Yes! Many Gather 'Round families use this curriculum on its own for all their children and all their subjects—right through high school! We have testimonies of many grad students who have successfully made the leap to college or university, fully equipped to think for themselves and read the subtext of what is being presented. That being said, we also have some families who choose to supplement based on their student's needs or because they have a curriculum that they just love and don't want to give up.While there are some reviews online that question whether we are enough, it is important to note that those were often done in the early years when we were still a startup. We have created many more resources to help close gaps, beef up our content, and find the elusive balance between "enough" and "too much". Our style is different, we focus on less quantity and more contextual learning—which can feel too simple especially if you are coming from a more traditional curriculum. However, many of our parents say that their students actually remember what they are learning and the results speak for themselves over time.

Choose a unit/topic that either interests you or meets a need (such as if you are working toward certain credits).Purchase either the digital full family bundle (which includes both the Teacher's Guide and all levels of student books), the one student bundle (which includes the Teacher's Guide and one level of your choice), or the printed books. If you decide to go with our beautiful, high-end printed books . . . you will need the Teacher's Guide and one book for each student.

What do I need to add?

The units cover all of your subjects but math. Our Modular Math program is available to cover K-grade 9 math, but high school math is not yet available on our site (though we do have plans to create it). Currently, you will need to get about 8 units per year along with about 8 math units per student in order to create a full curriculum year. Some families choose to add seatwork or our other Language Arts add-ons, fun holiday mini-units, and more . . . but these are not required.

How do I choose levels for multiple kids?

Our main units are designed to be used with the whole family. We have individual student books available in the following levels.Pre-Reader: recommended for younger students who are not ready to read/write (preschool/kindergarten age)Early Reader: recommended for emerging readers/writers (6-8 years old)Early Elementary: recommended for students who are comfortable using a word bank to write some of their answers (8-10 years old)Upper Elementary: recommended for students who are ready to write a sentence response (10-13 years old)Middle School: recommended for students who are ready for paragraph responses and more personal application/light research (13-16 years old)High School: prepares students to ask big questions, think for themselves, and apply topics to their own lives. This level is recommended for 16-18 years old and includes papers, essays, and more research.Some of our units are shorter or more simplified into levels 1, 2, and 3. For these, Level 3 is designed for Middle and High, level 2 for Early Elementary and Upper Elementary, and Level 1 for Pre-Reader and Early Reader.

How Long does it take?

Each unit is designed to take about a month—which means you will never get bored! You get to create your year based on your students' interests, covering all your subjects for all your grades, through one cohesive program that all points to Jesus! Each lesson is designed to take about 2-4 hours (depending on how many students you have, their ages, and whether you are completing the option rabbit trails or watching the resource videos available on our app). You will read the Teacher's Guide first to all students (which takes about 40 minutes to an hour depending on how many videos you show or the discussions you have) and then students will move to their student workbooks and complete their pages there. Units that have 20 lessons can be done 5 days a week and therefore being completed in 4 weeks. Or they can be done 4 days a week and take a bit longer. Because of this, most families work through about 8 units in a year with breaks and co-op days mixed in.

All of our units come with answer keys to help you mark your student's work. We have tried a bit of everything: including the answers in the Teacher's Guide, having them in the back of student notebooks, and eventually settling on including them in your downloads immediately after your order. You can use the answer key to help assign grades, but we recommend using a rubric for more accurate grading. To do this, you would assign points based on things like understanding (30%), completion (50%), effort (15%), and neatness (5%).

What is Modular Math?

Modular Math is our brand new math curriculum that covers K-grade 9 math—taking students all the way through Algebra 1. The units are topical and each step takes about 1 month. This means they can be used in either a mastery approach (staying on a topic and working on it through multiple levels) or spiral approach (completing one step of each topic throughout the year). This program was created with steps instead of grades, allowing you to custom-tailor the program to your student without discouraging them with where they are at. It can be used as a remedial program or for gifted students who want to move faster. Each day includes 2 pages. Day 1 teaches a new concept (and includes a devotional) and day 2 has practice that builds throughout the unit in a spiral approach. All you have to do is take a placement test on a topic and jump in! It is open and go with no teacher's guide, no manipulatives or resources required, and written directly to the student so that they can work independently. Yes, math can be this easy!

Curriculum itself cannot be accredited, only schools can. Accreditation means a school with qualified teachers, reporting, and grading that is following the government requirements for each grade. That being said, Gather 'Round Homeschool curriculum can absolutely be used all the way through High School by you, the parent! Most schools use the Carnegie method to assign credits, this means that 120 hours of instruction in a topic = 1 credit. We've made it super easy to you by training our very own Gather bot! All of our units cover such a wide variety of subjects that you can use the bot to help figure out how many credits have been covered (or will be covered) based on the units you have done or are planning on. We also have access to full high school plans, transcripts, and unit credit breakdowns on our high school page here.

What is the Online Academy?

The Online Academy is our new online school. We have about 600 students who tune in online to watch a lesson being taught live—complete with live polls, comments, reactions, and resources. Replays are also available for families who miss a class. Homework is assigned and families complete their student notebooks together—we are even looking at adding in grading and report cards! There are currently three frequency options available (or three different levels of homeschool support): One day a week (join us every Tuesday at 10am EST)Two days a week (join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am EST)Four days a week (join us Monday-Thursday for every single lesson!)Currently, these lessons are being taught by the founder, Rebecca Spooner, though we hope to expand to hire more teachers and offer more class times and options in the future. Learn more

Can I use it in a group?

Gather 'Round is licensed for individual family use only (which means to a parent/guardian and the children they are legal guardians of). If you want to use this in a small group (with your sister, friend, or a few friends), you will need to make sure that each person owns their own materials, as file sharing and copying (or teaching to student's outside your home) is not allowed. If you want to use this in a co-op or hybrid model to a large group of students, we do require that you purchase print and sign an agreement stating that you will not photocopy or share. With this option, we also do have a group discount available. Learn more here.

Welcome to Louisiana

We're headed down to the bayou! This unit takes you on a tour of the TOBASCO factory, New Orleans, and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, as well as introducing a few of the coolest state symbols, like the mudbug and the Catahoula leopard dog. Learn about the agriculture, aquaculture, energy, and transportation industries that are so important to Louisiana, and complete student book activities such as mapping, lesson summaries, levees, Hurricane Katrina, animal communication, and Mardi Gras. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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Subject Cards

Science

Students explore Louisiana’s environment, including how elevation and sea level affect coastal land and how levees help manage flooding. They study native wildlife like the brown pelican, American alligator, and crawfish, while learning about ecosystems and food webs in the bayou. The unit also introduces Louisiana’s climate, Gulf storms, key industries such as farming and energy production, and concepts like animal communication and bioluminescence.

Geography

Students explore Louisiana’s geography by locating key cities and landmarks such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. They study important natural features like bayous, lakes, and wildlife refuges, and build map skills by identifying Louisiana within North America and the Western Hemisphere. The unit also introduces major waterways, neighboring states, and significant locations like the Port of South Louisiana.

Language Arts

Students develop literacy skills through Louisiana-themed vocabulary, comprehension, and writing activities. They explore words influenced by French language and culture, respond to texts, practice listening comprehension, and engage in creative writing tasks. Throughout the unit, students strengthen their ability to communicate ideas clearly while interacting with content connected to Louisiana’s culture and industries.

History

Students journey through Louisiana’s history, beginning with French exploration and LaSalle’s claim of the region. They learn about the Louisiana Purchase, statehood, and key events like the Battle of New Orleans, along with figures such as Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte. The unit also highlights cultural milestones, including early opera in the United States, the development of steamboats, and traditions like Mardi Gras, as well as influential figures like Louis Armstrong.

Social Studies

Students explore Louisiana’s identity through its facts, symbols, and industries. They learn about state symbols such as the bird, tree, and crustacean, while also examining key industries like agriculture, aquaculture, and energy. The unit introduces aspects of daily life, culture, and economy, helping students understand how Louisiana’s environment and resources shape the way people live and work.

Art

Students engage creatively by designing and illustrating projects inspired by Louisiana, connecting visual expression to what they are learning in the unit.

Bible

Students read and reflect on Scripture passages that highlight God’s care and closeness to His people, while also exploring how we grow through challenges and in community with others. Through verses in Psalms, James, 1 Corinthians, and Proverbs, students are encouraged to trust God, persevere through difficulties, and recognize the value of guidance and working together.

Resources

Access helpful materials, guides, and downloads that support your learning journey with Gather ’Round. Explore our growing library of resources designed to make teaching simple and engaging.

Explore Resources

Resources

Access helpful materials, guides, and downloads that support your learning journey with Gather ’Round. Explore our growing library of resources designed to make teaching simple and engaging.

Explore Resources

Booklist

Meet Louisiana

Louisiana Baby

by Jerome Pohlen

The Pirate Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans

by Robert Tallant

Louisiana: A Captivating Guide to Its Unique History, from Early Peoples and the Big Land Buy to Important Battles and Beyond

by Captivating History

Nature and Weather

Little Louisiana

by Anita C. Prieto

Animals of Louisiana! (A My Incredible World Picture Book for Children)

by Hope Aicher

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

by Lauren Tarshis

Bayou-Diversity: Nature and People in the Louisiana Bayou Country

by Kelby Ouchley

Industry and Economy

From Cane to Sugar

by Jill Braithwaite

Clyde the Giant Crawfish

by Alexandra Navarre Davis

Red Beans & Rice

by Jeanette Weiland

Louisiana’s Oil Heritage (Images of America)

by Tonja Koob Marking and Jennifer Snape

People and Governance

Gaston GD Is For Duck Calls

by Kay Robertson

Mardi Gras (The Story of Our Holidays)

by Joanna Ponto

Young and Beardless: The Search for God, Purpose, and a Meaningful Life

by John Luke Robertson

Supplies

Meet Louisiana

Teacher's Guide

Hands-on Activity

jars
slips of paper

People and Governance

Teacher's Guide

Hands-on Activity

a few colors of fabric, yarn, or cut-up pieces of paper

Scope and Sequence

Check out the scope and sequence for this unit.

Fifty States: Louisiana

Level 1

Lesson 1

Science

Label parts of levees

Geography

Baton Rouge
New Orleans
Mississippi River
Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico)
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Natchitoches
Cane River
Lafayette
Avery Island
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Label Louisiana, Mississippi River, and Baton Rouge on a map

Language Arts

Vocabulary: gumbo, delta
Words with French roots
Start working on the unit project banner, including a flag, facts, and favorite place in Louisiana

History

French explorers (late 1600s)
Louisiana Purchase (1803)
First opera in the USA (1796)
LaSalle claimed the area for the French (1682)

Social Studies

Fast facts: motto, nickname, population, size, etc.
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Acadiana, Cajun, and Creole culture
TABASCO factory
National WWII Museum

Bible

Psalm 145:18

Lesson 2

Science

Nature journaling
Brown pelican
Bald cypress
Deciduous conifers
Catahoula leopard dog
Crawfish
Food webs
American alligator
Louisiana climate and weather patterns
Selective dog breeding

Geography

North America

Language Arts

Vocabulary: knobby, terrain
Answer comprehension questions about Louisiana's symbols
Add state symbols to the unit banner
Solve riddles about state symbols

Social Studies

State symbols: bird, dog, tree, crustacean

Art

Design your own state symbols

Bible

Psalm 145:9
James 1:2–3

Lesson 3

Science

Suagrcane farming
Rice farming
How aquaculture works (crawfish and rice fields)
Onshore and offshore drilling
Liquified natural gas (LNG)

Geography

Pennsylvania
Ohio River

Language Arts

Vocabulary: anchored, barge
Answer comprehension questions about Louisiana's industries and economy
Freewrite: life of a farmer
Add fact cards about industries in Louisiana to the unit project

History

The New Orleans steamboat

Social Studies

Industries of Louisiana: agriculture, aquaculture, energy, transportation
Evolution of water travel
Life of a farmer

Bible

1 Corinthians 12:14–18

Lesson 4

Science

Animal communication

Language Arts

Vocabulary: blustery, cherish
Answer comprehension questions about Louisiana's people and government
Write or dictate a story
Add a spotlight on the Robertsons to the unit project

History

Mardi Gras
Jazz musician Louis Armstrong
Plan your own parade

Social Studies

Community life in Louisiana
Street musicians and jazz music
The Robertson family and Duck Dynasty
Weird laws
Create a pretend news report

Bible

Proverbs 11:14

Level 2

Lesson 1

Science

How elevation above sea level affects coastal buildup
Levees

Geography

Baton Rouge
New Orleans
Mississippi River
Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico)
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Natchitoches
Cane River
Lafayette
Avery Island
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Label Louisiana, New Orleans, Gulf of American (Gulf of Mexico), and Mississippi River on a map

Language Arts

Vocabulary: swath, levee
Words with French roots
Start working on the unit project banner, including a flag, facts, and favorite place in Louisiana

History

French explorers (late 1600s)
Louisiana Purchase (1803)
Statehood (1812)
Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812)
General Andrew Jackson
Jean Lafitte (pirate leader during War of 1812)
First opera in the USA (1796)
LaSalle claimed the area for the French (1682)

Social Studies

Fast facts: motto, nickname, population, size, etc.
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Acadiana, Cajun, and Creole culture
TABASCO factory
National WWII Museum

Bible

Psalm 145:18

Lesson 2

Science

Nature journaling
Brown pelican
Bald cypress
Deciduous conifers
Catahoula leopard dog
Crawfish
Food webs
American alligator
Bayou ecosystem
Louisiana climate and weather patterns
Gulf impact on storms in Louisiana
Selective dog breeding

Geography

North America
Bayou Teche

Language Arts

Vocabulary: barrier island, deciduous
Answer comprehension questions about Louisiana's symbols
Add state symbols to the unit banner
Solve riddles about state symbols

Social Studies

State symbols: bird, dog, tree, crustacean
Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Art

Design your own state symbols

Bible

Psalm 145:9
James 1:2–3

Lesson 3

Science

Suagrcane farming
Rice farming
How aquaculture works (crawfish and rice fields)
Onshore and offshore drilling
Liquified natural gas (LNG)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

Geography

Port of South Louisiana
Western Hemisphere
Pennsylvania
Ohio River

Language Arts

Vocabulary: emissions, sediment
Answer comprehension questions about Louisiana's industries and economy
Freewrite: life of a farmer
Add fact cards about industries in Louisiana to the unit project

History

The New Orleans steamboat

Social Studies

Industries of Louisiana: agriculture, aquaculture, energy, transportation
Evolution of water travel
Cost of living in Louisiana
Life of a farmer

Bible

1 Corinthians 12:14–18

Lesson 4

Science

Animal communication
Pheromones

Language Arts

Vocabulary: craftsmanship, testimony
Answer comprehension questions about Louisiana's people and government
Research and outline a current event
Add a spotlight on the Robertsons to the unit project

History

Mardi Gras
Jazz musician Louis Armstrong
Plan your own Mardi Gras celebration

Social Studies

Community life in Louisiana
Street musicians and jazz music
Parishes
Court structure
The Robertson family and Duck Dynasty
Weird laws
Current events in Louisiana

Bible

Proverbs 11:14

Level 3

Lesson 1

Science

How elevation above sea level effects coastal buildup
Levees
Differences between levees and dams

Geography

Baton Rouge
New Orleans
Mississippi River
Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico)
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Natchitoches
Cane River
Lafayette
Avery Island
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Label Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi River, Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico), New Orleans, and Baton Rouge on a map

Language Arts

Vocabulary: praline, bayou
Words with French roots
Start planning a unit project presentation

History

French explorers (late 1600s)
Louisiana Purchase (1803)
Statehood (1812)
Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812)
General Andrew Jackson
Jean Lafitte (pirate leader during War of 1812)
First opera in the USA (1796)
LaSalle claimed the area for the French (1682)

Social Studies

Fast facts: motto, nickname, population, size, etc,
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Acadiana, Cajun, and Creole culture
TABASCO factory
National WWII Museum

Bible

Psalm 145:18

Lesson 2

Science

Nature journaling
Brown pelican
Bald cypress
Deciduous conifers
Catahoula leopard dog
Crawfish
Food webs
American alligator
Bayou ecosystem
Louisiana climate and weather patterns
Gulf impact on storms in Louisiana
Selective dog breeding

Geography

North America
Bayou Teche

Language Arts

Vocabulary: medieval, aerate
Answer comprehension questions about Louisiana's symbols
Write a summary of the lesson
Add state symbols to the unit project
Write riddles about the state symbols
Write a poem using state symbols

Social Studies

State symbols: bird, dog, tree, crustacean
Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Art

Design your own state symbols

Bible

Psalm 145:9
James 1:2–4

Lesson 3

Science

Suagrcane farming
Rice farming
How aquaculture works (crawfish and rice fields)
Onshore and offshore drilling
Liquified natural gas (LNG)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

Geography

Port of South Louisiana
Western Hemisphere
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Indiana
Kentucky
Tennessee
Mississippi
Atlantic Ocean
Ohio River

Language Arts

Vocabulary: refinery, freight
Listening comprehension: Louisiana's industries and economy
Use guided notes to write a summary about Louisiana's industries and economy
Job listing: life of a farmer
Write about an industry that had an important impact on the economy in Louisiana and add it to the unit project

History