Best Christian Curriculum for High School: A Parent's Guide (2026)

The best Christian curriculum for high school has one job: prepare your student for whatever comes next, whether that is college, trade school, entrepreneurship, or a gap year, while keeping Christ at the center of their education.

High school homeschooling is less about picking one boxed curriculum and more about building a four-year plan that meets state requirements, builds a transcript, and reflects your student's strengths.

What High School Curriculum Should Cover

A college-preparatory Christian high school program typically includes:

• Four years of English (literature, composition, grammar)
• Three to four years of math (algebra, geometry, algebra II, precalculus/calculus)
• Three to four years of science (biology, chemistry, physics with labs)
• Three to four years of history/social studies (world history, American history, government, economics)
• Bible, worldview, or apologetics
• Foreign language (two years recommended for college)
• Electives (fine arts, technology, life skills, PE)

Not every student needs the college-prep path. A student heading into a trade may take less math and more practical electives.

Best Christian High School Curricula

Abeka (Grades 9-12)

Abeka high school offers traditional textbook courses in every subject, with optional video instruction. It is structured, thorough, and widely recognized by Christian colleges.

Best for: Families who want a school-like structure and clear scope and sequence for transcripts.

BJU Press (Grades 9-12)

BJU Press high school is generally considered more rigorous than Abeka, particularly in science, math, and literature. Distance learning includes teacher-graded options at the upper levels.

Best for: College-bound students who need strong academics and independent study options.

Sonlight (Levels 100-500)

Sonlight high school is literature-based and discussion-driven, with strong history, Bible, and literature courses. Math and science are typically added separately.

Best for: Students who love to read, write, and discuss ideas.

Apologia (Science)

Apologia is the dominant Christian high school science publisher. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses include labs and are strong enough for college-bound students.

Best for: Families who want rigorous, young-earth creation science with solid lab work.

Memoria Press (Grades 9-12)

Memoria Press high school is classical, Latin-centered, and built around the great books. It is demanding and produces strong thinkers.

Best for: Classical families who want Latin, logic, rhetoric, and great books.

Veritas Press (Omnibus and Self-Paced)

Veritas Press offers self-paced online high school courses with a Reformed classical perspective, including the Omnibus program.

Best for: Reformed families who want online, self-paced classical courses.

Teaching Textbooks (Math)

Teaching Textbooks is a popular high school math option for students who work independently. Courses cover pre-algebra through precalculus.

Best for: Students who need self-paced, computer-based math with automatic grading.

Seton Home Study School

Seton Home Study School is a Catholic, accredited distance-learning program that provides full high school diplomas and transcripts.

Best for: Catholic families who want accreditation and record-keeping handled.

Building a Christian High School Transcript

You do not need accreditation to homeschool high school in Arizona, but you do need good records. Keep:

• Course descriptions
• Grades and credits
• Textbooks and materials used
• Test scores (SAT, ACT, CLT)
• Extracurriculars and service hours

Accredited programs like Seton, BJU Press Distance Learning, and some online Christian schools simplify transcript creation.

Arizona ESA and High School Curriculum

Arizona ESA funds can cover high school curriculum, online courses, lab kits, tutoring, and some dual enrollment expenses. Many Christian publishers and online schools are ClassWallet vendors. See our Arizona ESA guide, ESA-approved curriculum list, and how to use ESA funds for curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I homeschool high school with ESA funds? Yes. ESA funds can pay for curriculum, classes, tutoring, and educational services for high school students.

What is the most rigorous Christian high school curriculum? BJU Press, Memoria Press, and Apologia science are generally considered the most rigorous options.

Do Christian high school curricula provide transcripts? Some do. Seton, BJU Press Distance Learning, and some online academies provide accredited transcripts. Most boxed curricula do not; parents create their own.

Can my high schooler take dual enrollment with ESA funds? Some dual enrollment expenses may be ESA-eligible. Confirm current rules through ClassWallet and the Arizona Department of Education.

What about Christian online high schools? See our Best Online Christian High Schools guide for accredited options that accept Arizona ESA.

Related Guides

• Best Christian Homeschool Curriculum: A Complete Guide
• Best Christian Curriculum for Ninth Grade
• Best Christian Curriculum for Middle School
• Best Online Christian High Schools
• Christian Homeschool Science Curriculum: The Complete Guide
• Arizona ESA Homeschool Guide