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Quick Take: Traditional classroom-style science with excellent video instruction option. Rating: 4/5
Best For: Families wanting structured, teacher-led Christian education
Price: $75-$150 per course (textbook); $250-$400 with video
Are you looking for rigorous, traditional education with a Christian worldview? Do you want a video option? If so, BJU Press is worth a look. I’ve talked to many families who love having pros teach the lessons. They just supervise at home. BJU’s videos make this easy to do.
This review covers BJU Press from K-12. It will help you see if their structured style fits your family. For more options, check our full science curriculum guide.
What is BJU Press Science?
BJU Press is the publishing arm of Bob Jones University. It has been used in thousands of schools and homeschools since 1974. According to HSLDA, it’s one of the most established Christian curriculum providers. Their courses mix textbook work with optional video lessons from real teachers.
The program weaves in a Christian worldview at every level. It treats the subject as the study of God’s creation. In other words, faith isn’t an add-on. It’s the lens for every concept.
What sets BJU apart is its video option. The recorded lessons have skilled teachers and pro production. As a result, parents can step back while students still get great teaching.
How BJU Press Science Works
BJU covers K-12 with several ways to learn. Here’s how it all works:
Available Courses
- Elementary (K-6): Grade-level science covering life science, earth science, and physical science topics appropriate to each level
- Middle School (7-8): Life Science and Earth Science with increased depth and formal lab components
- High School (9-12): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical Science with college-prep rigor
Instruction Options
Families can choose from multiple approaches:
- Textbook only: Parent-taught using comprehensive teacher materials
- Video courses: Professional instruction delivered by experienced teachers
- Distance Learning Online: Interactive courses with teacher feedback and grading
Daily Structure
A typical BJU Science day includes:
- Video instruction or reading: 30-45 minutes of new content
- Practice and review: 15-20 minutes of exercises and questions
- Lab activities: 30-60 minutes, 1-2 times weekly
In total, plan for 4-5 hours weekly at the elementary level. Upper grades take 5-7 hours.
BJU Press Science Pros
1. Professional Video Instruction
The video lessons have skilled, engaging teachers. The production is top-notch. Parents can step back while kids still learn well. This is great for parents who don’t feel confident or lack prep time.
2. Rigorous Academic Standards
BJU has high academic standards. Students do heavy reading, real tests, and good labs. Consequently, they’re well-prepared for standardized tests and college.
3. Complete Teacher Resources
Teacher guides have detailed plans, background info, answer keys, and tips. Therefore, even parents without a science background can teach with confidence.
4. Consistent Christian Worldview
Faith is woven into every lesson, not tacked on. For families who want a Christian approach, BJU does this well. If you prefer other faith-based options, see our Apologia review or God’s Design review.
5. Full K-12 Coverage
Families can use BJU from K-12 with no drop in quality. This saves you from switching programs as your kids grow.
BJU Press Science Cons
1. Premium Pricing
The full packages with video cost a lot. Although the quality is high, families on tight budgets may find it hard to afford.
2. Traditional Structure May Not Suit All
The classroom-style works well for kids who like structure. However, it may feel too rigid for families who prefer flexible or interest-led learning.
3. Young-Earth Creation Perspective
Like Apologia, BJU teaches from a young-earth view. Families who don’t share this belief may need to find something else.
4. Less Hands-On Than Some Options
The program has labs, but it focuses more on reading and videos. As a result, hands-on learners may need extra experiments. See our hands-on curriculum guide for more options.
Who is BJU Press Science Best For?
Great fit if:
- You want professional video instruction
- You prefer structured, traditional classroom-style learning
- You want consistent Christian worldview integration
- You need rigorous college-prep content
- You value complete teacher resources
May not be ideal if:
- Budget constraints limit spending on curriculum
- You prefer hands-on, discovery-based learning
- You want secular or worldview-flexible content
- You prefer highly flexible, self-paced approaches
BJU Press vs Alternatives
| Feature | BJU Press | Apologia | Sonlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$ |
| Grade Range | K-12 | K-12 | PreK-12 |
| Video Option | Excellent | Third-party | Limited |
| Teaching Style | Teacher-led | Student-directed | Literature |
| Structure | High | Medium | Medium |
| Best For | Traditional learners | Independent readers | Book lovers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BJU Press Science worth the money?
For families who value pro video lessons and structure, BJU is worth it. In particular, the videos are great for parents who want expert teachers. On the other hand, if you won’t use videos, other publishers may be cheaper.
What grades does BJU Press Science cover?
BJU covers K-12 in full. Elementary courses match each grade level. Meanwhile, middle and high school courses use standard subjects like Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Is BJU Press Science secular or religious?
BJU Press uses a Christian worldview with young-earth creation in all materials. In fact, this is core to their approach, not just an extra feature.
How do the BJU video courses work?
The video courses have recorded lessons from skilled teachers. Students watch, do assignments, and take tests. Parents supervise and help when needed. However, they don’t need to teach directly.
Can I use BJU without the videos?
Yes, you can buy just the textbooks at a lower cost. In addition, the teacher guides have everything you need to teach it yourself.
Final Verdict
BJU Press gives you solid, structured learning with great video options. For families who want pro teachers and a Christian worldview, it’s a strong pick.
Of course, the traditional approach won’t fit everyone. If you like flexible, discovery-based learning, look elsewhere. But for kids who do well with structure, BJU is a solid choice from K-12.
Rating: 4/5
Check Current Prices at BJU Press
For more options, see: Best Homeschool Science Curriculum
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