What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently characterize Suburban Science as an exceptionally organized and "non-stressful" way to tackle high-school-level sciences. Users on the Well-Trained Mind forums highlight that while the courses are rigorous enough to be labeled "Honors level" on a transcript, they remain accessible due to flexible formatting options. For example, the Anatomy & Physiology course is praised for offering both visual and traditional worksheet styles, allowing students to choose the format that best suits their learning style. Teachers Pay Teachers users frequently note that the materials are "ready to use" without any modification, which is a significant benefit for parents teaching complex subjects like Chemistry or Anatomy. The primary trade-off noted is the level of parent involvement in administrative tasks. While the student can work completely independently on the lessons and labs (via video demonstrations), the parent remains the "teacher of record," meaning they must handle all grading. Additionally, because it is a curriculum provider and not an accredited school, parents must be comfortable managing their own transcripts and potentially submitting their own syllabi for NCAA approval. Overall, it is seen as a high-quality, secular alternative to more traditional, text-heavy science programs.

How It Works

A typical week begins with the student watching a pre-recorded video lesson (approximately 15-20 minutes) while completing Cornell-style guided notes or "Doodle Notes." Following the video, the student completes a corresponding worksheet; parents can choose between a traditional text-based version or a more visual layout depending on the student's preference. Once or twice a week, the student performs a lab, which can be done physically using common household items or virtually by watching the included lab demonstration videos. The parent spends about 15 minutes at the end of the week checking work against the provided answer keys and recording grades.

Switching to This?

Suburban Science does not offer a formal placement test, as the courses follow the standard high school progression (typically Biology followed by Chemistry). Because the curriculum is sold in modular units or self-paced yearly subscriptions, families can easily start mid-year or switch between subjects. When moving from a textbook-heavy curriculum like Apologia or BJU Press, parents should expect a more streamlined, visual approach with significantly less reading-heavy busywork.

Curriculum Details

Price

$25 - $320

Secular high-school science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Environmental Science) ~$175–$320 each; workbooks $25–$65.

Grades

9 - 12

Available As

Print Digital Video

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Science

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

30-60 min/day

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Secular

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as a facilitator and evaluator. While the instruction is delivered via video or pre-made slides, the parent is responsible for overseeing lab safety and performing all grading using the provided answer keys.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: July 2026 by Claude (v2 research)

How This Compares

Apologia Science: Unlike Apologia’s faith-based and text-heavy approach, Suburban Science is strictly secular and uses a more visual, video-centric delivery. - Thinkwell: Both offer high-quality video instruction, but Suburban Science provides more creative "Doodle Note" options for students who need more than just traditional lectures. - Guest Hollow: While Guest Hollow uses a "living books" approach with various external resources, Suburban Science is more contained and follows a traditional NGSS-aligned sequence. - Modern States: Modern States is geared toward CLEP test preparation, whereas Suburban Science focuses on a full-year, comprehensive high school credit with hands-on lab components.

Getting Started