Curriculum Review Comparing BJU Press and Abeka DVD Curriculum

In this video I compare two popular homeschool DVD curriculums (BJU Distant Learning and Abeka Academy) and talk about how they are the same, what's different about them and what I liked and disliked about each.
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[@lizziessmiles2209]

Thank you for such a wonderful, thorough review!! I've been using Sonlight for the past four years of homeschool, and I've been really curious about the DVD programs. My sons are both in middle school, but I didn't feel confident enough to teach high school next year. I think you've pointed me in a great direction for the next school year. I'm so intrigued by BJU now. Thank you again!!!

[@thepurplejellothing]

I just came across this post as I was looking for info about the two programs. Thank you so much! I can make a decision now. You are very organized and gifted.

[@cajungirl280]

Thanks for this review! I currently use (and LOVE) BJU Press DVD's for my 2 kids. I've always heard that Abeka curriculum was similiar to BJU's curriculum, but never knew any differences or specifics on similarities. This video really gave good insight to these questions.

[@laurabeth7755]

Such a wonderful review! Thank you for your time doing these, they are so helpful! :)

[@RitaGreen]

Great helpful video! Thank you! I have a consultant call on monday and i cant wait to find out more. So far I'm really liking what I see with BJU.

[@bourgetfamily1059]

I've been debating using one of these programs. Affordability is an issue right now, but I really think my kiddos would benefit from bju best. I also like that they offer the option to choose higher or lower grade levels for at least two subjects. So if you have a child that is on grade level in some things, but above or below in other subjects, you can choose to use a different grade level for a couple subjects. That's a great option because not every child is on the same level in every subject. Thanks so much for the time you took to do this review for others!!

[@christinadavis5040]

Thank you so much! Great review as I decide what to use for my son this year!

[@CourtneyW]

Thanks for the review! Abeka is actually now offering some classes separate. Like you can get bible and language arts or bible and math. Brand new option this year, mentioning just Incase anyone is interested 😊

[@mommyof4311]

Thank you! I found this very informative and answered many questions for me.

[@coolmaster121]

Abeka is more expensive than BJU now. By about $70 after taxes and early enrolment discounts

[@believerinchrist7529]

Janelle, Thank you for this review! How timely!! We have used tons of Abeka curriculum. We are considering using Abeka DVDs. However,, you may have convinced me to go with BJU DVDs. ....not this year coming up, but starting with the following year! God Bless you and your family!

[@natykatyvideos8042]

Hi Janelle,, Did you get the chance to try BJU, I have using Abeka for tree year.. now looking for new options ....

[@americanpatriot9854]

You can skip lesson on the BJU online version. My son prefers BJU because the classroom setting is distracting for him, as the BJU version is one on one. I also like that you can change subjects with BJU, unlike Abeka where you have to use the subjects that they choose for you. Thanks for your opinion, I was just curious to see how other mothers liked BJU before I dished out that money.

[@EclecticOrange]

Thank you for posting this! It was very helpful!

[@erinmandrell8682]

So helpful!! I didn’t know the differences in the two! 🙂

[@sarahmccaffrey8570]

Great informational video! After tons of research I picked BJU Distance learning for my 4 children for our first year of homeschooling. Have a great year!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Sarah McCaffrey yeah! Have a great year too!

[@jenniferharrell77]

Sarah McCaffrey May I ask how you liked it?

[@WendyRaycroft]

Great video! On the fence between these two and just might have to go with BJU. Your pros and cons definitely mirror my own concerns/insights of which would be the best fit for each student. Thank you so much.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Wendy Raycroft glad the video was helpful!

[@ladysilvertastic5308]

I got Abeka this year since it was 1st year homeschooling and daughter just was pulled out from public school, I figured it would be an easy transition with the same type setting. 5 weeks into and my daughter was falling asleep in certain classes (particularly math) I am looking into BJU for this upcoming school year

[@Txanaplays1]

Perfect explanation of both programs.

[@kakumah]

You are an amazing mother congrats. Also a genious videoblogger

[@sandracespedes3726]

Thank you so much for such amaizing review!!

[@onetweetygirl71]

Thanks for this video. It was very helpful to me. This is our first year homeschooling due to the worlds current unrest. When we decided to do HS it was during lock down. We did go with Abeka accredited streaming videos mostly because my kids were doing that from school already. It was familiar and reasonably priced compared to tuition at their private Christen school. Abeka was great during that time. I am still looking ahead for the following year. I am glad you put out this video because it gave nitty gritty about stuff and in "beginner" terms I guess you can say. My kids are going into 7th and 9th this year, so it has been difficult to find stuff that isn't just elementary. I will be looking at your channel more, so thanks for the help. My kids are looking forward to this new school year, even though they will miss some of their friends, but are looking forward to making new ones to. Thanks again.

[@rebeccastephens5981]

Thank you, this was very helpful!

[@f.maria7835]

Thank u for making this video,I started to home school my daughter and I want a good dvd homeschool program for her but I don't know which one will be best

[@brittanym58]

Interesting to see this now. I am exploring single subjects with streaming for the year after next LOL and Abeka is now more expensive.

[@sandijensen3155]

This was such great info, thank you!! I will be ordering BJU Press for we need the grade per subject flexibility! So my daughter is above level in math but lower grade level in reading for she has dyslexia!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Sandi Jensen yeah! I'm glad to hear my comparison review was helpful! Praying you have a wonderful new homeschool year.

[@callielinn9115]

With Abeka you can buy the Language Arts plus Bible or the whole curriclum. It is only through video streaming though. I use the Language Arts plus Bible and it is great for us.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Callie Linn thank you for sharing that! That is a great option for families looking to use ABeka language and Bible only. ABeka does have an excellent language program. I used their language worktext with my oldest who is now in college and loves grammar and writing!

[@kddean4933]

This was very helpful, but I think the roles have reversed. This year in 2022 I found that BJU press was less expensive and they have added a Homeschool Hub. Once everything is separated and organized, its makes homeschooling older kids so much smoother.

[@ameyisaacks-balman7701]

Thank you. So, so helpful!!!

[@cristiweanbbci2675]

Thank you!! You just helped me a lot make my decision for next year!!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yay! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@allisonmoore7643]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful.

[@Lelybee85]

I'm just starting my hs journey with my preschool aged child. We are finishing up bju k3 and are looking forward to k4. Thanks for this I have been considering bju distance for k4 because I thought maybe it's best to learn phonics from someone else and I didn't know what their videos were like

[@JanelleKnutson]

WeLoveJones I just learned that if you order BJU materials from a BJU consultant that you get a discount so make sure to contact the consultant in your area. I believe you can find the one closest to you on the BJU website. 😊

[@wendistevens154]

Thank you for this review! It was very helpful :)

[@JanelleKnutson]

You're welcome! Glad it helped you. :)

[@meredithalexander5479]

Ok thank you,.o ly asking because not sure if we will continue long term and if they went to public school would the method confuse how it it taught there. Looks like an great curriculum I will research more

[@IrynaBoehland]

Love your videos! We used full DVD Abeka curriculum for 3rd grade, 3 years ago. My daughter could not sit through the entire day of lessons - yes, too many distractions. I did like a lot about Abeka, but the length of the lessons was too much. LA was very weak for 3rd grade and my child fell behind with it, as I couldn't get brave enough to do something else on our own. For next year I would like to find online classes for my child, it will be grade 6. I am looking for a Classical curriculum (mostly online), Christian would be a bonus! Doing lots of research now. We know for sure that Saxon Math doesn't work and my daughter needs to learn composition/writing from beginning.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Here is a list of online courses for homeschoolers. Hopefully it will help you as you look for a good online program for your child. www.janelleknutson.com/2017/04/24/online-courses-homeschoolers/ For writing, I'd suggest looking into either The Institute for Excellence in Writing or Essentials in Writing. Both are great for kids who need to start writing from the beginning at any age/grade. Veritas Press has some online classes and online self-paced classes that are Classical AND Christian!

[@familylosee6672]

how do you incorporate 2 curriculums together? do u make your own lesson plans then?

[@tashiba-thejoyfulwarrior6445]

Great review!! We have been using Abeka for two years. Just ordered BJU Math for my second graders.

[@elizabeth0265]

How did you like bju math for your 2nd grader? I am trying to decide between abeka or bju math video

[@SDaulton]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@EducationalRoots]

This is a great comparison!

[@westbeach3087]

thank you

[@melissafisher7731]

Thanks for sharing. I used bju distant learning science and heritage grade 4. Love the idea, but was curious what others DVD programs are out there. Any others you know of besides these two? I am looking at 5th/6th grade this year

[@JanelleKnutson]

Here is a list of online/DVD options for homeschoolers to get you started. :) www.janelleknutson.com/2017/04/24/online-courses-homeschoolers/

[@amandaslabaugh42]

I would love your opinion please. My youngest is currently in 2nd grade. He did Abeka K5 for Kindergarten. Then he did TGTB level K for 1st-I didn’t like how they were teaching Phonics & Reading, so we went back to Abeka at the end of February 2023. He is now on lesson 80 of Abeka LA 1. He is a slower reader than my oldest was at this age. (My oldest used Abeka K-2). My question is should we change now to BJU Press Distance Learning grade 2 LA, or wait until April 2024 for BJU Press Distance Learning grade 3 LA? What are your thoughts for a mom & child who are getting burnt out and a child who is still learning to read? Thank you!

[@dianasher5510]

Thank you for this video 👍🙏

[@genessatorsy3222]

Quick question, what bible version did you use with your son for the worksheet on dinosaurs? We're doing Grade 2 this year with BJU Press and will be doing that lesson so I love the example! Help? Which version?

[@JanelleKnutson]

I can't remember! We have NASB, NKJ, NIV and ESV in our home. Any version should work though. :) Have fun with Grade 2!

[@BurtonFamily]

Thanks, this is helpful. The only problem I'm seeing with the BJU press, is that the k5 level looks so old, like it looks ripped from vhs tape, however the higher levels look better quality.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Burton Family yes, I agree. The K4 and K5 videos need to be updated.

[@pixielox]

We are using k5 this year and even though the videos are old looking my son loves everything about it. I was worried he wouldn’t like it but we’ve been having so much fun!

[@shawnastanton6595]

Abeka does have video subject combination kits for elementary. www.abeka.com/Homeschool/Products/Kits/#VideoSubject

[@stephanieyang4330]

Thanks for the wonderful comparison. My son is going to 7th grade. What do you think about BJU 7 th grammer&writting curriculum? Will it a lot assignment or is it good? We are first time homeschooling. Thanks!

[@JanelleKnutson]

BJU English consists of grammar, composition and literature. It is a great program but a few things to keep in mind. It is heavy on grammar so if your student needs more help in grammar then this works great. If they have done a lot of grammar already then it might be overkill. The composition/writing portion is mostly writing prompts. It assumes your child is already a good writer. If your student needs more help in writing then another curriculum might be better. My kids and I really like the literature. It does a great job of teaching many literary terms and literary analysis. That being said, the student is reading short stories or excerpts from longer novels. If you prefer that your child reads full novels/books then this is the curriculum for you. Hope that helps you as you make a decision for next year.

[@amybeth2379]

Thanks so much Janelle! I am at a burnout state. I have been homeschooling for 19 years and I need a break. I have been looking into both of these and wondering which would be the best option. Do you like the BJU math? I think it is mastery.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Amy Green we just started using BJU math and so far we are liking it. I hear you about reaching burnout after homeschooling for so long! I’m so thankful for BJU DL as I just couldn’t continue doing it all on my own. This is my 14th year homeschooling and I still have 16 more years to go!

[@amybeth2379]

Yes, I can so relate! I have been homeschooling 19 years and have 11 more years to go! We need to pray for each other! :) I am getting excited about this switch. I have been doing My Father's World, but really just need a break. I like what I see about BJU DL. How long does it take your younger ones to get their school day done? I have a 2nd grader? Also, do you think she could just jump in and start 3rd grade in the fall or should I start her now in 2nd and just be "behind"? I don't know what to do? I know she isn't ready for the 3rd grade math.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Amy Green yes, let’s pray for each other! Looks like we both have a total of 30 years of homeschooling to do. What a blessing but a challenge as well. Makes dependency on God so important. I used MFW as well for several years. Such a great curriculum but still a lot of work for us as moms. I think you’ll really enjoy BJU DL. The great thing about BJU DL is that when you purchase a grade kit you can choose 2 subjects to change up or down one or two grade levels. So, if you get the 3rd grade kit but want to do 2nd grade math you can do that.

[@shalon4jc2]

Is math and spelling you see better for those subjects or do you think math and spelling is good with bjupress good too?

[@JanelleKnutson]

I have not used Spelling U See so I can't speak on that one. I love Math U See and it has been my first option for each of my kids. However, two of my children are doing much better with BJU math after I switched them over to BJU math this year. They are all excellent curricula. It really depends on what fits best for your child and your life situations. I love that BJU Distance Learning math allows my kids to work independently. Hope that helps!

[@shalon4jc2]

Thanks Janelle your videos really help...

[@jake17522]

Is there any discounts on ordering BJU distance learning through you?

[@JanelleKnutson]

No, I don't have any discounts. The best discounts are when they have sales online, at a homeschool convention or find a Homeworks by Precepts consultant in your area and they will work with you to get the best deal possible on BJU Press materials. www.homeworksbyprecept.com/ Hope that helps!

[@robdebl2414]

Thank you so much for the review! I passed it on to my sister-in-law who is currently using the abeka academy with her 4 kids but has been considering using bju! I was wondering if you could maybe do a video about why you like using Bob Jones curriculum. We have been using heart of Dakota curriculum for 4 years and I love it and love that it's Charlotte Mason style and all that but have been considering using abeka or Bob Jones instead because I just want to make sure I'm giving my kids the best curriculum and education I can.

[@JanelleKnutson]

I'm hoping to do a video or blog post about why I am loving BJU DL soon. If you and your kids are loving Heart of Dakota then stick with it! No matter what curriculum you use, there will be gaps in your children's education. No one can learn everything. :) BJU is a traditional approach to education. There is not one method better than the other. It really is a matter of what works best for your family and what goals you have for your family. But, I will mention that you can always use BJU for just one subject (and Heart of Dakota for the rest) just to see if you and your kids like it. That is what I did last year for my son. I had him do BJU DL for science and history and the rest was our other curriculum. He enjoyed it so much and it saved me a lot of time since I didn't have to teach everything that I switched everyone over. If I didn't have little ones to juggle, I might teach more subjects myself using a different curriculum but I have to recognize my limitations. :) Hope that helps.

[@robdebl2414]

Janelle Knutson thanks!!! I will try that!!! I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for doing them!!

[@JanelleKnutson]

You're welcome!

[@amyash724]

Have you continued to use BJU Press? If so, do you still like it? Any good sales to take advantage of?!?!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yes! I still use BJU Press curriculum. We use it for the majority of our subjects (especially in middle and high school) but don't use it for everything. They are having a FB online party April 19-23, 2021 and will be having some good sales going during the FB party. Here's more information: www.homeworksbyprecept.com/bju-press-homeschool-homeworks-by-precept-online-event

[@cassieteesdale8329]

You can get the best discounts by working with a HomeWorks by Precept consultant for BJU Press Homeschool. You can work with any consultant of your choice. You can locate consultants on the website www.homeworksbyprecept.com/consultant-and-event-locator Your consultant can help you with any questions before and after you order! We can make sure that you get the best deal on your order.

[@Adorable.Princess]

Is that true 😅 i should send the DVDs back after a year? What will happen if i didn't send them back? To return them, is shipping I pay for it?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yes, DVDs must be returned as you are only leasing them. When you get the DVDs you save the boxes and they include a shipping label for free return shipping when you are finished with them. Very easy and doesn't cost you anything extra.

[@yulitaua]

I think you'll pay $400 or $600 if you won't return it

[@1Gibson]

ty for this, as I've been confused. ive homeschooled our twins k and finishing 1st.... but i dont like the program set up for them. both are autistic, one has really high special needs, but she loves math and reading. the other twin, reads at 4th grade level, hates math, and loves all things reading... so i need to find out how do u teach all the subjects required by state, or is it ok to not teach all the subjects?? i really am in need of direction. if anyone is here in West Phoenix, Arizona i can talk to who uses BJU??

[@JanelleKnutson]

Hi! I totally understand how overwhelming and confusing it can be to try to figure out how best to homeschool your kids. So many factors to consider and so many curriculum choices. Two of the best things I have done over my years of homeschooling is to join a homeshool support group and to attend a homeschool convention each year. It is so helpful to have other homeschool moms to talk with and get advice from. And homeschool conventions are a great way to be encouraged after a long year of homeschooling! I do not homeschool in AZ but I know of a great organization that can hopefully help answer your questions and get you more connected. Arizona Families for Home Education supports homeschool families in Arizona. They have a yearly homeschool convention that I encourage you to attend. I'll be speaking at their convention this summer (July 2018). I'd love to see you there! Here is their website www.afhe.org/ I believe BJU Press will be in the AFHE exhibit hall so you can talk with a BJU representative in person to ask all your questions!

[@1Gibson]

Janelle Knutson Thank you very much. Blessings

[@meganverdugo9965]

I would love to know how long one subject took to watch the video in the BJU? We have done years of Abeka

[@JanelleKnutson]

Different subjects and grade levels are different in the length of the video. On average, they are around 20 minutes.

[@meredithalexander5479]

Thought on abeka or bju for kindergarden. Especially for phonics and teaching to read. Would like video option just as help do not feel super confident in teaching it. Knowing how important it is.

[@JanelleKnutson]

The complete Abkea kindergarten kit is WAY too much for kindergarten. There phonics is good if you want to use that but still a lot of work for such a young age. I love BJU overall but do not love their phonics instruction. Here are my kindergarden suggestions: Logic of English: Foundations (excellent phonics, reading and spelling curriculum and includes handwriting) bit.ly/3gouYOg BJU Press math (either Distance Learning or parent taught but I love the Distance Learning K5 math) bit.ly/2Pno5B6 OR Math U See bit.ly/2XmVBfd Add in read alouds. I like to use the reading list from Memoria Press as ideas to get from library. bit.ly/2BU7txA Add in books from library about science and/or history topics that interest your child. That's it! Kindergarten should be fun and not take up too much time. :)

[@meredithalexander5479]

Thank you so much. Would you consider Logic of english in the traditional set of curriculum

[@JanelleKnutson]

Meredith Alexander LOE follows Orton-Gillingham approach to phonics. It doesn’t really fall into any one category of educational methods.

[@meandmybirdsnest1583]

i use abeka too for 2 years and I am in the same page and looking for something also similar like abeka but not with the wasting time so this video has help me ALOT LOL. thank you so much. I have a quiestion I try to go to BJU page to see that options on buying math only and i couldn't find it can you help to with that please thanks

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yadira Cortez When you are on the BJU site make sure you are on the homeschool tab (not school tab). Then click on Video, then grade level. Then you can scroll down and select individual subjects if I remember correctly. Hope that helps!

[@therusticroad]

In your opinion, does it make your child's school day too long to do distance learning for several subjects? I'm concerned with doing too much from one publisher, or too long of a day, and overwhelming my child. I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts and perspective, when you have a moment. Thanks so much for your super helpful videos! Blessings! :)

[@JanelleKnutson]

I think it would be a very long day if you did BJU DL for every subject while having your student watch every part of every video and doing every single assignment. A few of my kids use BJU DL for almost all of their subjects but I modify it a lot. (I did a video on how I modify the BJU DL program). We cut out some of the video instruction and skip the busy work. We also skip lessons that I feel my kids do not need or they already know.

[@therusticroad]

@@JanelleKnutson Thanks for your insight...I appreciate it. I watched your video on that topic and it was helpful in seeing that there is wiggle room, and customization within the DL option. Thank you! :)

[@Spillers72]

Sounds like abeka is better if you just want less hassle and cost.

[@amybeth2379]

Dos you ise the dvds versus online?

[@JanelleKnutson]

I use the online option.

[@anitabea4906]

You can buy a single subject from Abeka, but the cost is outrageous.

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

You can buy 10 hours of videos of abeka, for $60 and pick whatever courses you want.

[@328am]

I'd like to pick your brain a bit..if I may? My husband is an assistant/youth pastor so we are pretty involved in ministry. We only have 2 children but I still struggle with balancing homeschool with home duties and ministry so for the last 3 years I've chosen abeka online streaming. My daughter will be going into 3rd grade and she is that girl who loves school, catches on easily to any material and works quite independently. My son did abeka streaming for K5 last year and he's the opposite. He surprised with me though with doing better than I thought. He's slower..for example with abeka the kids immediately answer a problem whereas my son takes a while to come up with an answer. He just works slower and takes more time to learn. I've struggled with wondering if I should try BJU for my son or try a different curriculum and even switching it up with my daughter. Any advice/input would help. I've thought about MLLE too for my son but sometimes stress that too many different curriculum will be overwhelming. I ran into your channel yesterday and believe it was a God- send. =)

[@JanelleKnutson]

When it comes to choosing Abeka or BJU, I'd let your kids decide.. Let them watch sample videos from both programs and see which one they like better. I like BJU because it is not a classroom. Feels more like a private tutor and the student can pause the program to read and work at their own pace and then start it back up when they are ready. When it comes to trying out MLLE.... it is fairly inexpensive as far as curriculum goes. You can always purchase it and try it out and if it works stick with it and if it doesn't work, use the BJU or Abeka lessons (assuming you are purchasing an entire grade kit with BJU or Abeka). That is just my input based on the limited information I have about your family and kids. Praying for you as you choose curriculum for the next year. It can be overwhelming, I know!

[@sonimore9863]

Thank you so so much, this vid helped me make a decision and of course, i chose bjp. 😉blessinngs

[@DixonChristianAcademy]

Your kids sound just like mine. My daughter does so well with abeka but not my son. Lol.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Dixon Christian Academy lol 😂 girls and boys are different indeed!

[@meepmopmoop1839]

Is BJU press accredited? A beka is. That is a HUGE plus for me.

[@JanelleKnutson]

BJU does have an academy. I'm not sure if it is accredited or not though. Here's a link to find out more: www.bjupresshomeschool.com/content/ahe-academy-home-education

[@donnellaquarterman531]

There is an option that you have to pay for extra that offers accreditation found on BJU press. Abeka is accredited, however you still have to follow your state's home school laws. FYI

[@kaylarivera93]

So many ads! 😩

[@JanelleKnutson]

Thank you for letting me know! Awhile back, KZbin changed their policies and they can now place ads anywhere in my older videos. I have to go through each of my videos and manually turn off the ads which I haven't had time to do on each one. I will go fix this video since you made me aware of it. Thank you! Hope you were able to get some information from the video despite all the ads.

[@lilijafenske445]

Nowadays Abeka is more expensive than BJU

[@JanelleKnutson]

I've noticed that!

[@lizziessmiles2209]

Thank you for such a wonderful, thorough review!! I've been using Sonlight for the past four years of homeschool, and I've been really curious about the DVD programs. My sons are both in middle school, but I didn't feel confident enough to teach high school next year. I think you've pointed me in a great direction for the next school year. I'm so intrigued by BJU now. Thank you again!!!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Lizzies Smiles I hope you find the best fit for your family! BJU is a great option. And high school is a great time to continue homeschooling as there is so much growth and maturity that takes place as kids transition to being adults. My oldest is in college but I have fond memories of homeschooling her through high school.

[@sandstorme1363]

Lizzies Smiles We do Sonlight for History and Literature but have become BJU press fans for other subjects 😉