One of the best parts of homeschooling is the freedom to choose curriculum that matches your child’s learning style while still meeting your state’s requirements. If you’re homeschooling in New York State, you know that documentation and meeting core subject requirements are key. Having said that, I will also add: I use curriculum as a spine or guide. I believe the curriculum is to work for my children – we do not work for the curriculum. Because I love the freedom and seasonal approach to homeschooling, I purposefully choose curriculum that is flexible. I always steer clear of curriculum that is laid out with a 36-week school year or “180 lessons,” which implies we do a lesson every day. NO, I much prefer curriculum that has fewer lessons because I know we will be doing other things, seasonal things. Here’s a look at our curriculum choices for our upcoming school year and how they align with NYS homeschooling standards, along with some of the benefits we’ve found with each resource. For context, our children are entering grades 7 and 5.
🧮 Math: Saxon Algebra ½ and Saxon 6/5
NYS Requirement Met: Mathematics
Saxon Math is a well-structured, spiral curriculum that builds on concepts over time. Saxon Algebra ½ is ideal for pre-algebra readiness, while Saxon 6/5 provides a solid review and challenge for younger learners. Saxon offers plenty of practice, but that doesn’t mean our kids do each problem every day. We have the freedom to have our kids focus on the problems they need to practice.
Why We Love It:
- Strong emphasis on review and retention
- Clear, incremental lessons great for independent learners
🔬 Science: The Good and the Beautiful – Motions and Simple Machines
NYS Requirement Met: Science
This unit study from The Good and the Beautiful offers hands-on experiments and engaging, age-appropriate lessons in physical science. Our church co-op did a 6-week unit study on simple machines for my younger child’s class last year. It was so much fun that both kids want to continue it in more detail for the next school year. You can find it here. This upcoming year our co-op is also doing a science fair. I have a feeling both of my kids will be creating something special for it.
Why We Love It:
- Beautifully designed and faith-based
- Combines scientific rigor with fun, interactive projects
🏛 History: Gather Round – U.S. History V
NYS Requirement Met: Social Studies/History
Gather Round’s unit-based approach makes learning history cohesive and interactive for multiple ages. U.S. History V focuses on important American events and figures from the end of World War II to the 1960s. We’ve loved every unit we’ve done from Gather Round!
Why We Love It:
- Family-style learning makes it easy to involve multiple ages
- Encourages discussion, critical thinking, and connection
📚 Language Arts: Memoria Press & Vocabulary from Classical Roots
NYS Requirement Met: English Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar)
We used the vocabulary, grammar and composition resources this past year and my kids LOVE them. All the lessons are short – both the explanations and practices. We are excited to add in the literature guides this year!
- Grammar III from Memoria Press focuses on classical grammar instruction and strong foundational skills.
- Classical Composition II & III develop writing through fables, narratives, and more advanced structures.
- Literature Guides offer student choice in reading while guiding comprehension and literary analysis.
- Vocabulary from Classical Roots (Book 5) builds vocabulary with a strong etymological approach.
Why We Love It:
- Classical approach supports mastery of language
- Classical lessons are short
- Student choice in literature keeps reading enjoyable and meaningful
- Encourages clear writing, critical thinking, and rich vocabulary development
![The Secret Garden [Paperback] FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718wCbSuE9L._SY425_.jpg)
**NOTE: Amazon has a wonderful selection, and you really can’t beat the free shipping on so many items. However, the Memoria Press Site has a much better listing of their products – Literature Guides (w/ accompanying teacher guides) and the books. You can take a look here!
🎨🎵🏃 Art, Music, and PE through Co-ops
NYS Requirement Met: Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education
Our local homeschool co-ops provide regular opportunities for art, music, and physical activities. These social, hands-on classes enrich our homeschool experience and meet NYS’s well-rounded education requirements.
Why We Love It:
- Encourages community and collaboration
- Adds variety and energy to our weekly routine
Final Thoughts
Choosing curriculum that aligns with both your child’s interests and your state’s guidelines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Each of these resources not only helps us meet New York State homeschooling requirements but also supports a love of learning and academic growth. With the right tools in hand, your homeschool year can be both compliant and joyful!