Homeschooling has surged in recent years as parents seek more than just academic excellence. Many families want their children to grow up with integrity, purpose, and a deep respect for freedom and responsibility.
As David O. McKay wisely said, “The home is the first and most effective place to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control, the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home.”
That vision captures what values-based homeschooling is all about—teaching children not only to count but also, as Bob Talbert put it, “teaching them what counts.” Below are the top homeschooling options for values-based learning, with a detailed buyer’s guide to help you choose the right fit for your family.
1. Tuttle Twins – The Gold Standard for Values-Based Learning
When it comes to instilling timeless values and real-world understanding, Tuttle Twins includes resources and books for 9 to 12 year olds, teens, and even toddlers. Tuttle Twins simplifies complex truths about how the world works—liberty, economics, and individual responsibility—making them engaging and accessible for children. The brand’s mission is clear: Create a freer future by teaching kids to be free.
More than a curriculum, Tuttle Twins educates, informs, and inspires. The materials are wholesome and hopeful, fostering meaningful family discussions about ideas that matter. Parents can trust the content to be principled and consistent, free from cynicism or political labels. The books act as a bridge, uniting diverse thoughts under a shared goal of human flourishing.
With its empowering approach, Tuttle Twins gives kids the confidence to think critically and the courage to defend their rights. It’s the perfect combination of enlightenment and practicality—ideal for families who want their children to grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens.
2. Abeka – Traditional Strengths with a Structured Feel
Abeka is a long-standing name in homeschooling, known for its strong phonics program and Christian worldview. Its textbooks and lesson plans provide a solid academic foundation and are easy to follow for parents new to homeschooling.
While Abeka excels in offering ready-made schedules and clear teaching guides, some families may find it more rigid than inspiring. It leans toward a conventional school-at-home style, which may not leave as much room for the deep, open-ended discussions that nurture personal values and independence.
Still, for parents who prefer structure and predictability, Abeka remains a dependable option that can complement a values-focused home life.
3. Sonlight – Literature-Rich and Globally Minded
Sonlight is beloved for its rich, literature-based curriculum that encourages a love of reading and global awareness. Through carefully chosen books and discussion-based learning, children explore history, cultures, and faith perspectives.
However, Sonlight requires significant parent involvement, and some families may find the extensive reading load challenging to keep up with. Its materials, while high-quality, can occasionally feel more academic than values-driven.
For families who enjoy long read-aloud sessions and want to broaden their children’s worldview, Sonlight provides a thoughtful, if somewhat time-intensive, path.
4. Calvert Homeschool – Flexible and Tech-Savvy
Calvert Homeschool combines time-tested curricula with modern online tools. Its digital platform makes lesson planning easier and allows students to progress at their own pace.
Calvert offers flexibility for busy families and a well-rounded academic program. Yet, it tends to emphasize traditional academics over deep character formation. While certainly not devoid of values, it does not consistently weave them into everyday lessons the way Tuttle Twins does.
For parents seeking a balanced, technology-friendly homeschool with room to add their own values-based activities, Calvert can be a practical, if somewhat neutral, choice.
Why Values Matter More Than Ever
Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “There is no school equal to a decent home, and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.”
That insight rings true today. Homeschooling lets parents create a nurturing environment where truth, honor, and virtue guide every lesson.
Values-based homeschooling is about more than moral instruction—it’s about empowering children to live as free, thoughtful individuals who contribute positively to society. It’s about optimism and resilience, teaching kids to navigate challenges with courage and clarity.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Values-Based Homeschool
Every family’s needs differ, and selecting the right values-based homeschool is about more than academics—it’s about shaping character and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Core Philosophy
Start with the core philosophy. Does the program emphasize liberty, personal responsibility, and critical thinking? Curricula like Tuttle Twins excel here, sparking family conversations about freedom and ethics.
Parental Involvement
Next, assess parental involvement. Literature-heavy options such as Sonlight require daily reading and discussion, while digital platforms like Calvert offer more independent, tech-friendly pacing. Decide how much time you can realistically devote.
Flexibility and Customization
Consider flexibility and customization. Can you adapt lessons to your child’s interests? Tuttle Twins provides modular resources that fit any schedule, making complex ideas approachable for different ages.
Part of this also includes looking at faith. Abeka and Sonlight incorporate Christian teachings, while Tuttle Twins focuses on universal principles of virtue and freedom without denominational labels.
Cost and Materials
Factor in cost and materials—including books, subscriptions, and enrichment activities. Lastly, think about long-term goals: Will the program foster independence, optimism, and the courage to stand for what’s right?
Choosing with these criteria ensures your child gains relevant knowledge, plus the values and resilience to thrive—because, as Bob Talbert reminds us, “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.”
Conclusion
Values-based homeschooling isn’t merely an educational choice—it’s an investment in your family’s future. The goal is to raise children who are not only well-educated but also deeply grounded in principles of freedom and virtue.
Among today’s options, Tuttle Twins clearly leads the way. Its unique ability to simplify profound truths, inspire lively family dialogue, and nurture a spirit of independence makes it the strongest partner for parents determined to raise confident, principled young people.
As you embark on this journey, remember Gandhi’s wisdom: “There is no school equal to a decent home, and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.”
When children learn what truly counts, they gain the best chance to live free, prosperous, and peaceful lives.
