Choosing the right 5th-grade homeschool curriculum can feel like a big task. At this stage, your child is more curious, independent, and ready to tackle deeper learning. You want something that matches their academic and personal growth while fitting into your daily routine.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top homeschool choices for fifth grade. We’ve included various programmes to suit different learning styles — from hands-on learners to tech-loving kids — and parents needing more structure or freedom. You’ll also find suggestions for online homeschool programs and tips to help make your year run smoothly.

A child sits at a desk with a laptop and books, excitedly holding up a speech bubble that says IDEA. A globe and pens are nearby.

Why Fifth Grade Is a Big Year

By Year 5, your child is likely:

  • Reading longer books and thinking about what they mean
  • Writing more clearly and with purpose
  • Learning fractions, decimals, and pre-algebra
  • Curious about science, history, and how the world works
  • Developing stronger opinions and asking more profound questions

With your support close by, this is a great time to build good study habits and encourage independent learning.

For more information, read: Best Homeschool Curriculum Picks for Kindergarten

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What to Look For in a 5th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

Before we jump into our top picks, let’s look at a few things to keep in mind when choosing:

1. Complete Subject Coverage

You’ll want a programme that covers the basics:

  • Math
  • English (reading, writing, grammar)
  • Science
  • Social Studies or History
  • Optional: Art, Music, Health, or Coding

2. Learning Style Match

Think about how your child learns best:

  • Do they like to read, watch videos, or move around while learning?
  • Are they a hands-on learner who enjoys projects?
  • Do they prefer working on a screen or with paper books?

3. Level of Support

Some curricula are very open-and-go, while others require more planning. Do you want lesson plans ready or enjoy creating your own mix?

4. Online vs. Offline

There are excellent online homeschool programs if you want a digital route. But plenty of families still love the feel of printed books and written work.

Top Homeschool Choices for 5th Grade

Here are five great fifth-grade curriculum options. Each has its strengths, and there’s something here for every learner.

1. Time4Learning

Type: Online | Secular | Flexible subscription

Time4Learning is a popular pick for many homeschoolers. It’s all online and works on most devices. Lessons are short and interactive, with quizzes and tests included.

Why families like it:

  • Self-paced learning
  • Easy for kids to use on their own
  • Tracks progress and grades automatically.
  • Covers math, language arts, science, and social studies

Suitable for: Parents who need a hands-off approach and kids who enjoy screens.

2. The Good and the Beautiful

Type: Print & some online | Faith-based | Very structured

This programme offers beautiful materials on writing, reading, and good values. It’s open-and-go, so prep time is low.

What stands out:

  • Strong reading and grammar lessons
  • Art and nature are added in
  • Some free language arts downloads are available online.

Suitable for: Families looking for faith-based values and strong writing skills.

3. BookShark

Type: Print | Secular | Literature-based

BookShark uses many great books to teach subjects like history, science, and reading. It’s very well organised, with daily plans already made.

What you get:

  • Weekly schedules to follow
  • Science experiments and activity kits
  • History is told through stories and books.
  • No screen time needed

Suitable for: Parents who enjoy reading aloud and kids who love books.

4. Calvert Homeschool

Type: Online or print | Secular | Accredited option

Calvert is a long-time name in homeschooling. Their 5th-grade programme is detailed, and you can choose online learning with teacher support or just use their materials independently.

What’s included:

  • Full coverage of subjects
  • Tools for grading and tracking
  • Accreditation for families needing official records

Suitable for: Parents who want a strong structure and school-like organisation.

5. Power Homeschool (by Acellus)

Type: Online | Secular with optional religious courses

This self-paced programme includes video lessons taught by certified teachers. It’s easy to set up and contains subjects beyond the basics.

What families like:

  • Affordable monthly cost
  • Video instruction by teachers
  • Optional foreign languages, music, and more
  • Built-in tests and progress tracking

Suitable for: Families looking for an easy setup and a wide subject range.

A woman and a child engage in a learning activity at a wooden table, surrounded by school supplies and a microscope.

Helpful Extras to Add On

Sometimes, one curriculum doesn’t cover everything just right. Here are a few add-ons families use with their 5th-grade homeschool curriculum:

  • Math Help:
    • Teaching Textbooks (fun, self-grading)
    • Beast Academy (for advanced learners)
  • Writing & Grammar:
    • IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)
    • Fix It! Grammar
  • Science Kits:
    • KiwiCo science crates
    • Thames & Kosmos kits
  • Typing & Coding:
    • TypingClub (free)
    • Code.org (learn coding basics)

For more information, read: Top 1st Grade Homeschool Curricula Ranked

Tips to Make 5th Grade Homeschooling Easier

Here are a few ideas to keep things running smoothly:

  • Use a Weekly Planner

Write out weekly goals and tasks. This will help your child stay on track and give you both a sense of progress.

  • Mix in Movement

Include breaks for exercise or hands-on projects. Science experiments, cooking, or art are great ways to make learning fun.

  • Let Kids Make Choices

Ask your child what they want to learn more about. Letting them choose a science topic or book can make a big difference.

  • Keep Records

Even if your area doesn’t require formal records, it helps to keep samples of work, scores, and project summaries.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Middle School

Year 5 is a great time to build up to middle school. You don’t have to rush, but you can begin to teach more responsibility:

  • Let your child check their work
  • Have them set weekly goals.
  • Include research projects or presentations.s
  • Use basic planning tools or calendars.

You might also find it helpful to revisit earlier steps in your journey, like our guide on kindergarten homeschool curriculum, to see how far you’ve come and how those early choices shaped your homeschool style.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Family

There’s no perfect one-size-fits-all 5th-grade homeschool curriculum — and that’s the beauty of homeschooling. You can try different things, adjust what doesn’t work, and keep what does. Some families mix programmes, while others stick with a complete package.

The best homeschool choices are the ones that make learning enjoyable and manageable for your child — and for you. Whether you choose print books, hands-on projects, or online homeschool programs, the goal is the same: helping your child grow in knowledge and confidence.

Have you tried any of these 5th-grade homeschool programmes? Let us know your favourites or ask a question in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more grade-by-grade homeschool reviews and practical tips to support your journey.