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Mississippi Homeschool Curriculum by Grade Level: K-12 Guide
Key Takeaways
- K–2: Foundation focus—phonics, number sense, nature exploration, read-alouds
- 3–5: Increased structure—independent reading, multiplication, early writing, history introduction
- 6–8: Deeper academics—multi-year sequences (algebra, world history), more student independence
- 9–12: Specialized subjects—students take 3–4 years each in math, science, social studies; dual enrollment options available
- Mississippi advantage: No grade-level mandates means flexible pacing (accelerate or slow-down as needed)
Early Elementary (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)
Curriculum Priorities
At this stage, focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, not breadth. Kids are learning how to learn.
Language Arts / Reading
Focus: Phonics, letter recognition, oral language development, love of reading
Curriculum choices:
- Abeka Kindergarten/1–2: Structured phonics, colorful workbooks
- Sonlight K–2: Read-alouds, literature-based
- Charlotte Mason approach: Narration, living books, phonics program
- Easy Peasy K–2: Free, gamified, online
- Saxon Phonics: Structured, phonetic approach
What to expect:
- K: Letter recognition, basic phonemic awareness, concept of print
- 1: CVC words, sight words, reading simple sentences, beginning writing
- 2: Blending, digraphs, reading 1st grade level books, short compositions
Time: 20–30 minutes/day
Mathematics
Focus: Number sense, counting, basic operations, patterns
Curriculum choices:
- Saxon K, 1, 2: Spiral, manipulative-heavy
- Abeka Kindergarten/1–2: Traditional, structured
- Beast Academy K–2: Gamified, fun
- Khan Academy Kids: Free, visual, interactive
What to expect:
- K: Counting, shapes, basic measurement, sorting
- 1: Addition/subtraction within 20, place value, simple problem-solving
- 2: Addition/subtraction fluency, two-digit numbers, introduction to multiplication concepts
Time: 20–30 minutes/day
Science
Focus: Observation, nature, hands-on exploration
Approach:
- Nature study: Regular outdoor time, nature journal, observation
- Hands-on experiments: Simple, safe activities
- Field trips: Mississippi museums, nature centers
- Living books: Read-alouds about animals, plants, weather
Mississippi resources:
- Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (Leakesville): Nature trails, aquarium, hands-on learning
- Local nature areas: Parks, walking trails, gardens
- Library books: Nature and animal stories
What to cover:
- K: Animals, plants, weather, basic life cycles, five senses
- 1: Habitats, seasons, simple life cycles, human body basics
- 2: Classification, ecosystems, weather/climate, simple physical properties
Time: 15–30 minutes, 2–3 times/week (often integrated into field trips or nature walks)
Social Studies / History
Focus: Family, community, basic geography awareness
Approach:
- Read-alouds: Historical stories, picture books
- Community exploration: Neighborhood walks, local history
- Holidays and cultures: Celebrate, learn, explore
- Maps and geography: Basic geography, local landmarks
Mississippi connections:
- Local history: Your town/county
- Holidays: Mississippi State Holidays
- Community helpers: Local services
What to cover:
- K: Family, home, community, seasons
- 1: Extended family, neighborhoods, helpers, basic U.S. symbols
- 2: Community, neighbors, simple map skills, basic state geography
Time: 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times/week (often combined with read-alouds)
Other Subjects
Art: Free YouTube tutorials, library books, family projects (2–3 times/week, 20 min)
Music: Songs, simple instruments, appreciation (2–3 times/week, 15 min)
PE/Movement: Daily outdoor play, family activities, co-op PE class (if available)
Total Time per Day
20–60 minutes structured learning + nature time, read-alouds, free play
Grade K–2 Sample Week
Mon–Fri:
- Phonics lesson: 20 min
- Math: 20 min
- Read-aloud: 15 min
- Nature time or science activity: 15–30 min
- Art, music, PE (rotate): 15–20 min
Total: 60–90 minutes structured, plus read-alouds and unstructured learning
Upper Elementary (3rd–5th Grade)
Curriculum Priorities
Increased independence, deeper skills in core subjects, introduction to history sequences, more writing.
Language Arts
Focus: Independent reading, phonics completion, grammar foundations, beginning composition
Curriculum choices:
- Abeka 3–5: Complete language arts (reading, phonics, grammar, handwriting, spelling)
- BJU 3–5: Strong grammar and literature focus
- Sonlight 3–5: Literature-based, unit studies, read-alouds continue
- The Good and the Beautiful 3–5: Values-centered, beautiful materials
What to expect:
- 3: Independent reading at grade level, phonics completion, basic sentence writing
- 4: Literature analysis, sentence and paragraph writing, grammar foundations
- 5: Multi-paragraph writing, research skills, literary analysis, expanded reading
Time: 45–60 minutes/day
Mathematics
Focus: Multiplication/division mastery, fractions, problem-solving
Curriculum choices:
- Saxon 3, 4, 5: Spiral, incremental, manipulatives
- Abeka 3–5: Traditional, structured, accelerated
- Teaching Textbooks 3–5: Video-based, self-teaching
- Khan Academy 3–5: Free, visual, flexible
What to expect:
- 3: Multiplication facts, division introduction, skip counting, fractions basics
- 4: Multi-digit multiplication/division, fractions operations, decimals intro
- 5: Complex division, multi-digit operations, fractions/decimals mastery, pre-algebra concepts
Time: 30–45 minutes/day
Science
Focus: Broader coverage, hands-on experiments, observation, early scientific method
Approach:
- Traditional textbook: Abeka, BJU (structured units on life science, Earth science, physical science)
- Unit studies: Connect to history or interests
- Hands-on experiments: Science Buddies projects, simple lab work
- Field trips: Tie to curriculum units
What to cover:
- 3: Basic life science (cells, organisms, life cycles), weather, rocks/minerals
- 4: More life science (plant/animal systems, ecosystems, adaptations), Earth science
- 5: Pre-biology (classification, ecology, human body systems), Earth science, physical science
Time: 30–45 minutes, 3–4 times/week
Social Studies / History
Focus: Begin systematic U.S. history sequence, map skills, geography
Curriculum choices:
- Abeka 3–5: Structured history progression with activity books
- BJU 3–5: Classical approach to history, literature-based
- Sonlight 3–5: History spine with literature integration
- Unit studies: Thematic approach to history topics
What to cover:
- 3: Early American history (exploration, Native Americans, colonial period)
- 4: U.S. history expansion (westward expansion, Civil War intro)
- 5: U.S. history continuation (Civil War, Reconstruction, industrial era)
Mississippi connections:
- Native American history: Chickasaw, Choctaw, removal/Indian Removal Act
- Civil War: Mississippi role, Vicksburg, Sherman
- Reconstruction: Mississippi’s experience
- River history: Mississippi River geography and history
Time: 30–45 minutes, 3–4 times/week
Other Subjects
Spelling: Daily or 3–4 times/week (10–15 min)
Handwriting/Penmanship: Daily (10–15 min)
Art: 1–2 times/week (30 min)
Music: Appreciation + instruments (1–2 times/week, 20 min)
PE: Daily outdoor play + structured co-op PE or home activities
Foreign language (optional): Spanish or another language (2–3 times/week, 15–20 min)
Total Time per Day
60–120 minutes structured + read-alouds, field trips, outdoor play
Grade 3–5 Sample Week
Mon–Fri:
- Language arts (reading + grammar): 45 min
- Math: 30 min
- Science (3–4 times/week): 30 min
- History/social studies (3–4 times/week): 30 min
- Spelling: 10 min
- Art, music, PE (rotate/integrate): 20 min
Total: 90–120 minutes structured
Middle School (6th–8th Grade)
Curriculum Priorities
Deeper academic content, more student independence, introduction to multi-year sequences, beginning middle school co-op or honors work.
Language Arts
Focus: Literature analysis, essay writing, rhetoric development, independent reading
Curriculum choices:
- Abeka 6–8: Complete ELA (literature, composition, grammar, vocabulary)
- BJU 6–8: Strong on literature analysis and writing
- Sonlight 6–8: History-literature spine with writing
- Teaching Textbooks 6–8: Video-based writing instruction
- Classical Conversations (if in co-op): Writing workshops, rhetoric emphasis
What to expect:
- 6: Literary analysis, 5-paragraph essays, grammar review, independent reading
- 7: Essay development, research skills, literature study, advanced grammar
- 8: Multi-paragraph essays, thesis development, literary criticism, research papers
Time: 45–60 minutes/day
Mathematics
Focus: Algebra preparation/completion, pre-algebra, geometry foundations
Curriculum choices:
- Saxon 6, 7, 8: Algebra readiness, spiral review, thorough coverage
- Teaching Textbooks 6–8: Algebra, geometry, pre-algebra with video instruction
- Beast Academy 6: Last year of Beast Academy before traditional math
- Khan Academy 6–8: Free, can supplement or be primary
What to expect:
- 6: Pre-algebra (ratios, proportions, equations, integers)
- 7: Algebra I (equations, linear equations, graphing)
- 8: Algebra I completion or Geometry intro, depending on progression
Note: Pacing is flexible—some accelerate to Algebra I in 6th, others take slower approach.
Time: 30–45 minutes/day
Science
Focus: Structured science sequence (life, Earth, physical), beginning of multi-year sciences
Curriculum choices:
- Abeka 6–8: Life science, Earth science, physical science (one per year)
- BJU 6–8: Comprehensive science sequence
- Time4Learning 6–8: Interactive science with online activities
- Unit studies: Connect to history or student interests
What to cover:
- 6th: Life science (cells, genetics, evolution, ecology)
- 7th: Earth science (geology, astronomy, weather, oceanography)
- 8th: Physical science (forces, energy, motion, waves, chemistry intro)
Mississippi resources:
- Mississippi Museum of Natural Science: Hands-on learning, classes available
- Mississippi Aquarium: Monthly homeschool days, marine science focus
- Infinity Science Center (Madison): NASA-affiliated STEM center
Time: 45–60 minutes, 4–5 times/week
Social Studies / History
Focus: Begin high school-prep history sequences, world history introduction
Curriculum choices:
- Abeka 6–8: Continuing U.S. history, world history intro
- BJU 6–8: Classical world history, U.S. history continuation
- Sonlight 6–8: History spine with literature
- Classical Conversations (if in co-op): History focus with reading
What to cover:
- 6th: U.S. history continuation (late 1800s–early 1900s)
- 7th: World history (ancient through medieval)
- 8th: World history continuation or early U.S. history repeat (for high school prep)
Mississippi connections:
- Civil Rights: Medgar Evers, Freedom Riders, civil rights movement
- Delta blues: B.B. King, Robert Johnson, music history
- Faulkner and literature: Mississippi authors
- River history: Mississippi’s role in Civil War and westward expansion
Time: 45–60 minutes, 4–5 times/week
Other Subjects
Electives (choose 1–2):
- Foreign language: Spanish, Latin, French (increasing importance for high school prep)
- Fine arts: Continued art or music study
- Technology: Typing, computer skills, coding intro (increasingly important)
PE: Daily activity + structured sports or co-op PE
Total Time per Day
120–150 minutes structured academic work + PE, projects, field trips
Grade 6–8 Sample Week
Mon–Fri:
- Language arts: 45 min
- Math: 30 min
- Science: 45 min
- History/social studies: 45 min
- Elective (language/art/tech): 30 min
- PE: Daily
Total: 120–150 minutes structured
High School (9th–12th Grade)
Curriculum Priorities
Subject-based learning (not grade-level), multi-year sequences, college prep, dual enrollment opportunities.
Subjects Are Multi-Year Sequences
Students take courses, not grade-level material:
Mathematics sequence (choose one path):
- Path 1: Algebra I → Geometry → Algebra II → Precalculus/Calculus
- Path 2: Algebra I → Algebra II → Precalculus → Calculus
- Honors/Advanced: AP Calculus, AP Statistics
Science sequence (3–4 years required):
- Common sequence: Biology → Chemistry → Physics → Elective
- Alternative: Biology → Environmental Science → Chemistry
- Honors/AP: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics
Social Studies sequence (3–4 years required):
- Year 1: World History or AP World
- Year 2: U.S. History or AP U.S. History
- Year 3: Government/Civics or AP Government
- Year 4 (optional): Economics, Electives
English/Language Arts (4 years typical):
- 9th: English I (literature, composition, rhetoric)
- 10th: English II (literature, writing, research)
- 11th: English III (American literature, essay writing, college prep)
- 12th: English IV (advanced literature, senior thesis or elective)
High School Curriculum Choices
For structured, traditional approach:
- Abeka Academy High School (all subjects, accredited)
- BJU Press High School (classical, rigorous)
- Time4Learning High School (flexible, interactive)
For blended approach (most common):
- Math: Teaching Textbooks, Saxon, Khan Academy, or community college
- Sciences: Abeka, BJU, or online curriculum + lab (home or community college)
- English: Abeka, BJU, or independent literature study + writing
- History: Abeka, BJU, Sonlight, or college course
For college-level or advanced:
- Dual enrollment through Mississippi community colleges (see )
- Free or subsidized up to 6 credit hours
- Counts toward high school transcript AND college degree
- AP courses (College Board)
- Online college courses (Coursera, edX, community college)
High School Time and Rigor
Typical daily commitment:
- Math: 45–60 minutes
- Science: 45–60 minutes (including lab work when applicable)
- English/Language Arts: 45–60 minutes
- History: 45–60 minutes
- Electives: 30–45 minutes
Total: 3.5–4 hours/day structured academics for college-prep level
NOTE: Mississippi doesn’t require a specific schedule. You can compress into some days, spread across all days, or take courses at different times.
High School Credits and Transcripts
Important: Create an official transcript for college applications (see ).
Credit calculation:
- 1 full-year course = 1 credit
- 1 semester course = 0.5 credit
- Dual enrollment course = 1 credit (often weighted heavier)
Typical high school schedule (24–30 credits for graduation):
- Math (3–4 credits): Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, +/- Precalculus/Calculus
- Science (3–4 credits): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, +/- Elective
- English (4 credits): English I–IV
- Social Studies (3–4 credits): World, U.S., Government/Economics
- Electives (6–8 credits): Foreign language, arts, technology, career prep, etc.
High School and Dual Enrollment
Mississippi advantage: Dual enrollment scholarships available.
- Up to 6 credit hours reimbursed per term
- Can take community college courses tuition-free (or heavily subsidized)
- Counts toward high school transcript AND college degree
- Excellent for advanced students or reducing homeschool teaching load
See for details.
High School and Special Education
Students with IEPs within past 3 years may qualify for Special Needs ESA (Education Savings Account).
- MSFF-based funding (around $7,400/student)
- Can be used for tutoring, online programs, therapy, college courses, etc.
See for details.
College Preparation from Homeschool
Create transcript:
- List courses, credits, grades, weighted GPA
- Include dual enrollment courses
- Show academic rigor
Standardized testing:
- SAT or ACT (taken junior year, typically)
- Consider subject SAT IIs if applicable
- Khan Academy offers free SAT prep
Extracurriculars:
- Homeschool co-op activities
- Community service
- Sports or clubs
- Leadership roles
College essays:
- Show your educational journey
- Highlight homeschool strengths (independence, self-direction)
Grade Placement & Acceleration/Slowing
Mississippi flexibility: You can:
- Accelerate: 7th grader in high school Algebra I (normal for advanced math)
- Slow down: 6th grader take 5th grade math without penalty
- Mix grades: One subject at grade level, another accelerated
No state requirement to stay on traditional grade pace. Adjust based on child’s development and mastery.
Building Your Year-by-Year Plan
- Choose core subjects (math, language arts, science, history)
- Select curricula aligned with your method and values
- Plan pacing (can you finish by May? Or do you extend into summer?)
- Add electives (art, music, language, PE, technology)
- Plan field trips and co-op involvement
- For high school: Track credits for transcript, plan dual enrollment, standardized testing
Mississippi Grade-Level Resources
- Mississippi Department of Education: Provides standards (informational only—you’re not required to follow)
- MHEA, CASH, Classical Conversations chapters: Offer grade-level curriculum advice and community
- College Board: AP course descriptions and resources
See for detailed curriculum recommendations by grade level.