All-in-One
BJU Press Review
BJU Press is a traditional homeschool Christian curriculum with explicit phonics and integrated language arts instruction in elementary grades, though its support for dyslexic or struggling readers is more moderate and requires additional supplementation.
Overall MIRA Fit: ★★★ Moderate
Quick Facts
- Grades: K – 12th grade
- Cost: around $1000/year for full curriculum kit depending on grade level
- Format: Parent-led; Print-based; Video Lessons Available
- Worldview: Christian
- Parent Load: Moderate
- Best Used As: Core Literacy Program / Supplemental
MIRA Scoring
This review looks at the program through the MIRA framework: Multisensory, Integrated Instruction, Rigor & Remediation, and Accessibility. Click the button below to explore the criteria MIRA uses to conduct evaluations.
Multisensory:
⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
This program is moderate in multisensory instruction especially in the early grades that utilize phonics & rhyming songs, read-alouds, & multisensory games. But it does not provide enough active, reinforced practice for students who need direct support, especially in the upper grades. As students age, multisensory activities also lessen.
Integrated Instruction:
⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
BJU Press is moderate in integrated instruction as it regularly ties phonics, reading, spelling, grammar, and writing together across its elementary language arts program, especially through 3rd grade. It emphasizes phonological awareness, explicit phonics, decoding, word analysis, spelling patterns, and connected text reading, particularly in lower elementary grades, but that explicit instruction and review is lacking for older students who continue to struggle.
Rigor & Remediation:
⭐⭐ Limited
BJU Press is limited in academic rigor because it still is fast-paced and a heavy academic load for struggling readers, even though teacher editions include options for differentiated instruction, remediation, and enrichment. While the program includes explicit systematic phonics instruction through Grade 3, continued review and remedial phonics is only available through Grades 4-5.
Accessibility:
⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
This program is moderate in accessibility because although it offers differentiated teaching support & homeschool video delivery as well as a variety of high interest decodable readers, it has a high writing load, workbook emphasis, and is fast paced in a traditional format that is not easily adjusted. It is best for students who only need moderate built-in support.
Best For:
- Families wanting: structured phonics based curriculum with moderate support & review through 5th grade
- Students needing: moderate support for mild reading struggles
- Parents looking for/comfortable with: Parent-led; Print-based, Streaming/DVD videos available
Be Aware:
- May need: Supplemental practice and/or high intensity intervention
- Not enough: Built-in intensive, diagnostic reading intervention & repetition for struggling readers
- Parent Involvement: Parents will need to adjust lessons and assignments for struggling readers and pursue outside programs that have the necessary intensity and remediation, especially for older students.
Bottom Line
Overall, BJU Press is a moderate fit within the MIRA framework. It is a stronger stand-alone option than many traditional curriculum for students who need structured reading instruction, but often dyslexic and struggling readers will still need more intensive, diagnostic intervention layered on top.
