The short answer is...it depends. The decision to go with a pre-packaged, commercial curricula or custom designed curricula depends, solely, on the needs of your child. In many cases, a combination of both is appropriate. For example, a student may use a commercial Math curriculum supplemented by custom designed enrichment or remediation content. Other students may need a completely different approach in Math, leading to the use of a much more custom designed content.
The question, then, becomes...how do you determine what your child needs. You have a few options. Absent any obvious learning difficulties, a trial and error approach may work. This can be expensive, however, especially if you are buying some of the more pricey packages. Another option is professional assessment and consultation. That's where places like Sylvan come in. They are also extremely expensive and tend to be based on the lowest two levels of Bloom's Taxonomy (see my post about standardized testing). Alternatively, you can use the services of a private, professional consultant.
As a consultant, my job is centered around your child. I begin with an assessment in core content areas (Reading, Math, and Writing), taking into consideration any results from previously completed tests, and piece together a total program that fits your child. The mistake many people make is trying to fit a child to a particular curriculum...that approach may make money, but it may not be the best thing for the child. Companies such as Sylvan or Huntington charge an insane amount of money for the same type of services I can provide.
The next time you contemplate your child's homeschool curricula, consider whether you need some professional services. If what you've tried in the past hasn't been working, consider giving me a call.
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