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Wyoming Homeschool Curriculum by Grade Level: K-12 Guide
Different grade levels require different approaches, pacing, and depth. This guide breaks down what to teach and how to structure it for each grade band in Wyoming.
Key Takeaways
- K-2: Foundational skills (phonics, numbers, handwriting), short lessons, heavy play and outdoor time
- 3-5: Academic skills solidify, longer lessons, more independent work, deeper subject content
- 6-8: Transition to middle school rigor, increased independence, subject-based classes, deeper analysis
- 9-12: High school academics, college prep, dual enrollment opportunities, career exploration
- Wyoming advantage: Field trips and outdoor learning integrate at every level
Kindergarten Curriculum
Teaching Load: 1-2 hours/day (mostly short lessons, play, reading aloud)
Core Subjects
| Subject | What to Teach | Popular Programs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading/Phonics | Letter recognition, sound association, early decoding | Saxon Phonics K, Explode the Code, Bob Books | $50-100 |
| Writing | Handwriting readiness, letter formation, pencil control | Handwriting Without Tears, Italic Handwriting | $30-50 |
| Math | Number recognition (0-10), basic counting, simple addition concept | Saxon Math K, Math Mammoth K | $50-80 |
| Civics | Community roles (firefighter, teacher), basic family structure, following rules | Evan Moor, library books | $20-40 |
| History | Family history, community helpers, stories from different cultures | Homeschool picture books, library | $0-20 |
| Literature | Read-alouds, picture books, classic children’s literature | Library, Ambleside Online | $0 |
| Science | Nature observation, five senses, weather, animals, seasons | Nature walks, library books, YouTube | $0-30 |
Structure
- Schedule: 3-4 hours/day, 4 days/week (no formal instruction Friday; outdoor play instead)
- Format: Short lessons (10-20 min), heavy read-alouds, outdoor learning
- Pacing: One year for kindergarten (social emotional readiness matters)
Sample Daily Schedule
- 8:30-9:00: Phonics lesson + reading practice
- 9:00-9:30: Handwriting/letter work
- 9:30-10:15: Math lesson + manipulatives play
- 10:15-11:00: Read-aloud time (literature, history, science combined)
- 11:00-12:00: Outdoor play, nature exploration, lunch
Wyoming Kindergarten Opportunities
- Nature walks at local parks (identify plants, animals, seasonal changes)
- Children’s programs at Wyoming museums (Wyoming State Museum has activities)
- Free outdoor exploration (perfect for Kindergarten)
First & Second Grade Curriculum
Teaching Load: 2-3 hours/day
Core Subjects
| Subject | What to Teach | Popular Programs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Phonics mastery, decoding, early comprehension, sight words | Saxon Phonics 1-2, BJU Reading | $60-120 |
| Writing | Handwriting, simple sentences, copying, dictation, basic punctuation | Handwriting Without Tears, IEW | $50-100 |
| Math | Addition/subtraction (single digits, then 2-digit), place value, word problems | Saxon Math 1-2, Math Mammoth | $60-100 |
| Civics | Community government, basic citizenship, state symbols (WY flag, etc.) | Evan Moor civics, state resources | $30-50 |
| History | Native Americans, pioneers, early American history, holidays around the world | Story of the World Vol. 1 (adapted) | $30-50 |
| Literature | Read-alouds, chapter books, folk tales, fairy tales | Library books, Ambleside Online | $0 |
| Science | Life cycles, habitats, weather, five senses, simple ecosystems | Apologia Exploring Creation, Evan Moor | $80-120 |
Structure
- Schedule: 2.5-3.5 hours/day, 4-5 days/week
- Format: Direct instruction for reading and math; combined subjects elsewhere
- Pacing: Standard progression (1st grade, 2nd grade)
Sample Daily Schedule
- 8:30-9:00: Phonics lesson + decoding practice
- 9:00-9:30: Handwriting + copywork
- 9:30-10:20: Math lesson + practice
- 10:20-11:00: Read-aloud (literature + history combined)
- 11:00-11:30: Science (book or nature observation)
- 11:30-12:00: Writing practice or art/music
Wyoming Opportunities
- Fort Laramie NHS field trip (pioneers, frontier life)
- Wyoming State Museum (free)
- Nature study and observation at local parks
- Introduce geology through natural landmarks (rock formations, fossils)
Third & Fourth Grade Curriculum
Teaching Load: 3-4 hours/day
Core Subjects
| Subject | What to Teach | Popular Programs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Fluency building, comprehension, genre introduction (fiction, nonfiction, poetry) | Saxon 3-4, Evan Moor | $60-100 |
| Writing | Paragraphs, punctuation, grammar, simple composition, journaling | IEW Fix It Grammar, Brave Writer | $80-150 |
| Math | Multiplication/division foundations, fractions intro, multi-digit operations | Saxon Math 3-4 | $70-100 |
| Civics | U.S. government basics, three branches, rights and responsibilities, state government (WY) | Story of the World, civics units | $40-60 |
| History | Early American history, exploration, Native Americans, pioneers, state history | Story of the World Vol. 1-2 | $40-80 |
| Literature | Chapter books, classic children’s literature, author study | Library, Ambleside Online | $0 |
| Science | Earth science, simple life science, ecosystems, physical science concepts | Apologia, Evan Moor hands-on | $100-150 |
Structure
- Schedule: 3-4 hours/day formal instruction, 4-5 days/week
- Format: More independent work, increasing reading load
- Pacing: Standard progression; some acceleration possible
Sample Daily Schedule
- 8:30-9:00: Reading lesson + fluency work
- 9:00-9:30: Grammar/writing instruction
- 9:30-10:30: Math lesson + practice (increasing complexity)
- 10:30-11:15: Read-aloud (literature + history or science)
- 11:15-12:00: Independent reading or literature comprehension
- 12:00-1:00: Science lesson or project
- Afternoon: Art, music, PE, free choice
Wyoming Opportunities
- Oregon Trail field trips and research projects
- Wyoming Dinosaur Center visit
- Geology study tied to Yellowstone/Grand Teton
- Native American history research with Wind River Reservation resources
- Longer field trip projects (1-2 weeks) about Wyoming topics
Fifth Grade Curriculum
Teaching Load: 4-5 hours/day
Core Subjects
| Subject | What to Teach | Popular Programs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Literature analysis, comprehension strategies, fluency, diverse genres | Anthology-based literature | $50-100 |
| Writing | Essays, reports, narrative writing, grammar, mechanics | IEW, Bravewriter | $100-200 |
| Math | Fractions, decimals, percentages, basic geometry, word problems | Saxon Math 5 | $80-120 |
| Civics | U.S. government in depth, Constitution basics, citizenship | Story of the World Vol. 2, civics units | $50-80 |
| History | Colonial America through Civil War, regional American history (WY settlers) | Story of the World Vol. 2 | $50-80 |
| Literature | Chapter books, classic literature, diverse authors, book discussions | Library, Ambleside Online | $0 |
| Science | Earth science, life science, physical science, hands-on projects | Apologia, hands-on experiments | $120-180 |
Structure
- Schedule: 4-5 hours/day formal instruction
- Format: More student independence, book reports, research projects
- Pacing: Standard progression; readiness for acceleration or advanced work
Wyoming Opportunities
- Major Yellowstone/Grand Teton geology unit
- Oregon Trail research and field experience
- Wyoming history project (ranching, Native American history, frontier life)
- Dinosaur/paleontology unit at Wyoming Dinosaur Center
- Wildlife biology research and observation
Sixth Grade Curriculum (Transition to Middle School)
Teaching Load: 5-6 hours/day
Core Subjects
| Subject | What to Teach | Popular Programs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Literature study, composition, grammar, writing styles, literary analysis | Classical approach or IEW | $100-150 |
| Math | Pre-algebra (integers, fractions, decimals, basic geometry) | Saxon Algebra 1/2 or Pre-Algebra | $100-150 |
| Civics | Government structure, Constitution, current events, Wyoming government | Government textbook or unit studies | $50-100 |
| History | Ancient civilizations through Renaissance, state/regional history | Story of the World Vol. 2 | $50-100 |
| Literature | Novel study, classic literature, diverse authors, book clubs | Library, literature curriculum | $0-100 |
| Science | Biology foundations, Earth science, physical science (increasingly rigorous) | Apologia, textbook-based | $120-200 |
| Electives | Foreign language (optional), art, music, technology | Duolingo (free), library resources | $0-50 |
Structure
- Schedule: 5-6 hours/day, 4-5 days/week
- Format: More like “middle school” with subject-based organization
- Pacing: Standard middle school progression
Sample Daily Schedule
- 8:30-9:30: English (literature, writing, grammar)
- 9:30-10:30: Math
- 10:30-11:30: Science (Earth science, biology)
- 11:30-12:15: History/Civics/Social Studies
- 12:15-1:00: Lunch + outdoor time
- 1:00-2:00: Electives (foreign language, art, technology) or subject reinforcement
- 2:00-3:00: Reading (independent + discussion)
Wyoming Opportunities
- Subject-specific field trips (geology for science, history sites for social studies)
- Dual focus: academics + outdoor learning
- Beginning of college/career exploration
Seventh & Eighth Grade Curriculum
Teaching Load: 6-7 hours/day
Core Subjects (More Rigorous)
| Subject | What to Teach | Popular Programs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Literature analysis, essay writing, grammar mastery, research writing | IEW, Classical, Khan Academy | $100-200 |
| Math | Algebra (or Geometry for advanced), pre-calculus prep | Saxon Algebra 1, Math Mammoth Algebra | $120-150 |
| Science | Life science (cells, genetics, ecology) or Physics (as appropriate) | Apologia, textbook-based | $150-200 |
| History | Medieval through modern world history, connections to Wyoming/US | Story of the World Vol. 3 | $60-100 |
| Civics | Deep government study, current events, civic participation, rights/responsibilities | Government unit study or curriculum | $50-100 |
| Electives | Foreign language, art, music, technology, career exploration | Duolingo (free), online courses | $0-200 |
Structure
- Schedule: 6-7 hours/day, 5 days/week
- Format: Subject-based classes; increased independence
- Pacing: Middle school standards; preparation for high school
Wyoming Opportunities
- Dual enrollment prep (start thinking about high school transition)
- More advanced field trip projects
- Leadership roles in co-ops or community
- Career exploration tied to Wyoming industries
Ninth & Tenth Grade (Early High School)
Teaching Load: 7-8 hours/day (including independent work)
Core Subjects (High School Level)
| Subject | What to Teach | Popular Programs | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Literature units, essay writing, literary analysis, college prep writing | IEW, Classical Conversations, AP prep | $150-250 |
| Math | Algebra I (9th) or II (10th), Geometry, Pre-calculus for advanced | Saxon Algebra, Khan Academy (free) | $120-150 |
| Science | Biology (9th), Chemistry (10th) or Physics | Apologia, textbook-based | $150-250 |
| History | U.S. History (20th century) or World History | Story of the World Vol. 3, AP prep | $80-150 |
| Electives | Foreign language, art, music, debate, technology, career classes | Outschool, Khan Academy (free) | $0-200 |
Structure
- Schedule: 6-7 hours/day, 5 days/week (consistent high school load)
- Format: Subject-based; increasing rigor and independence
- Consideration: Dual enrollment option begins here
Wyoming Opportunities
- Dual Enrollment (Consider Starting): Community college courses count for high school + college credit
- Reduces total cost
- Builds college transcript
- Qualifies for Hathaway Scholarship
- Streamlines last two years
Eleventh & Twelfth Grade (High School)
Teaching Load: 7-8 hours/day formal, plus electives and independent work
Curriculum Path Decisions
Option 1: Traditional Homeschool Path
– Complete high school curriculum at home
– Advanced literature, U.S. History or AP prep
– Math through Pre-Calculus or Calculus
– All sciences
– College entrance exams (SAT/ACT)
Option 2: Dual Enrollment (Increasingly Popular in Wyoming)
– Complete high school requirements PLUS college credits
– Register for 2-3 college courses/semester
– Earn high school credit AND college credit
– Significantly reduces cost
– Builds college transcript
– Automatic Hathaway Scholarship eligibility
Option 3: Hybrid
– Some college courses + some high school instruction
– Allows flexibility and subject choice
Recommended Course Sequence (11th & 12th)
| Grade | English | Math | Science | History/Civics | Electives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th | American Literature or AP Lang | Pre-Calc or Calc | Chemistry or Elective | US History (modern) | Foreign language, art, tech |
| 12th | British Literature or AP Lit | Calculus or college math | Physics or environmental | Economics/Government | Career/college prep, electives |
Wyoming Dual Enrollment Details
- 7 Wyoming Community Colleges: Laramie, Casper, Gillette, Sheridan, Cody, Torrington, Rock Springs
- University of Wyoming: Limited dual enrollment, but full-time students can take courses
- Cost: Free to $500/semester (institutional aid available)
- Hathaway Scholarship: $800-$1,680/semester for Wyoming college attendance (automatic if dual enrolled in high school)
Grade-Level Cost Summary
| Grade Band | Annual Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| K-1 | $300-600 | Minimal cost; mostly library and outdoor |
| 2-3 | $500-900 | Core programs begin |
| 4-5 | $700-1,200 | Full curriculum; field trips |
| 6-8 | $900-1,500 | Increased rigor; some co-op involvement |
| 9-10 | $1,000-1,800 | High school curriculum; dual enrollment option |
| 11-12 | $500-2,000+ | Varies greatly by dual enrollment vs. full homeschool |
Wyoming-Specific Integration by Grade
K-2: Nature Focus
- Nature walks and observation (foundation for science)
- Wyoming culture and community (civics introduction)
- Local outdoor exploration (free)
3-5: Place-Based Learning
- Oregon Trail projects and field trips
- Wyoming history units (pioneers, ranching, Native Americans)
- Yellowstone/Grand Teton geology introduction
- Fossil study at Wyoming Dinosaur Center
6-8: Deeper Content + Community
- Geology projects tied to Wyoming landscape
- Wildlife and ecology studies
- Native American history (Wind River Reservation connections)
- Co-op participation for rigor and social connection
9-12: College Prep + Dual Enrollment Transition
- Structured academics for college readiness
- Dual enrollment at WY community colleges (grades 10-12)
- Career exploration tied to Wyoming industries
- Advanced field trips (university labs, industry tours)
Next Steps
- Identify your child’s current level (even if multi-grade household)
- Choose core programs for your grade level
- Integrate Wyoming field trips (free and low-cost)
- Plan for transitions: K→1st, 5th→6th (increase rigor), 9-10 (consider dual enrollment option)
- Join grade-level co-ops: Many Wyoming co-ops organize by grade
- Reassess annually: Adjust curriculum based on what’s working
Your grade-level curriculum should balance academic progression with Wyoming’s unique learning opportunities.
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