BJU Press vs Abeka

Abeka is definitely a grade ahead in my opinion. That being said, I feel BJU is also a bit advanced, but in a good way. They take it slower in the younger years, but by the time they reach middle school, bju curriculum prepares them better with their critical thinking, instead of just memorization. :)

I so appreciate your HONEST review! It's so real life to change mind after trying a curriculum (even a retry!), yes, I've done this many times too! That's why I love your channel, real help for real situations!! God bless you and your family, Janelle!

Very informative! Thank you so much for taking the time to share. :)

Thanks! I always wondered why I felt the same way when they are comparable in so many ways. I made the switch back to BJU after doing Abeka last year. Love BJU for my family too! Its working great for my 10th, 8th, 4th, and 1st graders. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for this video Janelle, it HAS HELPED ME A LOT to LEARN things I didn't understand even about rote learning and critical thinking. Now I recognized i was a rote learner and always had good grades. English isn't my first language so when you mentioned rote learning I looked up the meaning and now I can see I do agree for my daughter to have program that embraces the critical thinking and where I am going to use the rote learning in the areas I consider will be useful. Also I have no idea about homeschooling and this video is directing me to pick BJU and other materials I've been considering for my child's need. This video has been a great foundation for my decision making.

We used the video version of BJU based on one of your reviews and I am so glad we did. It was definitely what my first grader needed, she was a bit board by April but I think that’s normal as well.

I used Abeka the past two years and just looked into BJU. I can relate to much of what you're saying about Abeka which is why I looked elsewhere. Being new to home schooling I bought the total curriculum both years and found the lesson planning very complicated, and received so many materials I didn't get to, or couldn't use. I'm excited to give BJU a try, as I share the struggles you have and others have mentioned. Thank you, this was very helpful!

Thanks for the video!! By the way, your makeup always looks so pretty:) hope you're doing well!!

Thank you for this video! It's very helpful!

I’ve been struggling with choices. This has helped a lot. Thank-you.

Thank you sooo much! This really helped me figure out WHY we are having a hard time. We use Abeka for all kids and subjects. For whatever reason I bought BJU English 5 and the teacher book is A.MAZING! I really love how it’s laid out. I think we might need to switch some kids/subjects over to BJU.

Couldn't agree more on this, Janelle! Thank you for your feedback. I was just flipping through the 1st grade BJU distance learning material in prep for this fall with my son. This will be the first year to try the DVD program, and I am excited! We enjoyed the BJU Beginnings program last year. It was a lot to cover, but we finished and he did well with it. The teachers materials look very well organized for facilitating the DVDS. Can definitely appreciate how you said your mind "thinks the same way it's organized." I was also homeschooled on BJU and taught it for six years in a Christian school before getting married. Some of my choice comes down to familiarity and such a good experience personally with BJU, but I can heartily agree that it is a solid, comprehensive program. So glad to be following along here...! ♡

We have used A Beka as well. I have 3 boys and have started them all out with it. I love A Beka math...and still do with my 1st grader. We have since switched for all other subjects for very similar reasons! I left the teacher's guides out very early on!!!😉😊 Thanks for sharing!

Very helpful information. Thank you!

Thanks for posting this video. Sooooo helpful as a first timer looking into material. Abeka seems advanced for my 4 year old who will be 5 in aug when I plan to start K5. I was terrified after reviewing the material. Thank God, hes not really behind as I thought. I think I will look I to BJU.

Thank you so much for your well articulated reviews of both of these curriculums. I also watched your video comparing the video options from both companies. I was really torn as to which company to go through and you helped me understand the differences so well!

Totally agree about the teacher's manuals! Thabks for sharing!!

This is so helpful ! thank you

I have used both, but love abeka. I do agree with you that abeka is super accelerated and we have had to pull over and park a little extra with certain new concepts. Thank you for your insights.

Excellent video, as usual. I'm going to save up this year and see if by fall I can afford to get distance learning with BJU at least for my oldest two boys. My younger crew will do just fine with book work and more one on one with mama time. Besides, as they get older is when I start pulling out my hair trying to teach it all and remember what I've forgotten (or never even learned in some cases).