Choosing Homeschool Curriculum that Meets California State Standards

We spend a lot of time talking with parents about how to choose a curriculum that fits their family’s needs. But what if your state or charter school has more specific requirements? You still have options! Rainbow Resource Center’s experienced team of consultants have selected Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies curriculum that meets California State Standards and works well for many homeschool families nationwide. We have also included enrichment options to consider, as well as school supplies and assistive technology. We typically recommend that new homeschooling parents make their Math and ELA curriculum choices first, then add Science and Social Studies curricula to round out the four core, or required, subject areas. 

Start with Math and English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. Our consultants have carefully selected grade-appropriate, secular (religiously neutral) programs that align with California Standards for Kindergarten through Grade 8. For each grade level, we offer three tailored options designed for students with different learning styles and paces:

1. Striving: Gentle, supportive programs that build confidence and fill gaps without overwhelming students
2. On-Target: Balanced, straightforward materials that keep the student moving at grade level
3. Accelerated: Challenging, enriched options that allow an advanced student to stretch further

These tracks are consistent from year to year, so a student can stay on the same path (Striving, On-Target, or Accelerated) as they progress through the grades.

Add Science and Social Studies Curricula. Once Math and ELA are decided, take a deep breath and consider the options for Science and Social Studies to round out the four core subjects. Explore our recommendations and see what inspires you as a homeschooling parent. Our suggested Science curriculum meets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Social Studies aligns with California’s grade-level standards.

• Call the consultants at (888) 841-3456
• Live Chat Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm CT
• Email consultants@rainbowresource.com

Striving Students are working at grade level but may need some accommodation within lessons. This could be a child showing signs of ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, dysgraphia, auditory processing, or another diagnosis. It could also be an undiagnosed child who benefits from interactive instruction, eye contact, and discussions, and generally requires extra time for reading aloud, comprehension, or handwriting. Math instruction that includes written practice and review can be helpful. 

On-Target Students are comfortable with grade-level expectations. They generally like a mix of parent/teacher interaction and independent work. They ask good questions to improve their understanding. These students benefit from encouragement to follow sparks of interest and share what they learn. Math instruction can have some features of both sequential and spiral approaches, with focused lessons and review with written practice. 

Accelerated Learners are students who easily learn and retain information. Instruction in these programs is explicit at some times and truncated at other times. These students make connections between new information and existing knowledge automatically and may need only casual review. That said, they generally need help with time management, and it can be a challenge to find age-appropriate literature. Because parents are required to use grade-level curriculum, we have selected rich literature and instruction that allows these children to soar.

Science and Social Studies are subject areas where you might think more “out of the box” and possibly use an alternative to traditional parent/student instruction. You could find an engaging online class, a co-op or other live class setting, or combine your children on a study topic that meets the required standards set by your organization. While there are many curriculum options to consider, we have selected a few grade-level programs that fill this need. 

Enrichment encompasses subject areas outside of the four core subjects. We have included suggestions for art, music, American Sign Language (ASL), logic, games, STEM, California History, social-emotional learning (SEL), and sensory materials. These resources encourage children to explore new interests and skills. Items are age-appropriate and there are no repeats throughout the grade levels. It’s the fun stuff that adds depth and variety to your school day!

Welcome to our Assistive Technology collection! Assistive technology refers to a wide range of devices, equipment, and simple aids—from visual timers and pencil grips to weighted pads, sensory cushions, protective earmuffs, and tactile learning items—that help make learning easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for students. Explore our hand-picked suggestions from the product lists or click the "Shop All" buttons in each section to view our complete offerings! These suggestions are grouped by functionality, not grade level.

Find all of the school supplies that you need for your homeschool, all in one place! Explore our wide variety of essential items to outfit your learning space, including planners, gel pens, pencils, markers, scissors, glue, notebooks, binders, timers, journals, children's dictionaries, and more. From the basics to themed and specialty designs, we offer everything you need to keep lessons organized and engaging. We made it easy—shop directly from the suggested products featured or click on the "Shop All" buttons in each section to see more options!

If you need a curriculum solution for all four subject areas quickly, consider our Secular Starter Packages, available for grades K–8. These standards-aligned packages provide all the curriculum you need to cover the four main subjects for one grade level: math, English language arts (ELA), science, and social studies.

Starter Packages provide solid, standards-based options to get started homeschooling, but they are not necessarily designed for multi-year progression. They were assembled with the goal of helping parents become familiar with a variety of curriculum so that they feel more confident in making curriculum choices in future grades. Starter Packages eliminate the decision-making pressure to help new homeschooling parents:

• get oriented to homeschooling, 
• try out a variety of programs and teaching styles,
• observe and assess how their child learns best, and
• discover their own preferences as a homeschooling parent.

By the end of the school year, you’ll have much clearer insight into what works best for your family. You can then confidently choose or customize future curriculum based on that experience.

Contact our friendly consultants for FREE to find further assistance with any curriculum questions you may have on Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Enrichment, and more!

3 Ways to Find Help:

• Call (888) 841-3456 to talk to a consultant Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm CT
• Live Chat during regular business hours using the red chat box at the bottom of your screen
• Email anytime at consultants@rainbowresource.com and they will respond during regular business hours