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Two homeschool science programs, compared on what actually decides the fit: creation and faith content, teaching style, and how much you'll teach.
Updated September 2026 · based on parent reviews and publisher information
Still torn? Answer a few questions and see how both rank for your child, side by side.
Compare for my child| Science Shepherd | Journey Homeschool Academy | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 1st–12th | 1st–12th |
| Creation/faith | Christian, young-earth creation | Christian content |
| Approach | Video lessons with workbooks; textbooks and tests at upper levels | Pre-recorded video lessons with guidebooks, quizzes and labs |
| Who teaches | The program does the teaching | The program does the teaching |
| Parent prep | Low (press play; parent checks answers and supervises labs) | Low to moderate (gather lab supplies; some books sold separately) |
| Screen time | A mix of screen and paper | Online |
| Video lessons | Included: video lessons are the core teaching in every course | Included: video lessons are the core of every course |
| Cost | $66.50: Introductory Science bundle starting price (lifetime video + workbook + answer key), grades 1–5 | $189: One elementary (Level A) course; lab supplies and recommended books extra |
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| Common complaints |
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Parents like that kids can work on their own with the short, packed videos, and that the upper courses are notably rigorous, with Biology often called more demanding than other Christian options. The main criticisms are dense, small-print textbooks that suit strong readers and focused students best, and, for elementary, no built-in progress tracking.
Families praise the lively, well-made videos and the way older students learn to take notes and work on their own. The complaints are cost (textbooks and lab supplies are extra), a one-year access limit on upper courses, and that elementary children still need a parent to gather supplies, read the books and track progress.
Neither is better for every child. Science Shepherd is the stronger fit for christian, young-earth creation; independent workbooks; some screen time. Journey Homeschool Academy is the stronger fit for christian, open to an old earth; living books (charlotte mason); online.
Science Shepherd: christian, young-earth creation. Journey Homeschool Academy: christian content.
Science Shepherd: $66.50: Introductory Science bundle starting price (lifetime video + workbook + answer key), grades 1–5. Journey Homeschool Academy: $189: One elementary (Level A) course; lab supplies and recommended books extra.
Summaries are in our own words.