Best Christian Curriculum for First Grade: A Parent's Guide (2026)

The best Christian curriculum for first grade builds on kindergarten readiness without overwhelming a young learner. First grade is where reading, writing, and math become daily habits, and the right curriculum keeps lessons short enough that your child still has time to play, explore, and rest.

This guide compares the top Christian first-grade curricula used by Arizona families, with notes on teaching style, cost, and ESA eligibility.

What First Grade Curriculum Should Cover

A complete Christian first grade year typically includes:

• Phonics and independent reading
• Handwriting and beginning composition
• Addition, subtraction, place value, time, and money
• Bible, memory verses, and character
• Science, social studies, and read-alouds
• Art, music, and movement

The best programs keep lessons between 90 minutes and two hours of focused work.

Best Christian First Grade Curricula

Abeka (Grade 1)

Abeka first grade is traditional, phonics-based, and thorough. By the end of the year, most students read independently. The program includes language, arithmetic, science, health, history, and Bible.

Best for: Families who want a structured, school-like first grade with strong reading outcomes.

BJU Press (Grade 1)

BJU Press first grade is colorful and academically solid, with biblical integration across subjects. Video distance learning is available if you prefer a classroom teacher to lead.

Best for: Families who want engaging materials and optional video teaching.

The Good and the Beautiful (Level 1)

The Good and the Beautiful Level 1 is a gentle, integrated language arts course that covers phonics, reading, spelling, grammar, and art. Math is a separate course.

Best for: Families who want short, beautiful lessons and a lighter first-grade load.

Sonlight (Level A / Grade 1)

Sonlight first grade is literature-based, built around history, Bible, and read-alouds. Parents add phonics and math separately.

Best for: Families who love reading together and want history taught through stories.

Master Books (Grade 1)

Master Books first grade offers short, Bible-integrated lessons with a young-earth creation perspective. Lessons are designed to be open-and-go and low prep.

Best for: Young-earth families who want manageable daily lessons.

My Father's World (Adventures in U.S. History)

My Father's World first grade uses a unit-study approach centered on American history and God's hand in it. It includes Bible, read-alouds, and hands-on activities.

Best for: Families who want a thematic, hands-on year with a strong American history thread.

First Grade Math Options

Most boxed curricula include math, but some families prefer a dedicated math program:

• Math-U-See Alpha focuses on single-digit addition and subtraction with manipulatives.
• Saxon Math 1 is incremental and review-heavy.
• Teaching Textbooks 3.0 and above is computer-based and self-grading.
• RightStart Math Level B builds strong number sense through games.

See our Christian homeschool math curriculum guide for more.

How to Choose

If your child is a strong reader: Abeka or BJU Press will keep them challenged.

If your child needs a gentler pace: The Good and the Beautiful or Master Books are better starting points.

If you want history and literature at the center: Sonlight or My Father's World will fit your family.

If you want everything from one publisher: Abeka, BJU Press, or Master Books offer complete first-grade packages.

Arizona ESA and First Grade Curriculum

Arizona ESA funds can cover first-grade curriculum from major Christian publishers when purchased as academic materials. Many publishers are ClassWallet vendors; others require reimbursement. See our Arizona ESA guide, ESA-approved curriculum list, and how to use ESA funds for curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should first grade homeschool take? Most families spend 90 minutes to two and a half hours on formal work, plus reading aloud and enrichment.

Can I use ESA funds for first-grade Christian curriculum? Yes, for academic portions. Bible-only materials may need to be paid privately or documented carefully.

What is the best first-grade phonics curriculum? Abeka and The Good and the Beautiful both have strong phonics programs. Abeka is more traditional; The Good and the Beautiful is more visually integrated.

Should I do all subjects every day in first grade? Not necessarily. Many families rotate science and social studies while doing math and language arts daily.

What if my first grader is not reading yet? That is normal. Continue phonics, read aloud daily, and give it time. Pushing too hard can create resistance.

Related Guides

• Best Christian Homeschool Curriculum: A Complete Guide
• Best Christian Curriculum for Kindergarten
• Best Christian Curriculum for Middle School
• Christian Homeschool Math Curriculum: The Complete Guide
• How to Use ESA Funds for Curriculum