Resource Description
Apologia provides fun and challenging K-12 creation-based science curriculum specifically designed for the home school. Written by a former university professor and homeschool parent, the courses provide college-preparatory science in a way that is both clear and challenging. The texts are readable, easy to understand, and full of engaging experiments that can be performed at home. This is a science course designed for the student to self-teach. Publisher materials indicate that this curriculum is that is truly God honoring, user friendly, and scientifically sound. The elementary science course covers zoology, botany and astronomy. The high school course is designed for two different tracks, Not Science-Oriented, and Science-Oriented. Courses that require a Math Prerequisite are identified. They even provide a FREE help line to answer any questions or problems you may encounter and a money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
Website: Apologia (may contain affiliate links)
(30 Reviews)
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Contributor Reviews
Reviews are solely the opinions of the contributor.
Cons: None
Grades Used: 6th
We used anatomy with our co-op & it has been wonderful! My husband & I are both in healthcare so we've had a lot of anatomy over the years & are both very impressed with this book. And that is saying a lot coming from my very unsupportive to homeschooling husband! My son was very excited I let him pick which course to cover for next year, he picked swimming creatures. We both can't wait for it!
Cons: none!
Grades Used: 9
After using the God's Design science curriculum with multiple ages together in our homeschool, I needed a high school level course for my 9th grader last year. We used the Apologia Biology course and it was terrific! It is definitely a college prep level course, but the student notebook is what made this course amazing. It encouraged independence from my student, and he rose to the challenge. The tests were difficult, but he clearly understood what had been taught. We have found our new favorite high school science curriculum!
Grades Used: 6th
We are using the General Science text and student notebook. While there is a great deal of reading- it is highly interesting and well presented! The labs are fun for my 6th grader, and the lab write-ups help to train middle school students for the lab report expectations in high school (and beyond). Will definitely continue to use this series!!
Cons: A LOT of reading. Can get boring or tedious.
Grades Used: Grade 8,9,10,11,12
While I think that the Apologia books are great, they can get tedious. My sons tolerated them and my daughters trudged through them.( It IS quite a lot to cover in one school year.) My youngest has BEGGED me to get something else, besides Apologia, for Biology.
Cons: biased, condescending tone
Grades Used: 5 - 8
This is our second year using this text with a co-op. The texts are extremely thorough which I like a lot for middle school but think could be a little much for the elementary ages.
Buyers should know up front this is not a wholly neutral science text. I dislike the author's tone when presenting topics he disagrees with (environment, old earth, evolution topics). He may present an opposing view but often writes about them in a condescending, insulting tone.
If we were using this without a co-op I think it would get dry as there is a lot of reading and answering study questions. I supplement a lot with hands-on activities both from the book and what I find on my own to teach the co-op class. However, I really do appreciate how thorough the texts are for older students.
Cons: Not sure yet (But don't try the program without the Journal)!
Grades Used: First (Astronomy), Second (Botany)
We started with this science, based on many reviews, and have yet to look back! My son BEGS to do his science daily, and I am so very impressed with how much he is learning and retaining! The Notebooking Journal really makes the program. The coloring pages are great. The copywork is a good resource. There are a good number of activities and resources, both in textbook and in journal! The information is quite in-depth. At first, I was worried that it may be a bit much, but I am learning that young ones really are like little sponges, and really do soak it up!
We do just a bit every day, instead of trying to read whole (or even half) lessons all at once. This helps to break up the large amount of reading into more manageable chunks, and also allows us more discussion on the smaller topics.
This will give him an amazing foundation for later grades, when it will be much more review and refreshing than all-new information, and he will have a great base to build his studies on! He's already started asking about next year's (Zoology I), and can't wait to start that one! =)
Cons: Don't have the notebook for every level
Grades Used: 8,9,10
Apologia is an intense high school program, but is in my opinion, by far, the best science curriculum. It progresses in a logical fashion and has an amazing way to speak with the child instead of at them. Dr. Wile is fabulous and would highly recommend anything by him.
The only con is that not all the subjects (to my knowledge) offer the giant notebook. It is wonderful! it really helped my daughter in the Physical Science course. IT has a schedule and all the work in one visually appealing place. My son wishes he could have it for his courses.
Well Done Apologia and Dr. Wile! Thank you!
Cons: none
Grades Used: 7th, 8th
My daughter has always liked science, but she really likes Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science and Exploring Creation with Physical Science. Lots of experiments which she loves. The experiments use easy to find items. She enjoys the conversational tone that the author uses and how he explains things.
Cons: None
Grades Used: 6th - 8th
I have used the Astronomy, Botany and Swimming Creatures books in the past. I really enjoyed teaching my children with all of these books. Last year we used General Science and this year Physical Science.
When my kids want more, more, more reading then I know I have found the right book! They really enjoy Apologia Science books.
I am extremely impressed with the coverage here. My 14 year old has responded enthusiastically to it which is saying alot!