Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Alpha Omega Publications Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Homeschool Supply Company Reviews

Alpha Omega Publications Review 3.5 Star Rating

Alpha Omega Publications

3.5 Star Rating
  • "A+" BBB rating
  • Offers Monarch (online, $399.95/year), Horizons (workbook, up to $315/set) and Lifepac (workbook, up to $315/set) curricula
  • Horizons emphasizes spiral learning; Lifepac focuses on mastery
  • Free placement tests help identify the right educational level
  • Ignite Academy offers teacher support and peer interaction but at a higher cost than some competitors
  • Teaches creationism, which might not suit all families
  • Some course materials, like Economics, may not be up-to-date
  • Ignite has a compressed 18-week schedule and charges for extensions
  • No extra educational materials; free shipping on orders

Alpha Omega Publications is known for its Christian educational resources, from kindergarten up to 12th grade. It's been highlighted in homeschooling guides and has won awards (including Cathy Duffy's 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum) that acknowledge its quality and appeal to homeschool families. Its materials cover a broad spectrum of learning levels and integrate faith-based principles.

Four options

AOP offers four primary options for a homeschool education:

  • Monarch: Monarch is a comprehensive online homeschooling program for grades 3-12, offering courses with electives and six key subjects - history, language arts, geography, science with a Christian worldview, math, and Bible. It's convenient for families with features like automatic grading and a customizable learning experience. The subscription is $399.95 per year or $39.95 per month, with a free 30-day trial available without needing a credit card.
  • Lifepac: Lifepac provides workbook-based education from K-12 with a focus on mastery learning and a Christian perspective. It's flexible, allowing purchases of full grade sets or individual subjects. Prices range from $18 for single books to complete sets at $315.
  • Horizons: Horizons offers a visually engaging, workbook-style curriculum with a spiral learning approach for Pre-K to 12th grade. It's parent-directed and includes subjects like math and reading, with prices from $16 to $120.
  • Ignite Christian Academy: Ignite Christian Academy (formerly Alpha Omega Academy) allows for a customizable learning experience with both full-time and single-course enrollments. It provides continuous teacher support and options for college-level courses for high school students. The academy also offers the possibility to use state education funds for tuition.

Mastery vs. spiral method

At first glance, the Horizons and Lifepac homeschool programs can seem pretty similar (both are workbook-based), but there are a few distinctions. Horizons starts kids on a higher level early on, making it more demanding from the get-go, and it keeps parents involved throughout the learning process. It uses a spiral method, circling through different topics quickly, which suits kids who catch on fast and get bored without constant stimulation. Lifepac, however, lets kids concentrate on one subject at a time, encouraging them to master each area before moving on and becoming more self-guided as students advance.

Best Homeschool Supply Companies

Placement tests available

Alpha Omega Publications offers placement tests to help homeschooling parents teach more effectively. For example, if you're teaching a fifth grader, these tests could reveal that they're on track with science and history, but they might need a third-grade English program or a sixth-grade math level. This prevents any learning gaps and ensures your child isn't bored or overwhelmed. It's a handy tool for customizing education to your child's strengths and areas for improvement.

Ignite program includes student-to-student interaction

Ignite Christian Academy, in comparison to another accredited Christian academy featured in our review, offers a more interactive and teacher-supported approach to accredited homeschooling. According to a seasoned homeschooling parent, Ignite provides direct access to licensed teachers and peer interaction for students, which contrasts with the other program where support often came from front-desk staff. Like that other program, Ignite also relieves parents from the burden of grading, but it also offers a variety of extracurricular activities like art, music, and drama. Although Ignite is more expensive (almost twice the cost for a full year of curriculum), this parent's testimonial and others indicate that the extra investment may provide a more complete and supportive educational experience, along with better overall customer service.

Ignite is creationist - but maybe not creationist enough for some

Ignite Christian Academy teaches science from a creationist point of view, maintaining that God created the world in six days as described in the Bible. They suggest that scientific evidence across fields like biology and geology fits better with creationism than with evolution. Ignite will therefore suit families seeking a Christianity-centric education, but its religious emphasis, including required Bible courses, will be off-putting for non-religious families. They may also not be religious enough for you, depending on your beliefs. For example, one reviewer complained that the "beginnings of life" were taught about through examining fossils instead of reading Genesis, and that there weren't enough mentions of God and scripture in their courses.

Courses may not be up-to-date

Another concern to consider is that Ignite's curricular updates aren't always frequent. While some subjects like Spanish remain fairly unchanged over time, others, particularly Economics, could suffer from outdated materials, making the content less relevant. This issue tends to affect higher grade levels more, so it may not be a significant worry for those teaching very young children.

Best Homeschool Supply Companies

Ignite is fast-paced with few breaks

Ignite expects students to keep to a tight schedule - squeezing a typical 20-week semester into 18 weeks. This leaves little room for the unexpected, and there's been frustration over additional fees for extensions: $85 for a week's extension per class (even if only a day is needed) or $300 for a month.

No other homeschool materials and supplies

At Alpha Omega Publications, you won't find a stock of homeschool supplies like craft materials or science lab kits; they focus solely on curriculum offerings, and you'll need to look elsewhere for those extras. However, they do provide free shipping on all orders, which can ease the cost of getting your educational resources.

Ranks well

Alpha Omega Publications has a great reputation, demonstrated by an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. It offers a wide range of curriculum formats, from online to traditional pen-and-paper options, suiting different learning styles. But they only teach from a Christian perspective and don't have supplementary materials like art supplies, so they might not have everything you need for homeschooling. For these reasons, they don't snag our top spot, but we'd recommend them if their philosophical views align with your own.

Where Can You Find the Best Homeschool Supplies?

In recent years, homeschooling has seen a remarkable rise in popularity. It's no wonder, given the wealth of websites offering homeschool supplies and curriculum options for families. This idea has captivated the attention of parents seeking alternative educational approaches for their children.

Traditional educational systems often struggle to cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of individual students. Homeschooling provides a flexible and customizable framework, allowing parents to tailor the curriculum to match their child's unique strengths, interests, and pace of learning. This personalized approach can foster a more engaging and effective learning experience.

The Best Homeschool Supply Companies Compare Homeschool Supply Companies Compare Homeschool Supply Company Reviews What are the best Homeschool Supply Companies Best Homeschool Supply Company Reviews

Homeschool Supply Company FAQ

Homeschooling is a generic term used to refer to educating children outside of a traditional school setting. This is different from "homebound" students, who need to receive instruction at home due to health conditions or other challenges and receive it from a tutor provided by the student's school district.
There are as many as five million homeschool students in grades K-12 in the United States. That number has grown significantly year to year, with many more families taking advantage of the freedom and flexibility inherent in a home education program.
Homeschool philosophies run the spectrum from "school at home" , which tries to replicate the structure and content of a public or private school, to "unschooling" principles of allowing learners to follow their own interests to discover what they want to know. Other ways of structuring a homeschooling program include Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Classical Conversations, world schooling, religious-based curricula, and many more. It's common for homeschool families to experiment with several different approaches over time, so don't worry if you need to try a few on for size to find what fits.
The answers to that question are as diverse as homeschoolers themselves. The first consideration is what laws govern homeschooling in your state: you might be obligated to follow a certain curriculum or to ensure mastery of specific content areas. Beyond that, the materials you use are largely up to you. Are your kids hands-on learners? Do they need video demonstrations? Do you love science experiments? You'll find so much to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down the possibilities!
Maybe, but not always. Your school district may be happy to give you the textbooks and workbooks that correspond to your child's grade - or they may have policies that actually prohibit them from doing so. And, while your library might have the books, DVDs and digital resources you need to homeschool, you'll probably have to return them before you're done with the unit or lesson you're teaching.
Lucky for you, there are many online retailers that offer an amazing panorama of homeschool materials. You can get all-in-one curricula that cover an entire school year of subject matter, or individual books for the topics you're covering. That doesn't even begin to scratch the surface: from puppets to papier mache kits, or beakers to leveled readers, these stores have you covered. Whether your kids are preschool or pre-college, you can get everything you need to provide a top-notch education.
Absolutely! There's a lot of buying power that comes from a community of millions, and some homeschool supply stores use that to your advantage. You can get group discounts on popular online programs and print materials, find field trip suggestions, or even get a homeschooler photo ID to qualify for student discounts at places near you. Some homeschool supply retailers offer rewards programs that give you points with each purchase. And, you might find discussion groups hosted by the homeschool supply site that can answer your questions, connect you with other homeschoolers in your area, or give you new ideas for your teaching.
Policies vary by retailer, and most require your materials to be in unused condition to be eligible for return or refund. You may also have to pay restocking fees of up to 30%. If you're purchasing a digital subscription to a homeschool program or service, you may be able to cancel within a certain timeframe or suspend your membership. Be sure to read the details before you make a purchase from a homeschool supply store.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Homeschool platforms on the internet can be grouped based on how they approach education and how they structure their payment systems. In one corner, you've got the curriculum providers that package everything up neatly, resembling what you'd typically find in a traditional school setting. These all-inclusive bundles usually come with textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides, and assessments. The deal here is a one-time payment that covers the entire curriculum - a straightforward and wallet-friendly choice.

On the flip side, there are websites that thrive on flexibility. They empower parents to cherry-pick individual resources from different publishers to craft a tailor-made curriculum. This is like a buffet where you choose what suits your educational goals or your child's unique learning needs.

Maybe you're teaching history from a textbook you bought from one homeschool provider, and it occurs to you that your child would benefit from a fascinating historical documentary. Supplementary homeschool resource websites offer exactly that. They provide videos, worksheets, and interactive activities to complement your existing curriculum. These resources, such as videos, worksheets, and interactive activities, can give your homeschooling experience an extra kick. Enhancing your educational toolkit this way usually comes at the price of a monthly subscription fee.

In another arena, you'll find platforms that champion the power of the collective. They're all about group buying, letting homeschooling families unite to score the discounts on curriculum materials that public school districts enjoy. This privilege usually requires a membership fee.

Online learning homeschool platforms allow kids to learn while still getting the screen time they might crave. For a monthly or yearly fee, you gain access to a virtual world of learning. It's an enticing option for those who prefer a high-tech homeschooling experience with the convenience of online access, or for those parents who would prefer their iPad Kid be exposed to something more educational (or wholesome) than YouTube's algorithm.

When it comes to homeschooling materials and curriculum websites, you've got plenty of options to consider. To make a smart choice, take these factors into account:

  • Cost. Is the curriculum or resource within your budget? Think about the overall price and whether it's a good deal for what you're getting.
  • Teaching style. Does it match your child's learning approach and your teaching philosophy? Does it offer the flexibility and customization you need?
  • Ease of use. How much time and effort will it take to set up and use the materials? Is it user-friendly or complicated?
  • Support and assurance. What kind of support or warranty is provided? Does it cover not just the curriculum but also potential issues with other resources or services?
  • Returns and adaptability. Are there any return conditions or restrictions if the curriculum doesn't work for your family? Can you adjust it as your child's needs change?

Before making your final decision, it's wise to read reviews, explore product descriptions, and, if available, watch demo videos or sample lessons. Keep in mind that choosing homeschool materials is an investment in your child's education and growth. The right choice should align with your educational goals, your child's learning style, and your family's lifestyle. Top Consumer Reviews has ranked and reviewed the best homeschool supply and curriculum websites, and we hope our evaluation helps you make a confident decision about the next step in your child's educational journey.

Compare Homeschool Supply Companies

Select any 2 Homeschool Supply Companies to compare them head to head

best-homeschool-supplies
  • Homeschool Buyers Club
  • Time 4 Learning
  • Discount School Supply
  • BrainPOP
  • HomeSchool+
  • Alpha Omega Publications
  • Evan-Moor
  • 7 Sisters Homeschool
  • Knowledge Box Central
  • Abeka
Homeschool Buyers Club vs Time 4 Learning Homeschool Buyers Club vs Discount School Supply Homeschool Buyers Club vs BrainPOP Homeschool Buyers Club vs HomeSchool+ Homeschool Buyers Club vs Alpha Omega Publications Homeschool Buyers Club vs Evan-Moor Homeschool Buyers Club vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Homeschool Buyers Club vs Knowledge Box Central Homeschool Buyers Club vs Abeka Time 4 Learning vs Discount School Supply Time 4 Learning vs BrainPOP Time 4 Learning vs HomeSchool+ Time 4 Learning vs Alpha Omega Publications Time 4 Learning vs Evan-Moor Time 4 Learning vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Time 4 Learning vs Knowledge Box Central Time 4 Learning vs Abeka Discount School Supply vs BrainPOP Discount School Supply vs HomeSchool+ Discount School Supply vs Alpha Omega Publications Discount School Supply vs Evan-Moor Discount School Supply vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Discount School Supply vs Knowledge Box Central Discount School Supply vs Abeka BrainPOP vs HomeSchool+ BrainPOP vs Alpha Omega Publications BrainPOP vs Evan-Moor BrainPOP vs 7 Sisters Homeschool BrainPOP vs Knowledge Box Central BrainPOP vs Abeka HomeSchool+ vs Alpha Omega Publications HomeSchool+ vs Evan-Moor HomeSchool+ vs 7 Sisters Homeschool HomeSchool+ vs Knowledge Box Central HomeSchool+ vs Abeka Alpha Omega Publications vs Evan-Moor Alpha Omega Publications vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Alpha Omega Publications vs Knowledge Box Central Alpha Omega Publications vs Abeka Evan-Moor vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Evan-Moor vs Knowledge Box Central Evan-Moor vs Abeka 7 Sisters Homeschool vs Knowledge Box Central 7 Sisters Homeschool vs Abeka Knowledge Box Central vs Abeka
Compare the Best Homeschool Supply Companies
- VS -
Review the Best Homeschool Supply Companies
The Best Reviews of Homeschool Supply Companies