Affiliate disclosure: HomeschoolPicks may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we believe will genuinely help homeschool families.
Last Updated: April 2026
BJU Press homeschool is one of the most established Christian curricula in the United States, published by Bob Jones University Press in Greenville, South Carolina. For more than 50 years, BJU has produced K–12 textbooks used by Christian schools and homeschoolers nationwide. This research-based review brings together publisher information, third-party assessments from Cathy Duffy Reviews and Rainbow Resource, and feedback from homeschool community forums to help you decide whether BJU Press is the right fit for your family.
Quick Take: BJU Press is a strong choice for college-bound homeschoolers who want academic rigor with critical-thinking emphasis, accredited transcripts, and optional video instruction. It is more flexible than Abeka but slightly more expensive, and best for families wanting traditional Christian academic structure.
What Is BJU Press Homeschool?
BJU Press is the publishing arm of Bob Jones University, founded in 1973. According to the publisher, BJU produces complete K–12 curriculum across every core subject, plus electives like Spanish, French, and music appreciation. The program is overtly Christian and conservative in worldview, with biblical integration in every subject area.
BJU offers two delivery options. The first is the traditional textbook approach with parent-led teaching. The second is BJU Press Distance Learning, which provides streaming video lessons taught by experienced classroom teachers. Cathy Duffy Reviews notes that the distance learning option is one of the few accredited homeschool programs available, which can simplify transcript creation for high school families.
How BJU Press Homeschool Works
Each BJU subject ships with a student textbook, teacher edition, tests, and answer keys. Daily lessons are designed for 30–60 minutes per subject in elementary grades, scaling up to 45–75 minutes for middle and high school. Reviews on Rainbow Resource note that BJU pacing is slightly less aggressive than Abeka, with more discussion-based questions and fewer rote drills.
Daily Lesson Structure
- Bible — Daily reading and discussion
- Reading or Literature — Includes vocabulary and comprehension
- English / Grammar — Writing instruction with critical thinking
- Math — Conceptual approach with daily practice
- Science — Textbook reading plus lab activities
- History or Heritage Studies — Reading, mapping, projects
BJU Press Pros
1. Critical Thinking Focus
Compared to other traditional Christian curricula, BJU emphasizes higher-order thinking. Textbook discussion questions ask students to analyze, compare, and evaluate, not just memorize. Many parent reviews highlight this as the biggest reason families choose BJU over Abeka.
2. Accredited Distance Learning
BJU Press Distance Learning is one of the few accredited homeschool programs available. This makes high school transcripts easier and may help with college admissions and athletic eligibility.
3. Strong Teacher Editions
BJU’s teacher manuals are detailed and supportive. Even parents who have never taught a subject before can follow the script confidently. The publisher includes background information, discussion prompts, and grading guidance.
4. Excellent High School Sciences
According to multiple homeschool reviewers, BJU’s high school science textbooks are particularly well written, especially Biology and Chemistry. Lab kits are available separately for hands-on experimentation.
BJU Press Cons
1. Higher Cost
A complete BJU grade-level kit typically runs $600–$1,500, and Distance Learning adds significant tuition costs. Multi-child families face substantial annual expenses.
2. Conservative Worldview
Like Abeka, BJU teaches young-earth creationism and a conservative interpretation of history and culture. Families wanting a more mainstream or secular approach should look elsewhere.
3. Heavy Textbook Load
BJU is textbook-driven. Children who learn better through hands-on activities, literature, or projects may find the daily reading load tiring.
4. Steeper Learning Curve for Parents
While teacher editions are thorough, the depth of content can intimidate first-time homeschoolers. BJU is generally easier with the Distance Learning option than parent-led instruction.
Who Is BJU Press Best For?
- College-bound students needing accredited transcripts
- Christian families who value critical thinking alongside biblical worldview
- Parents who want video support for upper-grade subjects
- Homeschoolers transitioning from a private Christian school
- Families willing to invest more for academic rigor and accreditation
BJU may not be the best choice if you want a literature-rich approach (try Sonlight), an open-and-go program (try The Good and the Beautiful), or secular content (try Time4Learning).
BJU Press vs Other Curricula
| Feature | BJU Press | Abeka | Sonlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Textbook + critical thinking | Traditional textbook | Literature-based |
| Accreditation | Yes (Distance Learning) | Yes (Academy) | No |
| Worksheets | Moderate | Heavy | Light |
| Parent Time | Medium | High | Medium-High |
| Approx. Cost | $700–$1,500 | $500–$1,000 | $600–$1,200 |
| Best For | College-bound thinkers | Structured learners | Book lovers |
Benefits of Choosing BJU Press
BJU’s biggest practical benefit is the combination of academic depth with optional accreditation. For high school families worried about transcripts and college admissions, the Distance Learning option provides real peace of mind. Beyond that, BJU’s textbooks tend to remain in print for many years, which means used copies are readily available on homeschool resale marketplaces. The teacher editions are detailed enough to walk new homeschool parents through difficult subjects without prior teaching experience.
Challenges and Disadvantages
BJU Press is not a casual or relaxed program. Families who want flexibility in pacing, an interest-led approach, or minimal screen time may struggle. The cost, especially for Distance Learning, can be prohibitive for larger families. And the explicitly Christian worldview will not fit secular households. Parents sometimes report that BJU works best when used selectively—for high school sciences or accredited courses—rather than as a full curriculum across every subject.
Best Practices for Using BJU Press
- Start with a single subject. Try BJU science or English before committing to a full grade-level kit.
- Use Distance Learning for upper grades. Video instruction can be a lifeline for difficult subjects.
- Buy used. Used BJU materials are widely available and hold their value well.
- Skip optional activities. The teacher edition includes more enrichment than any family will complete.
- Consider accreditation early. If you want an accredited transcript, enroll in Distance Learning from 9th grade.
Scope of BJU Press
BJU Press covers Bible, language arts, math, science, history, geography, art, music, health, and foreign languages from K through 12. High school courses include all standard college-prep options: Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, U.S. History, World History, American Government, Economics, and Spanish. For state-specific requirements, check your HSLDA state legal page.
Compare BJU Press against other top programs in our complete all-in-one homeschool curriculum guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BJU Press homeschool accredited?
BJU Press Distance Learning is accredited and provides official transcripts. The textbook-only option is not accredited, though families can still use the materials and create their own transcripts.
How much does BJU Press cost?
Complete grade-level kits run $600–$1,500 depending on grade. Distance Learning tuition adds several hundred dollars per course.
Is BJU Press harder than Abeka?
BJU is generally considered slightly more demanding intellectually but lighter on rote worksheets. Abeka has more daily seatwork; BJU has more discussion and analysis.
Is BJU Press secular or religious?
BJU is overtly Christian, conservative Protestant, and teaches young-earth creationism in science.
Does BJU Press work for high school?
Yes. BJU is particularly strong for high school, with college-prep courses in math, science, history, and English. The Distance Learning option provides accredited transcripts.
Conclusion: Should You Choose BJU Press?
BJU Press homeschool is an excellent fit for Christian families wanting academic rigor, critical thinking, and the option of accredited distance learning. It is one of the most respected Christian curricula on the market and stands out from competitors thanks to its emphasis on analysis over rote memorization. The trade-offs are higher cost, conservative worldview, and a heavier textbook load than literature-based alternatives.
Before you commit, request samples from BJU’s official website and read independent reviews on Cathy Duffy Reviews. Compare it directly against Abeka in our Abeka vs BJU Press comparison, or look at our full Abeka review and Sonlight review to weigh your options.
Leave a Reply