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Our Top Picks:
- Math-U-See
- Touch Type Read Spell
- All About Learning
- Beautiful Feet Books
- Explode the Code
- Simply Classical
Homeschooling middle school students with special needs can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Finding the right curriculum to accommodate your child’s unique learning style, strengths, and challenges is key to helping them thrive academically and emotionally. Below are some of the best homeschool curriculums specifically suited for middle school students with special needs.
Math-U-See
Best for: Hands-on, mastery-based math learning
Math-U-See is a hands-on, mastery-based math curriculum that uses manipulatives and step-by-step video lessons to teach math concepts. This program is ideal for students with special needs who benefit from visual, tactile, and sequential learning. The use of manipulatives helps students grasp abstract math concepts in a concrete way, minimizing frustration and promoting understanding.
Why it works:
- Step-by-step video lessons provide clear instruction.
- Hands-on manipulatives make abstract concepts tangible.
- Mastery-based learning ensures students fully understand a concept before moving on.
- Self-paced structure allows for flexibility based on the child’s ability.
Touch Type Read Spell (TTRS)
Best for: Building typing, reading, and spelling skills
Touch Type Read Spell (TTRS) is a multi-sensory typing program designed for children with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, and processing disorders. It simultaneously teaches touch typing while reinforcing spelling and reading skills. This curriculum is especially helpful for students who struggle with writing, reading fluency, or working memory.
Why it works:
- Combines typing with reading and spelling practice.
- Builds confidence through consistent repetition.
- Allows self-paced, independent learning.
- Provides practical typing skills for future academic work.
All About Learning
Best for: Multi-sensory reading and spelling instruction
All About Learning’s two popular programs, All About Reading and All About Spelling, are designed to teach reading and spelling through a hands-on, multi-sensory approach. These programs are particularly effective for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and processing challenges. The clear, sequential lessons build confidence while minimizing overwhelm.
Why it works:
- Hands-on letter tiles for spelling practice.
- Step-by-step, scripted lessons reduce parental stress.
- Consistent review and repetition ensure mastery.
- Customizable pacing allows for individual progress.
Beautiful Feet Books
Best for: Literature-based, story-driven history and geography
Beautiful Feet Books offers a literature-based approach to history and geography using engaging, high-quality books. This method works well for middle school students with special needs who struggle with textbooks but thrive on stories and hands-on projects. The curriculum also integrates art, crafts, cooking, and creative writing.
Why it works:
- Engaging living books capture attention and boost comprehension.
- Flexible lesson plans allow for a slower pace if needed.
- Projects and creative activities reinforce learning.
- Promotes deep learning through storytelling.
Explode the Code
Best for: Strengthening foundational reading and spelling skills
Explode the Code is a straightforward, phonics-based curriculum designed to reinforce reading and spelling skills. Its repetitive and structured format works especially well for students with learning challenges who need consistent practice to build confidence.
Why it works:
- Simple and predictable layout minimizes overwhelm.
- Provides repetitive practice to reinforce skills.
- Self-paced lessons allow for gradual mastery.
- Excellent for students who struggle with reading fluency.
Simply Classical by Memoria Press
Best for: Students who benefit from clear structure and classical education methods
Simply Classical by Memoria Press is a curriculum specifically designed for children with special needs who benefit from a highly structured, classical education approach. It offers rich literature, phonics, copywork, and clear daily lesson plans. The program emphasizes repetition, memorization, and mastery learning, making it ideal for students who thrive with routine and predictable structure. Unlike the other programs recommended on this page, Simply Classical is a complete curriculum incorporating all the core subjects as well as enrichment material.
Why it works:
- Highly structured lesson plans reduce anxiety and overwhelm.
- Classical education approach strengthens critical thinking.
- Emphasis on memorization and mastery helps with retention.
- Provides clear guidance for parents and easy-to-follow routines.
- Offers a complete curriculum tailored to special needs kids.
Note: This is a classical Christian curriculum, and some references to the Bible and Christianity will be included in the materials. In general, however, the religious elements of this program are fairly easy to skip over, making this still a good overall option for secular homeschoolers.
Final Thoughts
The best homeschool curriculum for middle school students with special needs is one that accommodates their learning style, builds their confidence, and provides structure without rigidity. By combining hands-on learning, clear lesson plans, and multi-sensory approaches, you can create a supportive and effective homeschool experience for your child. Always be open to adjusting the curriculum as needed, and remember that homeschooling gives you the flexibility to meet your child exactly where they are, helping them build both academic and life skills that will serve them well in the future.