Homeschool Curriculum Choices

I have spent a lot of time researching and talking to other HS moms and have made a choice for curriculum for our girls. I will include those we did not choose because they might work for you!

Abbie: 3rd Grade
Bob Jones University (BJU) 3rd grade reading (mostly for the book portion)
BJU Math
Cursive Handwriting book
Writing Strands Level 3
Explode the Code Level 4
First Language Lessons Level 2

Ellie: Kinder
BJU Math
D'Nealian Handwriting Book (went with this method since they've been doing it in Kinder. Didn't want to switch her up).
Explode the Code Level 1
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

For Both of them:
Five in a Row (FIAR) This will incorporate our "formal" reading and tie in History, Geography, Language and Science. I do want to add in experiments during the week.

For next fall I will add an formal history using The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times and Science using Apologia Exploring Creating with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures. They each will have their journal for this.

If you're new to looking for curriculum, try the publishers website then search on Amazon which will typically give you a better deal and if you're Prime, FREE shipping. Also, Mardel does run sales on their HS curriculum (that's where I bought Explode the Code for pretty cheap) but overall, they tend to be higher in price. If you get their emails, there are coupons and you can usually get 1 item for 25-30% off.
My favorite place is Home Educator's Resource in Lewisville. They sell new/used HS books and such. Even found some of my FIAR books from here for $3! They are super nice and so helpful there. I asked a million questions and they answered every one!

Curriculum that I did not use but have looked at:

Math:

Math U See    

Saxon     

Teaching Textbooks (TT)

Right Start

Math on the Level

Life of Fred

History (not yet at least):
Notgrass

Reading: 

The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading

Writing:

The Complete Writing: Writing with Ease 

There is so much out there that one can get overwhelmed. I chose to pick and choose in lieu of a boxed set. My goal is to start leaning toward more of a classical curriculum and some of these choices do allow this, though not all. It's all about balance and what is right for your family. 

And finally, if you're thinking of HS, read these two books now. 

A Thomas Jefferson Education 

A Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home  (This book covers pre-k through HS)