FAQs

What are the benefits of literature-based learning and the BookShark program?

BookShark offers a challenging and comprehensive academic program for students. BookShark does not rely on one source to teach a subject, but instead offers multiple resources, books, and literature that will challenge your students as they wrestle with and learn from a variety of viewpoints. Your student benefits by building lifelong skills: to think broadly, research widely, and act wisely.

Starting with our Level D Reading with History program, Intro to American History, your student will enjoy the benefit of interconnected learning. History, Geography, Language Arts, Read-Alouds and Readers are integrated (Language Arts can be purchased separately). For example, in Level D, your student will meet Paul Revere in a history book, and then encounter him again in a Reader. They will get to know George Washington in a biography, and then see him again through their own imagination as you read aloud Johnny Tremain and Phoebe the Spy. As your children learn and discover in this style, they'll make astonishing connections between the people, places and events in history. This interconnected approach applies to Levels D through J (except for Level I).

Why does BookShark offer 4-day schedules?

We intentionally leave day 5 open to accommodate homeschool options programs, co-ops, general enrichment studies or to catch up on days missed due to the numerous variables that may impact study time during a typical homeschool week. BookShark remains a challenging academic program that schedules as many Readers and Read-Alouds in our 4-day program as most literature-based programs schedule in their traditional 5-day programs. Furthermore, you retain full flexibility. You may adhere to the 4-day daily reading assignments, or, if you wish, stretch the assignments out to a fifth day and beyond.

What preparation work is required by the parent?

Very little. We provide detailed lesson plans including a weekly schedule (so you know what to expect at the start of each week) and then follow it with daily lesson plans that detail what to read, work on, and discuss each day. You just open your binder and start teaching.

Why does BookShark list programs by Levels?

Our programs are identified by Levels on the website because we believe this is the simplest way for a new parent to identify a starting point. Our programs are designed for and able to be used across age ranges. To that end, our Instructor's Guide covers are identified by a letter(not a grade), with age ranges underneath.

How do I purchase individual titles and Instructor’s Guides?

You can purchase individual titles and Instructor's Guides by searching for them directly in the search field at the top of our homepage or by clicking the orange See All BookShark Products button on the bottom left corner of every page. You may also click the What's Included tab on the webpage for any package to see and order individual items from that package.

Does BookShark offer free shipping?

Orders over $300 will receive free FedEx Ground shipping within the lower 48 states.

For customers in Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and Military.  BookShark offers a split media mail option for a reduced fee. Items that do not qualify for Media Mail will be shipped FedEx or USPS Priority.

We are unable to provide free international shipping.

What do BookShark packages include?

BookShark offers All-Subject Packages that include Reading with History, Language Arts, Science and Math, as well as Handwriting (for Levels A through D) and Spelling (for Levels D through H). These packages include all the Required Resources necessary to use our program. All-Subject Packages are customizable. You may change Reader and Language Arts levels (in levels A through C), select the math program of your choice, or opt out of Required Resources that you already own. All-Subject Packages are also significantly discounted. You save 20% when you purchase an All-Subject Package rather than buying the items individually.

Reading with History packages include everything you need to complete our literature-filled History program. You save 15% when you purchase a Reading with History package rather than buying the items individually.

Science packages include everything you need to complete our Science program, including all science kits.

Is BookShark secular?

BookShark does not espouse or oppose any faith, in other words BookShark is faith-neutral. Our Science and History programs do not teach evolution, creationism, or intelligent design theory. BookShark leaves the teaching of the origins of life and matters of spirituality to the parents rather than promoting any particular viewpoint in the curriculum. Our faith-neutral curriculum allows families from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs to enjoy a well-planned homeschooling year steeped in living literature, read alouds, and hands-on science activities. 

Does BookShark offer payment plans?

Yes! BookShark Payment Plan is a great way for you to get the best curriculum for your children and fit your budget. Payment plans are available on orders over $499. If you qualify, you will be able apply for a payment plan on the last step of checkout before you enter your credit card information. For complete details on the payment plans, please click here.

Does BookShark have a catalog?

Yes, and we are happy to send you one if you give us your address! Please use the catalog request form here or email customer service directly at bold@bookshark.com to request your copy. 

How do I set up my binder once I receive my Instructor Guides?

Follow along as with the video, or read step-by-step instructions on our Instructor's Guide Assembly page.


Which Level do I choose for my student?

Because our Levels are designed for an age range as opposed to grade, you may choose any Level that is age appropriate for your student. For skill based subjects such as math and reading, please go to our Resources page to find assessments.

What is your return policy?

We accept returns on new, undamaged, resalable items within 30 days of receipt. Please see our Return Policy page for more information.

How do I enroll with BookShark?

BookShark is a curriculum provider, so there is no enrollment process. We are not a school and do not monitor your progress throughout the year. We are, however, a vendor for many homeschool-supportive charter schools around the country. If your state requires you to enroll with a school and you would like to use BookShark as your curriculum, please check with your local school district to see if there are any schools that would consider BookShark as one of their approved curricula or contact us for support.

Does BookShark offer high school courses?

Yes! Both our Level I and Level J programs are appropriate for high school students ages 13-15 and 14-18, respectively. We also have two newer High School levels, World and U.S.! Please check with your local school district or a local college to see what requirements you need to fulfill for high school in your area.

Does BookShark work for gifted and twice-exceptional learners?

Yes, BookShark is flexible enough to be effectively used by families with gifted students. Read more about using BookShark with gifted learners here: https://homeschool.bookshark.com/gifted/

Does BookShark work for special needs learners?

Yes, BookShark is flexible enough to be effectively used for students with special needs such as ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia, etc. Read more about using BookShark with special needs students here: https://homeschool.bookshark.com/special-needs/

Is BookShark accredited?

Accreditation applies only to institutions of learning (schools, colleges, universities) but never to curriculum. Because BookShark is not a school, but a curriculum provider, we cannot be accredited.

Due to the large variation of standards around the country, we do not specifically follow any state standards either. However BookShark typically meets or exceeds state standards. In fact, we are an approved vendor with many charter schools around the country. Check with your local school district or the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) to verify that BookShark fulfills the requirements in your state.