Best Homeschool Curriculum Colorado (2026): 4 Picks Compared

Finding the best homeschool curriculum colorado families can actually use starts with the learner in front of you: a middle grader who loves science experiments needs something different from a first grader learning addition. We compared 4 books by listed age or grade level, page count, what each description says is inside, and how directly each one serves a homeschool family.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	IXL 1st Grade Math by IXL Learning	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Earth and Space Science by Cameron	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Grade 5 Science by Spectrum	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	102 Top Picks by Duffy	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

IXL 1st Grade Math by IXL Learning

IXL Learning·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 224-page first-grade workbook printed on 60 lb smooth paper that covers arithmetic, coins, time, measurement, graphing and geometry.

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Pros

• 224 pages covering single-digit and multi-digit arithmetic, money, time, fractions and geometry
• Printed on heavy 60 lb Text Smooth paper measuring 8.5 by 10.875 inches
• Integrates optional online practice exercises through the IXL app and website
• Includes instruction on data representation using bar graphs, picture graphs and tally charts

Cons

• Published December 1, 2019, making it an older edition than Spectrum
• The spec table lists kindergarten skills and ages 5 to 6, contradicting the first-grade title and description
• The listing does not state whether an answer key is included
• Weighs more than shorter workbooks due to 224 heavy-paper pages

2

Earth and Space Science by Cameron

Schyrlet Cameron·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Fits a 5th to 8th grader doing earth and space science at home; skip it if your child is outside grades 5 to 8.

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Pros

• 29 science lessons with reproducible pages and a grading rubric.
• Grade level 5 to 8 and a reading age of 10 to 13 years are both stated.
• Covers geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy.

Cons

• The reading age is marked as from customers only, not the publisher.
• Only 64 pages, fewer than the 347-page Duffy guide.
• No answer key is mentioned in the listing.

3

Grade 5 Science by Spectrum

Spectrum·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Science practice for a fifth grader who needs earth, life and physical science reviewed.

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Pros

• Seven chapters with a mid-test and a final test
• Answer key included, as the listing states
• Grade 5 and up with a reading age of 10 to 11

Cons

• Science only, so math and writing need other books
• Published 2014, an older edition
• Reading age marked as from customers

4

102 Top Picks by Duffy

Cathy Duffy·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Fits a parent choosing curriculum for the first time; skip it if you already know your approach and just need workbooks.

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Pros

• Walks through goal setting, teaching styles and learning styles.
• At-a-glance charts plus reviews of each of the 102 top picks.
• 347 pages, the longest book here.

Cons

• The 2014 edition is the oldest here.
• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• A guide to choosing curriculum, not a workbook itself.

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the homeschool family, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. The Mark Twain listing gives both a reading age, marked as from customers, and a grade level; the IXL and Spectrum titles state a grade; the Duffy guide states neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best homeschool curriculum colorado

Start with the guide, then fill the gaps

The Duffy guide walks through goal setting, teaching styles and learning styles before any buying, with at-a-glance charts and reviews of each of the 102 top picks. Once you know your approach, add subject workbooks like the Mark Twain earth and space book for grades 5 to 8. For more subject lists, see best homeschool science curriculum.

Match the grade level to the child

The Mark Twain listing gives grade level 5 to 8 with a reading age of 10 to 13 years, marked as from customers. The IXL and Spectrum titles state 1st grade and grade 5 respectively, with no further level data in their title-only listings. For grade-specific curriculum lists, browse best homeschool curriculum for 7th grade.

Before you buy

• Check the edition year on the listing against the newest edition.
• For a grade sequence, buy the grade your child is in now.
• Check whether the listing includes an answer key or a grading rubric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best homeschool curriculum for Colorado families?

None of the listings states Colorado-specific content; they are national curriculum books, and the Duffy guide helps a family choose by learning style. Pick the approach first, then match workbooks to each child’s grade.

Which book should I buy first?

Start with the Duffy guide if you are choosing an approach; its charts and reviews cover 102 top picks. Add the Mark Twain science book for a 5th to 8th grader studying earth and space science.

Do these workbooks include answer keys?

The Mark Twain listing names a grading rubric but no answer key. The IXL and Spectrum listings are title-only and state nothing about answer keys, and the Duffy guide is not a workbook.

Still deciding? Our top pickIXL 1st Grade Math by IXL Learning

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Related lists

See every homeschool curriculum list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: browse homeschool science curriculum, homeschool zoology curriculum and math workbooks.