Side-by-side comparison
Power Homeschool vs Time4Learning
A side-by-side from International Academy of Science and Time4Learning.
Power Homeschool and Time4Learning are the two most-searched secular online homeschool programs, and they compete for the same family: parents who want a self-paced digital curriculum that handles instruction, grading, and recordkeeping while the student works independently. Both cover PreK through 12. Neither is accredited, and the parent administers both. For years the choice came down to format. Since Power Homeschool's 2025 price change, it also comes down to money.
Power Homeschool is the parent-led version of the Acellus courseware from the International Academy of Science. Lessons are video lectures taught by real teachers on screen, with tiered instruction that offers more than one video per concept when a student struggles. Pricing as of 2026 is $99 per month per student, or $79 with a scholarship, up from roughly $31 per month before a mid-2025 increase that tripled costs with little notice. The content carries baggage too: a 2020 Hawaii Department of Education review documented bias and inappropriate material in Acellus courses, and reviewers still advise previewing before subscribing.
Time4Learning has run since 2004 and takes the animated, interactive route rather than video lectures. Lessons auto-grade, records export for portfolio and compliance documentation, and the platform is built for parents who want minimal management. Pricing is $39.95 per month with real family discounts: 10% off for two kids, 20% for three to five, 25% for six or more, plus 30% off annual plans. It's ESA-eligible in qualifying states. The weaknesses are the mirror image: animation skews young, writing instruction is light, and high school rigor needs supplementing.
The math changed in 2025. Time4Learning now costs under half of Power Homeschool per student, and the gap widens with every additional child.
At a glance
The specifics
| Power Homeschool | Time4Learning | |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | International Academy of Science | Time4Learning |
| Established | 2001 | 2004 |
| Price | $948–$1188/year | $335–$479/year |
| Grades | PreK, K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12 | PreK, K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12 |
| Subject | Math, Language Arts, Science, History, Foreign Language, Full Program | Math, Language Arts, Science, History, Electives, Full Program |
| Method | Online Video | Eclectic, Online Video |
| Format | Digital, Video | Digital, Video |
| Worldview | Secular | Secular |
The verdict
How to choose
Choose Time4Learning if you have more than one student, your kids are elementary or middle school age, you need exportable records for state compliance, or you're moving out of conventional school and want an easy landing. The family discounts and lower base price make it the default choice on value, and the content carries none of Acellus's history.
Choose Power Homeschool only if your student genuinely prefers teacher-on-video lectures over animated lessons, is old enough to learn from a lecture format, and you've previewed the specific courses your child will take. At $99 per month per student it has to earn its price, and for most families it doesn't. Time4Learning is the better value for the majority of secular homeschoolers in 2026.
Read the full reviews
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