Breaking Down the Monarch Homeschool Curriculum: Pros and Cons

Are you wondering how to choose the right homeschool curriculum for your family? With homeschooling gaining popularity, and around 3.1 million children in the U.S. being homeschooled in 2021‑22 alone, this decision matters more than ever. One of the well‑known options you’ll encounter is the Monarch curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications (AOP). It’s an online, accredited program that promises flexibility and structure for homeschoolers.

But like every program, it brings both strengths and limitations. In this blog, we’ll explore what Monarch is, how it works, where it excels, and where it might not fit your child’s learning style or your family’s needs.

So, is Monarch the right fit for your child? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

• Monarch is an accredited online curriculum offering over 100 courses for grades 3‑12, with self‑paced learning, automatic grading, and faith-based content.

• Key benefits include flexibility for families, time-saving features for parents, and a wide range of subjects. It's perfect for those who prefer a structured, online format.

• Drawbacks include heavy screen time and less focus on hands-on, project-based learning. It might not suit families seeking a more interactive, minimal screen experience.

• AEC from TSHA is an engaging alternative, ideal for Pre‑K to 6th grade students who thrive in hands-on, creative learning environments with less screen time.

• When choosing a curriculum, consider your child’s learning style and your family’s needs. Monarch works well for self-motivated learners, while AEC offers a more balanced, real-world approach to education.

What is the Monarch Curriculum?

Monarch is an online homeschool program designed for students in grades 3-12, offering over 100 courses in subjects like math, science, language arts, and history. Developed by Alpha Omega Publications (AOP), Monarch provides a flexible and self-paced learning environment that students can access anywhere, anytime, as long as they have an internet connection.

Monarch is an accredited curriculum, meaning it meets educational standards and ensures that your child is receiving a high-quality, recognized education. This can be particularly important for parents who want to ensure that their child's homeschool experience aligns with state standards or may need the accreditation for college or career purposes. 

The program is designed to allow students to work independently, with parents and teachers overseeing progress through a simple dashboard. It automates grading for many assignments, which saves time and helps parents focus on teaching and support.

Monarch is especially popular with families who value digital learning and need a flexible, self-directed educational experience. Whether your family moves frequently, travels, or simply prefers a more independent learning style, Monarch’s online format makes it easy for students to learn at their own pace.

It combines flexibility, structure, and academic depth, making it an appealing choice for many homeschooling families looking for a reliable and comprehensive program.

Also Read: Microschools: Is It the Right Choice for Your Child?

Key Features of Monarch Curriculum

Monarch stands out as an online homeschool program due to its comprehensive features that cater to the diverse needs of homeschooling families. Here are the key highlights that set Monarch apart:

1. Broad Course Library

Monarch offers over 100 courses, covering core subjects like language arts, math, science, and history. In addition to these core courses, Monarch also includes electives and Bible studies, providing a well-rounded curriculum. This makes it a great choice for families looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.

2. Online Dashboard & Parent Tools

Monarch provides an easy-to-use online dashboard where parents can assign courses, track their child’s progress, and run performance reports. The system automatically grades over 85% of student work, greatly reducing the administrative burden for parents. With real-time updates, parents can easily monitor how their child is performing across all subjects.

3. Interactive, Multimedia-Rich Lessons

Monarch integrates multimedia content such as videos, animations, interactive activities, and text-to-speech options into lessons. This helps engage students through visual and auditory learning methods, making concepts easier to understand and retain. The system includes full-color graphics, engaging videos, and even “internet excursions” for deeper exploration. These interactive lessons keep students interested and make learning more enjoyable.

4. Self-Paced Learning

With Monarch, students can learn at their own pace, allowing them to work through lessons and assignments at a speed that suits their learning style. The self-paced format is perfect for independent learners, giving students the flexibility to move quickly through concepts they understand or slow down to master more challenging topics. Parents can assign lessons, and the system tracks the progress, providing a clear view of the student's accomplishments.

5. Christian Worldview

Monarch incorporates a Christian worldview across its courses, integrating Bible studies and faith-based content. This makes it an ideal choice for families seeking a curriculum that aligns with their faith and values. The integration of Christian principles helps students connect their academic learning with spiritual growth.

Monarch offers a wealth of features that can support a variety of learning styles and needs, but whether it’s the right fit for your family depends on your educational goals. It combines flexibility with comprehensive subject coverage, making it a solid choice for many homeschooling families.

Monarch Curriculum - Pros

Monarch offers several clear benefits that many homeschooling families appreciate. Here's what many families like about it:

1. Saves Time for Parents

Monarch automates grading and provides reports, so parents spend less time managing and more time teaching. It reduces the amount of work for parents and makes homeschooling more manageable.

2. Wide Range of Courses

Monarch offers a broad selection of over 100 courses, including core subjects like math, science, and language arts, as well as electives and Bible studies. This makes it a convenient, all-in-one curriculum for families.

3. Structured Learning

Monarch has a clear, self-paced structure. Students can work through lessons at their own speed, and parents can monitor progress. The structured approach also allows for parents to monitor progress easily, ensuring that students don’t fall behind.

4. Christian Worldview

Monarch integrates Bible studies and Christian teachings into its courses. It aims to build both academic knowledge and spiritual development, which can be a significant benefit for those who want a curriculum that aligns with their religious beliefs.

Monarch offers flexibility, time-saving tools, and a comprehensive faith-based learning experience, making it an ideal option for many homeschooling families looking for structure and accessibility.

Monarch Curriculum - Cons

While Monarch offers many benefits, there are a few challenges or limitations that families should consider when evaluating whether it’s the right fit for them:

1. Screen-Heavy Learning

Monarch is entirely online, which means a significant amount of time is spent in front of a screen. For families who want to minimize screen time or prefer more hands-on, tactile learning, this could be a disadvantage.

2. Less Hands-On Learning

While Monarch includes interactive activities, it doesn't focus as much on physical, project-based learning. If your child learns best through doing, such as building models, crafting, or exploring outdoors, Monarch’s digital format might not fully support these needs.

3. Requires Student Self-Motivation

Monarch is self-paced, which works well for independent learners. However, this may pose challenges for younger students or those who require more structured guidance. Without a teacher or parent providing constant direction, some students might struggle to stay motivated or organized.

4. Christian Focus

Monarch is a faith-based curriculum, which may not align with all families. For those who prefer a neutral approach to religious education, Monarch might feel less suitable, as the Christian perspective permeates many aspects of the program.

5. Learning Style Consideration

Monarch’s online format and self-paced model may not be the best fit for all learning styles. For younger children, particularly those in Pre-K or early elementary grades, the digital nature of the curriculum may feel detached from their need for hands-on, movement-based activities.

6. Limited Customization

Monarch offers a lot of courses, but it’s less customizable compared to some other programs. Families who want to tailor the curriculum more specifically to their child’s needs may find Monarch too structured.

While Monarch provides a self-paced online format, its heavy reliance on screens and structured approach may not be the best fit for families seeking hands-on, project-based learning or those who prefer less screen time.

Also Read: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling Kids

Alternate Curriculum That Might Be Better Suited for You

If you’re considering Monarch, it’s worth evaluating how well it aligns with your child’s learning style and your family’s needs. While Monarch offers a structured, online format, families with younger children (Pre‑K to 6th grade) or those seeking a more tactile, hands-on, and less screen-heavy approach might find AEC (American Emergent Curriculum) from The School House Anywhere (TSHA) to be a better fit.

Here’s why AEC may be more suited to your family:

1. Hands-on Learning

AEC emphasizes real-world experiences, allowing children to actively engage in the learning process. Unlike Monarch, which is heavily screen-based, AEC focuses on creative projects and critical thinking that promote a deeper understanding of the material.

2. Developmentally-Aligned for Pre‑K to 6th Grade

AEC is specifically designed for young learners in grades Pre-K through 6th. The curriculum fosters natural curiosity, offering opportunities for hands-on play and exploration, important for early education.

3. Less Screen Time

AEC's approach encourages learning through activities like storytelling, art projects, and experiments, minimizing the amount of time spent in front of a screen. This makes it an ideal choice for families who are looking to limit screen exposure.

4. Creative, Project-Based Learning

With AEC, students engage in creative projects that require them to think critically and collaborate. This approach is more engaging and flexible than Monarch’s structured, digital lessons, and it encourages children to learn by doing.

5. Flexibility and Portability

AEC is perfect for traveling families or those managing micro-schools. The curriculum doesn’t rely on constant internet access and can be implemented anywhere. Whether you're on the move or in a stationary setup, AEC allows for a portable and flexible learning experience.

6. Inclusive and Secular

AEC offers a non-faith-based approach to education, making it a great option for families who want a secular curriculum while still fostering curiosity, creativity, and academic growth.

While Monarch is a solid choice for families looking for an online, self-paced program with a faith-based focus, AEC’s hands-on, creative approach makes it an excellent fit for families seeking an engaging, well-rounded educational experience. If you want your children to explore, create, and learn through real-world activities, AEC might be the better choice for your homeschooling journey.

Learn more about TSHA's AEC and see how it can support your homeschooling journey.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a homeschool curriculum isn’t about finding the “best one” overall, it’s about finding the best one for your child and your family’s unique needs. Monarch offers a solid, accredited, online program with flexibility, a broad course selection, and helpful parent tools. It’s particularly suited for families who want a self-paced, faith-based approach to learning.

However, if you prefer a more hands-on, playful, and less screen-dependent learning experience, especially for younger students, the AEC curriculum from TSHA offers an engaging and holistic alternative. AEC emphasizes real-world activities, creative exploration, and critical thinking, providing a developmentally aligned approach that nurtures children’s curiosity and learning through hands-on experiences.

When choosing the right curriculum, consider your child’s learning style, your teaching approach, and your family’s lifestyle and values. The best curriculum is one that fits easily into your daily rhythm and helps your child thrive.

Ready to explore further? Discover how TSHA’s flexible, developmentally-aligned curriculum can support your homeschooling journey and help you create a meaningful, engaging learning experience for your child. 

Register as a parent with TSHA today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Monarch’s homeschooling program have official accreditation?

Yes, the Monarch curriculum is accredited by the AdvancED organization, which ensures that it meets high standards for educational quality. This accreditation provides confidence to families that the program aligns with state standards and prepares students for higher education or the workforce.

2. How much does the Monarch homeschool program cost?

For the Monarch curriculum (by Alpha Omega Publications), there are two main pricing tiers:

• A single‑course subscription costs $109.95 per year for each student. 

• The full‑access subscription (which covers grades 3‑12 with all courses) costs $439.95 per year for each student. 

So, depending on how many courses your student needs, you can choose either the single‑course option or the full access version.

3. Why should I care about accreditation when choosing a homeschool program?

Accreditation ensures that the homeschool program meets educational standards and is recognized by schools, colleges, and employers. It provides families with peace of mind that the education their child receives is legitimate and high-quality. Additionally, some accredited programs may make it easier for students to transition to public or private schools or apply for college.

4. Which Homeschool Program Stands Out for Accreditation?

If you’re looking for a well‑accredited homeschool program that supports younger children, encourages exploration, and provides a balanced, real‑world learning experience, American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) from The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is definitely a contender worth considering. AEC is designed for learners in Pre‑K through 6th grade and emphasizes hands‑on activities, creative exploration, and real‑world applications.