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Best secular homeschool science curriculum

These programs have no religious content and teach mainstream science, including evolution. They range from lab-driven programs to literature-based and unit-study approaches.

Updated September 2026 · 29 programs compared · rankings from our published scoring rules

Every child is different. Add your child's grade, your creation/faith preference and your teaching time for a personal ranking.

Try it with secular families selected

What matters for secular families

Secular isn't one style. Some programs are built around weekly experiments, others around living books or projects, so pick the teaching style first.

Check the prep load. Lab-heavy programs are engaging but can mean gathering supplies every week unless a kit is sold with them.

Some secular programs cover only elementary or middle school. If you want continuity into high school, check each program's grade range.

Our top 6 for secular families

  1. R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey

    Secular, lab-centered science with short readings and lab sheets, K–10

    • No religious content; teaches evolution
    • Watch for: parent must plan and supervise most lessons
    Grades K–10thHands-on labs with short readings, lab sheets and notebookingCost: $87.99: Biology 1 print course (grades 2–5, 36 weeks); household supplies extra

  2. Blossom & Root Science

    Secular, nature-based science with picture books, hands-on options and nature study

    • Strictly secular; teaches evolution of life on Earth
    • Watch for: books and supplies not included; plan on library trips and printing
    Grades K–6thPicture-book and nature-based science with choose-your-own hands-on activitiesCost: $56: Level 3 Science only (Wonders of the Animal Kingdom + Prehistoric World unit), digital PDFs; books not included

  3. Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science)

    Secular classical science with real books, experiments, notebooking and Sassafras stories

    • No religious content; resources assume evolution
    • Watch for: spine books are bought separately
    Grades PreK–12thReference-book readings, experiments and notebooking; Sassafras adds novelsCost: $79.99: Chemistry for the Grammar Stage bundle (teacher guide, workbook, experiment kit); spine books extra

  4. Moving Beyond the Page Science

    Secular, literature-based science units with science kits included

    • No religious content; mentions evolution and deep time
    • Watch for: full packages are expensive
    Grades PreK–8thHands-on unit studies built around real booksCost: $335.87: Age 8–10 Full Year Science Package (books, lesson guides, hands-on materials), sale price; retail $395.14

  5. BookShark Science

    Secular, literature-based science with a full experiment kit in the box

    • Faith-neutral; standards-based, includes evolution
    • Watch for: costs more than book-only programs
    Grades PreK–12thReal science books plus hands-on experiments, 4 days a weekCost: $335.89: Science E Package (grades 3–5): books, instructor's guide, activity sheets, experiment book and supply kit; retail price, on sale for $302.30 when checked

  6. Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding (BFSU)

    Parent-led K–8 science that builds real reasoning through discussion and simple demos

    • No religious content; mainstream science
    • Watch for: 30–60 minutes of parent prep per lesson is common
    Grades K–8thDiscussion-based lessons with hands-on demos and science notebooksCost: Unknown

Questions parents ask

What makes a science curriculum secular?

It teaches mainstream science without religious content, including evolution and an old earth. Some programs call themselves worldview-neutral instead: they leave origins out and let parents address it.

Are secular homeschool science programs hard to find?

Less than they used to be. Many of the most-recommended homeschool science programs are Christian, but there are now several well-reviewed secular options at every level.

Can I use a secular program if we're religious?

Many families do, adding their own discussion of faith and science. Others prefer a program that frames the material from their worldview.

How this list is made: each program is scored against the needs above using features documented in parent reviews and publisher materials (sources are listed in each program's profile). It's a starting point, not medical or educational advice.