What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise DIVE Science for its high academic standards and its ability to prepare students for college-level work and CLEP exams. Sources like Cathy Duffy and The Homeschool Mom highlight the program's unique flexibility, noting that Dr. Shormann provides syllabi to pair his video lectures with various textbooks. While the content is deeply rooted in a Christian worldview (specifically Young Earth Creationism in earlier grades), many users find it less 'preachy' than competitors. A common trade-off mentioned in forum discussions, such as on Reddit and The Well-Trained Mind, is the dated user interface and the significant math requirements in upper-level courses. However, the inclusion of video-based labs is frequently cited as a major benefit for families who cannot afford expensive lab equipment at home.

How It Works

A student typically spends 45 to 60 minutes four days a week engaging with the course on a computer. Each lesson begins with a 20-minute video lecture where the student takes notes in a workbook, followed by a reading assignment from a textbook or provided online articles. Once a week, the student watches a video-based lab to observe experiments and record data in their manual, which allows them to learn lab techniques without the need for expensive home equipment. While the parent monitors progress and reviews the lab manual, the eLearning platform handles the majority of the instruction, grading, and testing automatically.

Switching to This?

DIVE does not provide a traditional diagnostic test, but they offer a 'Placement & Sequence' guide that emphasizes math proficiency as the primary decider for level placement. For example, a student must be taking or have completed Algebra 1 to succeed in DIVE Chemistry, regardless of their grade level. Families can easily start mid-year because the courses are self-paced, though it is best to start from the beginning of the syllabus to build the necessary vocabulary. Parents switching from a less rigorous curriculum should be prepared for a 'college-prep' workload that requires more independent note-taking and formal study habits than many standard homeschool science programs.

Curriculum Details

Price

$59 - $159

Individual eLearning courses are typically $59.95. Prices vary if purchasing lab kits or physical workbooks alongside digital content.

Grades

7 - 12

Available As

Digital Video Workbook Streaming

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Science

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

5-15 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Christian

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Parents frequently compare DIVE to Apologia; while Apologia is a textbook-heavy program, DIVE is often used as a supplement to it to add professional video lectures and more rigorous lab requirements. Compared to BJU Press, DIVE offers more flexibility for the budget-conscious family because Dr. Shormann provides syllabi to pair his lectures with a variety of new or used textbooks rather than requiring one specific brand. When weighed against Jay Wile’s Berean Builders, DIVE is much more formal and 'lecture-style,' making it better for students who prefer a traditional classroom feel over a conversational narrative style. In comparison to Master Books, DIVE is significantly more academically demanding and specifically focuses on preparing students for CLEP and AP exams. Finally, while programs like Experience Biology offer a more modern and visually polished website, families often choose DIVE for its long-standing reputation for high-level STEM preparation despite its older user interface.

Getting Started