to home-school families from a Christian perspective.)

Homeschooling Today (According to Mary Pride is "best known as 'more than a magazine -- it's a curriculum!')

Growing Without Schooling (This magazine ceased publication at the end of 2001, however, I believe that there are back issues left. There is a bookstore carrying much of John Holt related literature. Its perspective is secular and "unschooling" oriented, and it contains much thoughtful discussion of educational philosophy.)

Home School Digest (This magazine offers "practical tips, simple suggestions and bold biblical challenges that make up an open forum for wrestling through the complex issues that affect home-schooling families" from a Christian Perspective.)

God's World Publications (This publisher offers current events magazines at several different level from elementary age to adult. News is reported & interpreted from a Christian perspective.)

Weekly Reader (This publisher offers various weekly newspapers from Pre-K through High School from a secular perspective. This published began Weekly Readers back in 1902!)

List of Magazine Links  from the Christian Unschooling Site

Sources for CHILDREN'S MAGAZINES :

Read this article by the MVHA Group Leader about the MANY children's magazines available.  Please let me know about others that I may have missed that I could add to this site.

Sources for TESTING SUPPLIERS :

Bob Jones Home Education Services -- Testing & Evaluation (This division of Bob Jones University provides testing & evaluation through Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Tests, Abilities Tests, Writing Performance Evaluations, Career/Vocational Guidance Tests, Personality Profile Series, Test Alert [teaches skills applicable to test-taking and all areas of learning]. Check their catalogue or website for guidelines for using tests, qualifications for administering tests, and the purposes of tests.)

Family Learning Organization (Family Learning Organization offers standardized tests for homeschooling families. Through our Educational Assessment & Testing Service, tests may be obtained by parents to administer to their homeschooled children. Our services include:      

Standardized Achievement Tests including:
California Achievement Test, Fifth Edition
Metropolitan Achievement Test, Seventh Edition

Parent-Administered Assessments reviewed by a Certified Teacher,
       which will meet Washington State's requirements for teacher assessments.

NOTE: Due to legal action brought by Riverside Publishing Company, owner of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Test of Achievement and Proficiency (TAP), FLO Testing Service will no longer sell or score either the ITBS or the TAP.