SkillTrek

by SkillTrek (SkillTrek Shop LLC) (website )

A comprehensive life-skills curriculum for Pre-K through young adulthood, teaching 500+ practical tasks through video lessons and hands-on activities.

Best Fit For

Families looking for a structured "Home Economics" or life-skills elective; special needs students who benefit from visual, step-by-step video instruction; and busy parents who want to ensure their children master practical "legacy" skills without having to design the lessons themselves.

Not Recommended For

Families seeking a core academic curriculum (Math, Science, etc.), as this is strictly a supplemental life-skills program; or families who prefer a strictly paper-and-pen approach without a digital component.

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise SkillTrek for its massive scope, noting that it fills a critical gap in traditional homeschooling by formalizing "adulting" skills. Rachel from Titus 2 Homemaker highlights the curriculum’s impressive library of over 500 skills, ranging from basic hygiene to automotive maintenance. A major theme across reviews is the program's accessibility; Penny Rogers (Our Crazy Adventures in Autismland) emphasizes its value for special needs families, noting that the multimedia approach allows students to progress based on developmental readiness rather than strict age. Misty Leask of Year Round Homeschooling points out that the gamified, video-heavy format successfully engages even reluctant teenagers. While the program is highly flexible, some parents note that the "hands-on" nature means parents must be prepared to provide the physical tools (like laundry supplies or tools) to complete lessons. Overall, it is regarded as a robust, character-building supplement that fosters independence.

How It Works

A typical week involves the student logging into the SkillTrek portal 1–3 times to select or follow an assigned "skill" video. The child watches a 5–10 minute demonstration, such as how to properly load a dishwasher or basic first aid, and then downloads a PDF checklist for reference. The parent then supervises the child as they physically perform the task in the home, marking the skill as "mastered" in the parent portal once the child demonstrates proficiency. Most tasks require minimal setup, utilizing everyday household items.

Switching to This?

SkillTrek does not require a placement test; instead, it uses "Trekker" levels based on age, though parents can move children between levels freely based on ability. Families can start the program at any point in the year, as the lessons are asynchronous and independent of one another. When switching from an informal or "organic" approach to teaching life skills, parents should expect a more formalized tracking system that ensures no "gaps" in practical knowledge occur.

Curriculum Details

Price
$9 - $549

Life-skills curriculum (finance, home maintenance, hygiene, etc.). Per student $9.99/mo, $64.99/yr, or $199.99 lifetime; whole-family $24.99/mo, $159.99/yr, or $549.99 lifetime.

Grades
PRE-K - 12
Available As
Digital Video
Coverage
Single subject
Subjects
Life Skills

Pacing
Self-paced
Parent Time
30-60 min/day
Student Independence
Semi-independent

Academic Level
Grade level
Worldview
Neutral
Teach Multiple Ages
Yes
Engaging for Reluctant Learners
Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as a mentor and validator, using the portal to assign tasks and observing the child as they demonstrate the physical mastery of real-world skills.

Videos

Demo of Skill Trek life skills program for families and homeschoolers

by Tauna Meyer

Reviews We Consulted

Rachel is highly impressed by the curriculum's massive scope, noting that it covers over 500 skills ranging from basic hygiene to car maintenance. She specifically appreciates the inclusion of "legacy" skills alongside modern practical tasks.

"We’re talking about everything from brushing teeth and tying shoes to taking care of babies, touch typing, and changing tires."

Penny Rogers highlights the curriculum's value for special needs families, praising its multimedia approach and the flexibility to assign tasks based on developmental readiness rather than age.

"Skill Trek is a hands on, multimedia, online curriculum. There are over 500 skills in the software ranging from tying shoes to doing dishes to learning how to change a tire."

Graham focuses on how the curriculum fosters personal growth, noting that mastering real-world tasks builds a child's confidence and strengthens their character.

"Skill Trek will not only help your child build his life skills, but his character as well."

Forum members recommend this as a top choice for families teaching practical home skills, noting that children and teens often find the program highly engaging.

"Families 'loved' the program for teaching practical skills to kids and teens."

Updated: July 2026 by Claude (v2 research)

How This Compares

Voyage Life Skills: SkillTrek provides a much larger library of skills (500+) and a more robust video-based platform compared to Voyage’s focused modules. - The Good and the Beautiful: While both offer electives, SkillTrek is a digital-first platform covering a broader range of practical "adulting" tasks, whereas TGTB electives are often physical workbooks. - 7 Sisters Homeschool: 7 Sisters focuses heavily on high school-level life skills for credit, while SkillTrek offers a continuous path starting from Pre-K. - Youth Digital: Youth Digital focuses exclusively on technology skills, whereas SkillTrek balances modern tech with "legacy" skills like gardening and basic home repair.

Getting Started

Purchase

Membership enrollment and pricing plans · skill-trek.com

The official store for purchasing individual or family memberships; includes information on the satisfaction guarantee and refund policy.