What Reviewers Say

Studies Weekly is consistently praised for its unique periodical format, which successfully combats 'textbook fatigue' for elementary students. Reviewers like Cathy Duffy and users on The Homeschool Mom highlight its extreme affordability and 'open-and-go' nature as its biggest strengths. The inclusion of a robust digital platform with videos and primary sources is frequently mentioned as a significant value-add. However, a common critique across Reddit and educational blogs is that the content can be somewhat 'lite,' focusing more on basic facts than deep inquiry. While it is excellent for ensuring state standards are met with minimal parent effort, many families find they need to supplement with library books to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

How It Works

Each week, the child receives a colorful four-page newspaper covering a specific history or science theme, such as colonial life or the water cycle. Parents spend about 15 to 20 minutes a day reading the articles with the child or supervising independent reading, followed by completing the comprehension questions or crossword puzzles found on the back of the flyer. The included digital platform allows the child to watch short videos or listen to the text being read aloud, which adds another 10 minutes of interactive learning. Because it is a 'consumable' format, the child can highlight text and write directly on the periodical, requiring no extra notebooks or heavy textbooks at the kitchen table.

Switching to This?

Studies Weekly does not offer formal placement tests because the content is strictly designed to follow standard K-6 grade-level state requirements. Most families simply purchase the level that matches their child's current grade, though parents of advanced readers sometimes choose one grade level higher for a more challenging vocabulary. Because the weekly units are self-contained and topical, families can easily start mid-year or skip around to match their own interests without missing foundational concepts. If you are switching from a traditional, rigorous textbook, be prepared for a much lighter daily workload that usually requires supplementing with library books to provide a deep dive into specific topics.

Curriculum Details

Price

$31 - $35

Pricing is per student, per year. A typical homeschool bundle (Social Studies or Science) includes a year's worth of print periodicals and online access for approximately $31.80.

Grades

K - 6

Available As

Print Digital Video

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

History/Social Studies Science

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

10-20 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to The Week Junior, which is a news magazine covering current events, Studies Weekly is a structured curriculum designed to teach specific historical and scientific facts aligned with school standards. When weighed against The Story of the World, Studies Weekly is much less time-intensive and focuses on 'snackable' bits of information rather than a long, chronological narrative read-aloud. Parents choosing between Studies Weekly and Mystery Science will find that Studies Weekly is primarily reading-based and consumable, while Mystery Science is built around video-led hands-on experiments. Unlike Notgrass History, which uses heavy hardcover books and a literature-rich approach, Studies Weekly is secular and disposable, making it a better fit for families who want to avoid clutter. Finally, compared to digital-only supplements like BrainPOP, Studies Weekly provides a physical, tactile experience that helps children practice reading and handwriting skills away from a screen.

Getting Started