How to Choose a Bible Curriculum That Works for Your School or Co-op

Written by Dianna Wiebe on February 24, 2025.

INSIDE: Discover how to find a curriculum that builds biblical knowledge, engages students, supports teachers, and respects family beliefs.

Selecting a Bible curriculum for your Christian school or co-op is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an educator or leader. The right curriculum lays a foundation for students to grow in their biblical knowledge and faith, while also fitting the needs of your teachers and families. Additionally, it should respect the diverse theological backgrounds of the families in your school or co-op, ensuring that biblical truths are taught without imposing specific doctrinal interpretations. Here’s a guide to help you choose a Bible curriculum that truly works for your school or co-op.

1. Define Your Goals

Before choosing a curriculum, ask yourself: What do we want students to gain from Bible study? Consider:

A broad overview of the Bible’s story
In-depth study of specific books or themes
A focus on Bible memorization
Hands-on learning through journaling or discussion
A fact-based approach that allows families to address theological questions at home

Clarifying your goals helps narrow down options that align with your vision.

2. Consider Your Teaching Environment

Your setting will impact which curriculum works best. Think about:

Class Size: Does the curriculum work for both large classrooms and small co-ops?
Age Range: Does it provide materials adaptable for younger and older students?
Teaching Style: Is it teacher-led, discussion-based, or student-directed?
Flexibility: Can it be used for different schedules, such as once-a-week co-op meetings or daily lessons?

Environment plays a key roll in deciding which curriculum is best for your class.

3. Look for a Curriculum with Strong Biblical Accuracy

A curriculum should provide a solid biblical foundation without adding personal interpretations that could conflict with your school’s or co-op’s beliefs or force beliefs upon your students. A fact-based approach allows families to handle theological discussions at home while ensuring students gain essential biblical knowledge.

4. Evaluate Engagement and Retention Methods

Students learn best when they are engaged. Look for a curriculum that offers:

Visual Learning: Timelines, charts, and illustrations help students see the Bible’s big picture.
Hands-On Activities: Bible journaling, drawing, and table talks encourage active learning.
Discussion Questions: Encourages classroom engagement and critical thinking.
Memorization Tools: Helps students retain key Scriptures and events.

Knowing if a curriculum engages students will ultimately help you forecast long term retention.

5. Ensure It Supports Your Teachers

A great curriculum makes teaching easier, not harder. Consider:

Does it come with ready-to-use lesson plans?
Are there teacher notes, answer keys, and additional resources?
Is it easy to follow and implement for both experienced and new teachers?

Teachers are busy and when a curriculum is easy to teach, they can spend more time teaching rather than preparing to teach.

6. Check for Affordability and Accessibility

Budgets vary, so look for a curriculum that balances cost and quality. Some things to consider:

Can materials be reused year after year?
Are there printable options to save on shipping?
Does it require expensive add-ons, or is everything included?

When evaluating curriculum, knowing the total cost is important.

7. Request a Sample and Test It Out

Many curriculum providers offer free sample lessons. Have a teacher or small group try it out and gather feedback before making a final decision.

Choosing a Curriculum That Fits Your Needs

Finding the right Bible curriculum for your school or co-op takes time, but by defining your goals, considering your classroom needs, and evaluating engagement and teacher support, you’ll be able to make a confident choice that benefits both students and educators.