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 Illinois

Let’s tour the Land of Lincoln with destinations like Apple River Canyon State Park, Chicago, and Springfield. You’ll learn about the historical ties behind many of them. There’s plenty of nature to attract your eye, from cardinals to violets. Take a look at the economy, rooted in soil. Activities include building a skyscraper and candy making. Illinois has got something for everyone!

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Subject Cards

Science

Students explore Illinois-related science through hands-on learning—engineering a skyscraper, studying prairie ecosystems and animal instincts, and learning about local plants and wildlife (like violets, cardinals, oaks, turtles, and migration). Older students extend topics with weather phenomena (like lake-effect snow and thundersnow) and deeper investigation into structures and systems.

Geography

Learners map and locate key Illinois features and places, including Springfield, Chicago, Lake Michigan, major rivers, and notable landmarks and parks. They also study Illinois’s three regions (Northern, Central, Southern) and expand outward by tracing travel and connection routes (like canals, airports, and broader U.S./world locations) at higher levels.

Language Arts

This unit builds vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing through Illinois-themed readings and activities. Students answer comprehension questions, solve or write riddles, and complete a unit project (banner or presentation) featuring state facts, symbols, industries, and a Lincoln spotlight—older students add summaries, guided notes, and more structured writing.

History

Students learn key moments and developments in Illinois history, including statehood (December 3, 1818), early exploration and conflict, westward settlement, and the growth of agriculture and transportation. They also study Chicago’s historical milestones (like the Great Chicago Fire and early skyscrapers), famous inventions/foods, and Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Civil War era.

Social Studies

Learners engage with Illinois culture and civic life through state symbols, Chicago landmarks and traditions, local foods, and quirky laws. Older students dig deeper into government structure and politics, cost of living, current events research, and communication skills through news-report style writing and conflict-resolution practice.

Art

Students study and reflect on Chicago’s famous Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)—observing the artwork and discussing or writing reflections based on their level.

Bible

Bible lessons focus on character, wisdom, and spiritual formation through Scripture—God as a firm foundation, learning to follow His guidance, using God-given gifts, working better together, servant leadership, and responding with gentle words. Older students include additional passages that broaden reflection and application.

Home Economics

Students do a practical kitchen project by making a creative Illinois-themed treat: chocolate-covered graham crackers.

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 Illinois

W is For Windy City: A Chicago City Alphabet

by Steven L. and Deborah Dover Layne

Journey to Cahokia: A Boy’s Visit to the Great Mound City

by Albert Lorenz and Joy Schleh

Across Five Aprils

by by Irene Hunt

Nature and Weather

Follow the Flyway: The Marvel of Bird Migration

by Sarah Nelson

The Illinois Chronicles: The Story of the State of Illinois From Its Birth to the Present Day

by Mark Skipworth

Birds of Illinois Field Guide

by Stan Tekiela

Industry and Economy

Popcorn Country: The Story of America’s Favorite Snack

by Cris Peterson

Fair Weather

by Richard Peck

The John Deere Story: A Biography of Plowmakers John and Charles Deere

by Neil Dahlstrom

People and Governance

L is for Lincoln: An Illinois Alphabet

by Kathy-jo Wargin

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871

by Lauren Tarshis

Lincoln: In His Own Words

by Abraham Lincoln, edited by Milton Meltzer

Supplies

Meet Illinois

Teacher's Guide

Hands-on Activity

supplies to design a city, such as LEGO bricks, modeling clay, or kinetic sand

Student Notebook

Science: Skyscraper Construction (Lesson 1, page 2)

supplies to build a skyscraper, such atoothpicks, Popsicle sticks, or LEGO bricks

Industry and Economy

Student Notebooks

Home Economics: Creative Candy (Lesson 3, Page 4)

24 graham-cracker squares
15 ounces chocolate melting wafers sprinkles (optional)
a few ounces of white chocolate melting wafers (optional)
a roll of parchment paper
a microwave-safe bowl
a spoon
a fork

Scope and Sequence

Check out the scope and sequence for this unit.

Fifty States: Illinois

Level 1

Lesson 1

Science

The steps involved in building skyscrapers
Try building your own skyscraper

Geography

Capital city: Springfield
Chicago
Lake Michigan
Midwest
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Apple River Canyon State Park
Starved Rock State Park
Cahokia Mounds
Shawnee National Forest: "Little Grand Canyon"
Three regions of the state: Northern, Central, Southern

Language Arts

Vocabulary: mound, bluff
Start working on the unit project banner, including a flag, facts, and favorite place in Illinois

History

Statehood on December 3, 1818
Late-1600s European explorers
French and Indian War
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president
First skyscraper (1885)
First franchised McDonald's (1955)
Twinkies invented in Schiller Park (1930)
Compare the history of Egypt, Illinois, with that of the country of Egypt

Social Studies

State symbols: flag, seal
Chicago tourist attractions: "The Bean", Navy Pier, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field
Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

Art

Study a picture of the Cloud Gate structure in Chicago, Illinois, and talk about it

Bible

Psalm 1:1–4
The Bible is our firm foundation
Exodus 2:1–10

Lesson 2

Science

Violets
Northern cardinal
White oak tree
Painted turtles
Bird migration
Prairie habitat
"Corn sweat"
Transpiration
Natural instincts of animals

Geography

Mississippi Flyway

Language Arts

Vocabulary: bask, bout
Answer comprehension questions about Illinois' symbols
Add state symbols to the unit banner
Solve riddles about the state symbols

History

State flower chosen in the early 1900s
State bird chosen in the late 1920s

Social Studies

Choosing state symbols
State reptile chosen in the early 2000s
Forming habits

Bible

Isaiah 30:21
God guides us on our journey through the Holy Spirit
Special gifts from God
Proverbs 3:5–6

Lesson 3

Science

Farming in prairie sod
Canals vs. rivers

Geography

Illinois and Michigan Canal
California
Nebraska

Language Arts

Vocabulary: sod, hub
Answer comprehension questions about Illinois' industry and economy
Add fact cards about industries in Illinois to the unit project

History

Early 1800s: American settlers arrive
Evolution of farming equipment: plow and oxen, steel plows, reapers
Modernization of agriculture: grain elevators, mills, food-processing plants
World's Fairs in Chicago
Candy capital of the world: Cracker Jack, Jelly Belly, Wrigley's
Transcontinental railroad
Fannie May candy

Home Economics

Creative candy: chocolate-covered graham crackers

Bible

Ecclesiastes 4:9
God designed us to work better together

Lesson 4

Science

Mood boosters

Geography

Joliet
Olney

Language Arts

Vocabulary: twang, dignity
Accents
Linguistic transition zone
Answer comprehension questions about Illinois
Add a spotlight on Abraham Lincoln to the unit project

History

Abraham Lincoln
Civil War

Social Studies

Chicago foods: deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs
Weird laws
Create a pretend news report
Conflict resolution

Bible

Mark 10:43–45
Being a leader means serving others first
Proverbs 15:1

Level 2

Lesson 1

Science

The steps involved in building skyscrapers
Try building your own skyscraper

Geography

Capital city: Springfield
Chicago
Lake Michigan
Midwest
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Cairo: "Little Egypt"
Apple River Canyon State Park
Starved Rock State Park
Cahokia Mounds
Shawnee National Forest: "Little Grand Canyon"
Three regions of the state: Northern, Central, Southern

Language Arts

Vocabulary: treaty, altitude
Start working on the unit project banner, including a flag, facts, and favorite place in Illinois

History

Statehood on December 3, 1818
Late-1600s European explorers
French and Indian War
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president
First skyscraper (1885)
First franchised McDonald's (1955)
Twinkies invented in Schiller Park (1930)
Compare the history of Egypt, Illinois, with that of the country of Egypt

Social Studies

State symbols: flag, seal
Chicago tourist attractions: "The Bean", Navy Pier, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field
Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

Art

Study a picture of the Cloud Gate structure in Chicago, Illinois, and reflect on it

Bible

Psalm 1:1–4
The Bible is our firm foundation
Exodus 2:1–10

Lesson 2

Science

Violets
Northern cardinal
White oak tree
Painted turtles
Bird migration
Prairie habitat
"Corn sweat"
Transpiration
Lake effect snow
Thundersnow
Natural instincts of animals

Geography

Mississippi Flyway
Tallgrass prairie

Language Arts

Vocabulary: significance, instinctual
Answer comprehension questions about Illinois' symbols
Add state symbols to the unit banner
Solve riddles about the state symbols

History

State flower chosen in the early 1900s
State bird chosen in the late 1920s

Social Studies

Choosing state symbols
State reptile chosen in the early 2000s
Forming habits

Bible

Isaiah 30:21
God guides us on our journey through the Holy Spirit
Proverbs 3:5–6

Lesson 3

Science

Farming in prairie sod
Canals vs. rivers

Geography

Illinois and Michigan Canal
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
California
Nebraska
Utah

Language Arts

Vocabulary: reaper, commuter
Answer comprehension questions about Illinois' industry and economy
Add fact cards about industries in Illinois to the unit project

History

Early 1800s: American settlers arrive
Evolution of farming equipment: plow and oxen, steel plows, reapers
Modernization of agriculture: grain elevators, mills, food-processing plants
John Deere
Expansion of transportation: waterways, highways, rail, air
World's Fairs in Chicago
Candy capital of the world: Cracker Jack, Jelly Belly, Wrigley's
Transcontinental railroad
Fannie May candy

Social Studies

Cost of living

Home Economics

Creative candy: chocolate-covered graham crackers

Bible

Ecclesiastes 4:9
God designed us to work better together

Lesson 4

Science

Mood boosters

Geography

Joliet
Olney

Language Arts

Vocabulary: pronounce, distinctive
Accents
Linguistic transition zone
Answer comprehension questions about Illinois
Add a spotlight on Abraham Lincoln to the unit project

History

Great Chicago Fire (1871)
Abraham Lincoln
Civil War

Social Studies

Chicago foods: deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs
Illinois politics: three branches of government and is left-leaning
Weird laws
Research and outline a current event in Illinois
Conflict resolution

Bible

Mark 10:43–45
Being a leader means serving others first
Proverbs 15:1
Psalm 147:5

Level 3

Lesson 1

Science

The steps involved in building skyscrapers
Try building your own skyscraper and test its strength

Geography

Capital city: Springfield
Chicago
Lake Michigan
Midwest
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Wabash RIver
Cairo: "Little Egypt"
Apple River Canyon State Park
Starved Rock State Park
Cahokia Mounds
Shawnee National Forest: "Little Grand Canyon"
Three regions of the state: Northern, Central, Southern

Language Arts

Vocabulary: confluence, sprawling
Start planning a unit project presentation

History

Statehood on December 3, 1818
Late-1600s European explorers
French and Indian War
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president
First skyscraper (1885)
First franchised McDonald's (1955)
Twinkies invented in Schiller Park (1930)
Compare the history of Egypt, Illinois, with that of the country of Egypt

Social Studies

State symbols: flag, seal
Chicago tourist attractions: "The Bean", Navy Pier, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field
Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

Art

Study pictures of the Cloud Gate structure in Chicago, Illinois, and reflect on it

Bible

Psalm 1:1–4
The Bible is our firm foundation
Exodus 2:1–10
Genesis 42:1–5
Isaiah 18:1–3

Lesson 2

Science

Violets
Northern cardinal
White oak tree
Painted turtles
Bird migration
Prairie habitat
"Corn sweat"
Transpiration
Lake effect snow
Thundersnow
Natural instincts of animals

Geography

Mississippi Flyway
Tallgrass prairie

Language Arts

Vocabulary: acquaint, synchronized
Answer comprehension questions about Illinois based on the lesson
Write a summary of the lesson
Add state symbols to the unit project
Write riddles about the state symbols

History

State flower chosen in the early 1900s
State bird chosen in the late 1920s

Social Studies

Choosing state symbols
State reptile chosen in the early 2000s
Forming habits

Bible

Isaiah 30:21
God guides us on our journey through the Holy Spirit
Galations 6:9
Proverbs 3:5–6

Lesson 3

Science

Farming in prairie sod
Canals vs. rivers
Construction of the Panama Canal

Geography

Illinois and Michigan Canal
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Panama
California
Nevada
Missouri River
Iowa
Nebraska
Colorado
Wyoming
Utah

Language Arts

Vocabulary: influential, groundwork
Listening comprehension: Illinois' industry and economy
Use guided notes to create a summary about Illinois' industry and economy
Write about an industry that had an important impact on the economy and add it to the unit project

History