It’s that time where a lot of homeschooling families are gearing up for the next school year! While there may be some feelings of not being quite ready there is still usually some excitement in choosing what you will be doing and getting a fresh start. A couple of years ago, I made the switch to starting the school year in July, so we have just finished Day 2 of the 2026-2027 school year. 😊 We live in the south so I have found that we really enjoy being done in the Spring to make more time for being outside and enjoying the weather!
I’m here today to share with you some of my favorite homeschool resources that I return to again and again!
#1. Cathy Duffy Reviews
I love this website and have mentioned it to people over and over again! If you like to read reviews in detail about curricula you are interested in or get more exposure to the variety of options that are available, this is a GREAT place to come. I have found it very helpful in getting an idea on what would be good choices for my kids. I go to this website multiple times a year. If you’d like to check it out, click on the link below!
#2. YouTube
Interested in a curriculum but not sure if you are ready make the financial investment without having a better idea of that ins and outs first? Search for a flip-through of it on YouTube to actually get a look at the inside as well as comparisons between that one and other possibilities. This is an excellent way to help you know whether it will work well for your child’s learning style. I also like to hear people’s opinions of why they did/didn’t like certain options. It assists me in sorting through the pros and cons. Just like with Cathy Duffy’s website, I use YouTube a LOT leading up to a new school year.
#3. Buying Used
While homeschooling is much cheaper than sending our kids to a private school I think we all know how expensive things can get when buying the books and accompanying items. I try hard to not buy new in order to save a little in this area. Some things you can’t avoid paying full price for but you can get a lot secondhand.
Here are some good places to look for used curricula:
- FB Marketplace (I don’t have FB but I have no doubt there are many groups on there specifically for selling and swapping homeschool things)
- EBay (I personally look here quite a bit and have had decent success in finding deals)
- AbeBooks (I have occasionally found school books here)
- Local homeschool conventions and sales
- Learning Cycle (used homeschool curricula) If you live in SC you can go in-person to this one! It used to be local to me but we have recently moved to another state. ☹️ I LOVE this store! Owned by a Christian couple who homeschooled their own kids, they are knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. It’s so much fun just to go there and look around! Even if you’re not local it is still a great resource! You can call or email them and tell them what you are looking for. They will get back with you on whether they have it and will ship to you! I actually placed an order with them last week. Another note for the South Carolinians…bring the curricula you no longer use/need and consign with them. I saved around $100 one time I went to purchase from them because of the credit I had from my items selling. 💵🙌😊
Check out their website here: https://www.learningcyclestore.com
So these are my top go-to resources that I use to help me in my decision making and purchasing as I reassess and modify each year. I hope you have found something in this post that might be of help to you!
What resources do you find most helpful? Let me know in the comments below!