Our 8th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Picks (2026–2027)
This year I am beginning to integrate more high school credit classes into our oldest son’s curriculum. Last year, he completed Shormann Algebra 1 with Integrated Geometry. I was very hesitant to switch him over from Saxon Math, but it has honestly been one of the best curriculum decisions I have made. If you’re interested in reading more about why we made the switch, you can read that post here.
One of the things I often say is that my oldest son is helping me pave the way in our homeschooling journey. He gets the unrefined version of me, but he also gets the mom who is excited because so many of these courses are new to me too.
The other three kids have the benefit of me being a little more seasoned, especially with curriculum that I have now taught multiple times. But there is something special about experiencing these upper-level classes together for the first time. Many of the books and subjects we are tackling this year are ones I have been looking forward to since we first started homeschooling.
Math
Curriculum: Shormann Algebra 2 with Integrated Geometry
After such a positive experience with Shormann Algebra 1 with Integrated Geometry last year, continuing with Shormann Algebra 2 with Integrated Geometry was an easy decision. The combination of video instruction, automatic grading, and integrated geometry has made math much more manageable and independent for our son. I’m excited to watch him continue building confidence as he tackles more advanced math this year.
Writing
Curriculum: Voyages in Writing (IEW)
This year will be my son’s first time not using the IEW streaming courses taught by Andrew Pudewa. Instead, I will be teaching the lessons in our homeschool using Voyages in Writing.
Thanks to completing Teaching Writing: Structure and Style several years ago, I feel confident teaching IEW in our homeschool. Going through all nine units and completing the practicum assignments gave me a much deeper understanding of the structure and philosophy behind the program.
Voyages in Writing is also a fairly new release and was developed in conjunction with Hillsdale College, which made it an easy choice for us.
Science
Curriculum: Physical Science (BJU Press Homeschool)
My son will be taking Physical Science through BJU Press Homeschool using the streaming option. This course integrates both physics and chemistry concepts while reinforcing a biblical worldview. It also includes hands-on labs, and we’ve already ordered the lab kit. We’re looking forward to adding more experiments to our homeschool this year.
Latin
Curriculum: Third Form Latin (Memoria Press)
This year marks the next phase of our Latin journey.
Did I know Latin before I began homeschooling? Absolutely not.
Over the past several years, I have taken Memoria Press summer school classes to teach myself before attempting to teach my children. It has been one of the hardest things I have done as a homeschool mom, but also one of the most rewarding.
While I have had to work hard to learn Latin myself, what continues to amaze me is how quickly my oldest son has picked it up. What takes me a long time to grasp, he often understands and retains much more quickly. It has been such a joy to learn right alongside him and see his confidence grow over the years. Watching his confidence grow has been one of the greatest rewards of sticking with it.
Classical Studies
Curriculum: The Book of the Ancient Greeks, The Iliad, and The Odyssey (Memoria Press)
I have been looking forward to this year ever since we began using Memoria Press when my son was in third grade. In many ways, it feels like we have been building toward these books for years.
We will be reading The Book of the Ancient Greeks, The Iliad, and The Odyssey.
Ever since we first began reading Greek mythology and studying ancient history in the elementary years, these stories have seemed like a distant destination. Now that we are finally here, both my son and I are excited to dive in.
One of the things I have appreciated most about Memoria Press over the years is how thoughtfully the curriculum has been woven together. It has been fascinating to see how each year builds upon the previous one. Looking back, I can clearly see how those early studies were laying a foundation for the richer and more challenging works we are approaching now.
It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the pieces come together over time, and I am looking forward to continuing the journey this year.
Literature
Curriculum: Treasure Island, The Wind in the Willows, and Julius Caesar (Memoria Press)
This year’s literature selections include Treasure Island, The Wind in the Willows, and Julius Caesar.
I have to admit something—I have never read any of these books before.
Homeschooling has given me the incredible opportunity to experience many of these timeless classics for the first time alongside my children, making the journey just as enriching for me as it is for them. Each year, we read the books together, and I do this with all four of my kids.
We each take turns reading every other page. Not only does this make longer books feel more manageable, but it also allows us to enjoy the stories together. Some of my favorite memories from homeschooling have come from sitting on the couch or stretching out on the carpet in my children’s bedrooms, sharing great books together.
After our reading, we use the Memoria Press discussion guides to help deepen understanding and spark conversations about the story. I have found that these guides often lead to some of our best discussions and help us notice things we might otherwise have missed.
Reading great books together has become one of the greatest joys of our homeschool, and I am especially looking forward to sharing these stories with my son this year.
Bible
Curriculum: Foundations in Faith (Master Books)
This course was a change from what I originally thought we were going to do this school year. My original plan had been to stick with Christian Light Education since my son really enjoyed it last year.
However, after looking at how rigorous many of his other classes were going to be, I decided to go in a different direction. One of the things I have learned over the years is that not every subject has to be equally demanding. Sometimes balance is just as important as rigor.
Foundations in Faith teaches essential Bible doctrine through the study of creeds, confessions, and catechisms, helping students build a strong foundation upon biblical truth. My hope is that this course will not only deepen my son’s understanding of Scripture, but also help him understand what Christians believe and why they believe it.
As our children grow older, I want them to be equipped to think biblically and to have confidence in the truths of God’s Word. I am looking forward to walking through these topics together during the coming school year.
Final Thoughts
As I look over our plans for eighth grade, I can’t help but think about the little boy who started homeschooling years ago and how quickly these days are passing.
When our family first made the decision to homeschool, I was honestly terrified that I was going to mess up his education. Like so many parents, I wondered if I was enough and if I was making the right decision. Over the years, I have poured everything I had into this calling, spending countless hours researching curriculum, attending teacher training, learning subjects right alongside my children, and praying that the Lord would make up for all of my shortcomings.
Some of the books and subjects we are studying this year are ones I have been looking forward to since those early elementary years, and it feels a little surreal to finally be here.
I know our plans won’t be perfect. We’ll make adjustments along the way, and some things will work better than others. That’s just part of homeschooling.
But as I look at this young man preparing for eighth grade, I can honestly say that God has been faithful every step of the way. Homeschooling has not only shaped my children, it has shaped me too. And I am incredibly thankful for another year to learn together.
