If you do a search on homeschool software, you’ll find several different types of homeschool software listed. This article explains what the area of homeschool software covers. Also, tips on what to consider when purchasing homeschool software.

Homeschool Software for Record Keeping

Since one of the key responsibilities of parents is keeping homeschool records, which is often required by the state in order for your child to receive credit for their work in your homeschool, a number of companies have manufactured homeschool recordkeeping software. Homeschool recordkeeping software often has attributes such as the following:

• track attendance and hours
• manage assignments
• reading log
• resource list
• teacher’s journal
• report card
• record generator
• high school transcripts
• weighted grading
• lesson plans
• progress reports
• awards and certificates
• diplomas
• student data

Homeschool Curriculum Software

Homeschool Software can do and be many things. One way of looking at homeschool software is to divide it into two categories: it can primarily deliver content, such as programs that teach the following areas:

• colors and shapes
• counting
• writing
• reading
• spelling
• phonics
• vocabulary
• addition and subtraction
• multiplication and division
• fractions and decimals
• algebra
• geometry
• foreign languages, such as French, Italian, German, and Spanish
• thinking skills
• biology
• chemistry
• physics
• Bible study
• musical instrument instruction
• typing
• SAT, ACT, and PSAT test preparation
• music theory
• social studies
• music appreciation
• geography
• art history
• anatomy
• the US Constitution
• astronomy
• weather

Or it can provide you with applications that can create illustrations, do word processing, design pages, play music, etc. This may not seem like curriculum at first, but in a word processing or graphic design course, they actually do form part of the curriculum.

Another way to look at the realm of computer software suggests a different division into two types of homeschool curriculum software: software that is explicitly made for use in homeschool settings is one type. The other type is any curriculum software that is found to be useful in a homeschool environment, even if not specifically designed for homeschool use.

Curriculum content software includes programs to introduce, review, and assess homeschool core curriculum and electives curriculum as well. Some of the material may be presented in very standard lesson format that looks like worksheets. Other material may be presented in very high tech ways, and some may be presented as games. Each may have its place in your school, or you may decide to choose one particular approach rather than another.

When you buy curriculum content software, you will likely be paying full price. But when you purchase application software from commercial publishers, you may be able to receive what’s known as education pricing or academic pricing. This means that you will often pay a lot less for such homeschool software because you have a school. You will need to check with each company to see what their policy on providing a discount for a homeschool is. When they accept homeschools in their programs, they are likely to require some documentation, possibly from your state department of education.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Homeschool Software

When considering any software purchase, make sure to only purchase homeschool software from a reputable company and also be sure to check the system requirements to make sure that the software will run on your computer. Make sure to see if you’ll have to pay for upgrades and what the support arrangements are. Check homeschool curriculum reviews, not just testimonials, to find out about customer satisfaction. Find out about any warranties or guarantees that are in place.

Sources

Purveyors of Homeschool Recordkeeping Software:

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