The possibilities for homeschool electives are almost limitless! One of the BEST reasons to homeschool is that you can tailor your child’s education toward their interests. What better way than through elective studies?!
Following is a list (two separate lists, actually) of possible homeschool electives to get your wheels turning. I’ve also included some resources for many of these options. I suggest going over this list with your student to see if anything sticks out to them.
Remember, the best homeschool elective courses will depend on the student’s interests and future goals. Feel free to tailor the list based on the individual’s passions and aspirations.
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- Creative Writing:
- Short stories, poetry, and novel writing.
Resources: Creative Writer from the Well-Trained Mind (middle and high school)
SchoolHouseTeachers.com (many different courses for all grades)
- Digital Media Production:
- Learn video editing, graphic design, and podcast creation.
Resources: Coursera.com (higher level)
Udemy.com (courses for children and beginners)
- Coding and Programming:
- Introduction to programming languages like Python, Java, or HTML.
Resources: Khan Academy (free courses for all ages)
code.org (free courses for school-aged kids with assessments and teacher plans)
Tynker.com (for all ages, includes courses on Minecraft modding!)
- Photography:
- Basics of photography, composition, and photo editing.
Resources: SchoolHouseTeachers.com (for 3rd-12th grade)
National Geographic Kids’ Guide to Photography (book for upper elementary to middle school)
Timberdoodle.com (Photography 4 Teens, for use with a smartphone or a digital camera)
- Introduction to Psychology:
- Explore basic psychology concepts and human behavior.
Resources: Homeschool Psych (psychology curriculum from a Christian worldview with textbook and workbook)
Study.com (all grades, with video lessons and assessment quizzes for high school)
- Personal Finance:
- Budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial systems.
Resources: All About Money (Thinking Tree workbook to be used with What Ever Happened to Penny Candy?)
Foundations in Personal Finance (high school curriculum from Dave Ramsey)
- Nutrition and Wellness:
- Basics of nutrition, healthy eating habits, and overall wellness.
Resources: Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool (free curriculum for elementary and middle school)
Health Quest (from Alpha Omega homeschool for upper elementary to high school)
Harvard University: (online continuing education courses for adults, but useful for homeschoolers, as well, most cost around $30 each)
- Introduction to Philosophy:
- Explore fundamental philosophical concepts and critical thinking.
Resources: Check out startsateight.com for their list of philosophy courses, books, and videos for all ages.
- Environmental Science:
- Study ecosystems, conservation, and sustainable living.
Resources: outschool.com (online courses for all ages)
Study.com (AP level course for high schoolers)
Environmental Science: A Week by Week Homeschooling Guide (a useful book for creating your own environmental study; mainly for high school, but can be adapted for younger students)
- Foreign Language:
- Learn a new language such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc.
Resources: Duolingo (teaches multiple different languages via the web or on a smart phone app)
Rosetta Stone (online learning for homeschoolers from the most recognized name in foreign language learning)
Homeschool Spanish Academy (classes for all ages, priced per class)
- Music Appreciation:
- Explore the history and theory of various music genres.
Resources: Coursera.com (list of classes offered online from major US universities)
PBSlearningmedia.org (free video lessons for all ages)
Understanding Music (YouTube channel with numerous, short music appreciation videos for all ages)
- Entrepreneurship:
- Basics of starting and running a small business.
Resources: venturelab.org (numerous courses for all ages)
Foundations in Entrepreneurship (complete curriculum for use online or offline, from Dave Ramsey)
christianhomeschoolentrepreneurship.com (teaches entrepreneurship from a Christian worldview with online courses; even helps your teen launch their own business!)
- Graphic Design:
- Introduction to design software and principles.
Resources: SchoolHouseTeachers.com (online course for middle and high schoolers with project assignments)
techiehomeschoolmom.com (graphic design course for upper-elementary and middle schoolers using a free Canva subscription)
- Robotics and Electronics:
- Basic principles of robotics and electronic systems.
Resources: 42electronics.com (numerous courses to choose from for high schoolers, kit-based with online lessons)
ai.thestempedia.com (video lessons for elementary and middle schoolers)
- Film Studies:
- Analyze and critique films from different genres and time periods.
Resources: Cinema Studies for Literature Learning (uses movies instead of books to learn about literature)
SchoolhouseTeachers.com (film making course for teens)
https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/round-up-of-free-movie-studies/ (free movie guides for all ages)
- Game Design:
- Learn the basics of game development and design.
Resources: https://www.protegestudios.com/pgshomeschool (courses for middle and high school)
SchoolhouseTeachers.com (text-based game design course for middle and high school)
- Political Science:
- Introduction to government structures, political systems, and global affairs.
Resources: too many wonderful curricula to list here! But, here are some helpful resources on the web: https://www.openculture.com/political_science_free_courses#google_vignette, https://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources-library, https://www.usa.gov/about-the-us
- Home Economics:
- Learn the basics of homemaking, home repair, cooking, sewing, and more.
Resources: SchoolhouseTeachers.com (home economics course for elementary age and for high school)
Amazon.com Home Ec Curriculum (books for all ages)
- Culinary Arts:
- Basics of cooking, meal planning, and nutrition.
Resources: in the early ages, basic cooking can be taught by you in the home!
https://www.ice.edu/about/events/free-online-cooking-classes (free online cooking courses)
Cursa (free cooking classes for all ages)
- Theater Arts:
- Acting, stagecraft, and theater production.
Resources: start by getting involved with your local theater by volunteering to work backstage or go big and audition for a role!
Allison.com (free acting courses, as well as, voice over and film making courses)
Check out https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschool-lesson-plans/drama/ for an extensive list of resources
- Astronomy:
- Explore the wonders of the universe and basic celestial navigation.
Resources: https://homeschoolastronomy.com/ (online astronomy classes for all ages)
https://www.homeschoollessons.net/astronomy.html (free unit study with videos, printables, and more; suitable for all ages)
- Graphic Novels and Comics:
- Create and analyze graphic novels and comic books.
Resources: https://outschool.com/online-classes/comic-books (comic book drawing and publishing courses for elementary, middle, and high school)
https://ultimateradioshow.com/online-comic-strip-creators/ (gives resources for free comic book design lessons and tips on incorporating comics into your homeschool)
- History of Art:
- Study different art movements and famous artists throughout history.
Resources: Amazon.com (Art History books for kids on Amazon)
YouTube is a valuable resource for short Art History lessons for younger kids
Study.com (several courses on the history of art, music, and architecture, also includes an AP course study guide)
- Sociology:
- Understand societal structures, cultures, and social interactions.
Resources: LIFEPAC Anthropolgy/Sociology (curriculum for high school)
https://www.edx.org/learn/sociology (lists numerous sociology courses available online)
- Public Speaking:
- Develop effective communication and presentation skills.
Resources: https://www.youtube.com/playlist? list=PLJicmE8fK0EhSSdarWwp8GKSYUnPd1u8o (TedTalk-based course)
Institute for Excellence in Writing (Public Speaking course for middle and high school)
Looking for even more options for homeschool electives? ANY interest can be turned into an elective! Pick a topic and look for curriculum or classes in your area. If nothing exists, you can create your own curriculum. If that is scary to you, read my blog post about relaxed homeschooling and how we do things, or check out this post about creating a unit study. If you are concerned about how to award credit for a homeschool elective on a high school transcript when using a homemade curriculum, read this post about how I award credit for delight directed learning.
Here are some more ideas to pique your interest!
- World Religions
- Anthropology
- Advanced Mathematics (e.g., Calculus, Statistics)
- Computer Science Principles
- Business Management
- Web Development
- Cyber-security
- Chemistry
- Woodworking
- Geology
- Horticulture
- Digital Marketing
- Comparative Government
- Physical Education and Fitness
- Health Education
- Critical Thinking and Logic
- Social Media Marketing
- Animation and Digital Art
- Environmental Ethics
- Philosophy of Science
- Criminal Justice
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Women’s Studies
- Meteorology
- Forensic Science
- Gardening
- Homesteading
- Pottery/Ceramics
- Dance
- Life Skills
- Car Repair/Mechanics
- Sign Language
- Survival Skills
- First Aid
- Early Childhood Education
- Tennis (or any sport)
- Driver’s Education
- History of Video Games
- Screenwriting
- Interior Design
- Fashion Design
- Mythology
- Knights of the Roundtable
- Fiber Arts
- Herbology
- Sewing
- Metallurgy
- Metal Forging
- Work Study
- Career Planning
- Self Defense
- Caligraphy
- Archeology
- Knitting
- Construction
- Cosmotology
- Photoshop
- Apologetics
- Floral Design
- Dog Training
- Landscape Science
- Investing
- Online Business Development
- Cake Decorating
- Accounting
- Google Certificate Training
- Principles of SEO
- History of Rock Music (or any genre)
- Data Analytics
- Agriculture
- Ethics of AI
- Growth Mindset
- Future of Technology
- Office 365
- Watercolor Painting
- Climate Change
- Black History
- Abnormal Psychology
- Jewelry Making
- Magic
- Architecture
- Chess
- App Design
- Keyboarding/Typing
- History of Ninjas
- Candle Making
- Soap Making
- Entomology
- Etymology
- Latin/Greek Roots
- Current Events
- Journalism
- Notetaking for College Success
- Study Skills
- SCUBA Certification
- Cultural Studies (pick any culture)
- Bible History
- Business Management
- Geneology
- Volunteer
