If you’ve been researching Christian homeschool curriculum, Heart of Dakota probably keeps showing up. It’s one of the most talked-about programs in the homeschool community — and for good reason. But is it actually the right fit for your family?
This honest Heart of Dakota review breaks down exactly what the curriculum includes, who it works best for, and what you need to know before you buy.
What Is Heart of Dakota?
Heart of Dakota (HOD) is a complete, Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschool curriculum for PreK through 12th grade. It was created by Carrie Austin, a homeschool mom, and is built around a unit study approach that integrates multiple subjects — including Bible, history, science, language arts, and fine arts — into a single daily guide.
The goal is simple: one structured guide that tells you exactly what to do each day, with a strong Christian worldview woven throughout.
What’s Included in Heart of Dakota
Each Heart of Dakota guide includes daily lesson plans across these core subjects:
- Bible and character training — Scripture memory, devotional reading, and character-building activities
- History and geography — Chronological history study with living books and maps
- Science — Hands-on experiments and nature study
- Language arts — Phonics, reading, writing, grammar, and spelling (varies by level)
- Fine arts — Picture study, composer study, and hands-on art projects
- Math — Not included; Heart of Dakota recommends separate math curriculum
Each guide is designed for one child at one level. Families with multiple children at different levels will need separate guides.
Heart of Dakota Levels
Heart of Dakota offers guides from PreK through high school:
- Little Hands to Heaven — PreK (ages 2–5)
- Little Hearts for His Glory — Grade 1 (ages 5–7)
- Beyond Little Hearts — Grade 2
- Bigger Hearts for His Glory — Grade 3
- Creation to Christ — Grades 4–5
- Bigger Hearts through World Geography — Middle school
- High school guides — Rhetoric, literature, and worldview focus
Most families start with Little Hands to Heaven or Little Hearts for His Glory depending on their child’s age and readiness.
What We Like About Heart of Dakota
1. Everything is planned for you The daily guide is genuinely open-and-go. You don’t have to plan lessons, source books, or build a schedule from scratch. That alone is worth a lot for busy homeschool moms.
2. Strong Christian worldview Bible is not an add-on — it’s integrated throughout every subject. History, science, and literature are all taught through a biblical lens. This is one of the most thoroughly Christian curricula available.
3. Charlotte Mason methods without the overwhelm HOD draws heavily from Charlotte Mason principles — living books, nature study, narration, picture study — but structures them in a way that’s accessible for parents who are new to that philosophy.
4. Kids enjoy it The variety built into each day — a little Bible, a little history, a hands-on project, some art — keeps kids engaged better than a traditional textbook approach.
5. Proven track record Heart of Dakota has been around since 2000. It has a large, active community of HOD families online, which means you’re never short on support, photos, and real-world feedback.
What to Consider Before You Buy
1. Cost adds up with multiple children Each guide is purchased per child per level. If you have three kids at three different levels, you’re buying three separate guides. Budget accordingly.
2. Requires a lot of books Heart of Dakota uses living books rather than textbooks, which means you’ll be sourcing a list of specific titles — some through the HOD store, some through Amazon or your library. First-year setup cost can be $300–$500+ depending on the level.
3. Math is separate HOD does not include math. You’ll need to add a separate math curriculum. Most HOD families use Math-U-See, Saxon, or RightStart alongside their guide.
4. Not ideal for independent learners in early grades The lower levels require significant parent involvement. If you’re hoping your 6-year-old can work independently for stretches of time, this curriculum will require you to sit with them for most subjects.
5. Storage and physical materials HOD is a physical curriculum. You’ll have books, supplies, and materials to store and manage. It’s not a digital-first solution.
Who Heart of Dakota Is Best For
Heart of Dakota is an excellent fit if you:
- Want a structured, planned-for-you curriculum with a strong Christian worldview
- Have children in PreK through early middle school
- Appreciate Charlotte Mason methods but want more structure than pure CM
- Are willing to invest $300–$500 upfront for a complete curriculum
- Have time to sit with your child during lessons, especially in the early years
It may not be the best fit if you need a budget curriculum, a fully digital solution, or a program your child can complete independently.
How Much Does Heart of Dakota Cost?
Individual guides typically range from $85–$130 depending on the level. The full book package for each guide — sourced separately — adds another $150–$300+.
Most families spend $300–$500 per child per year for a complete Heart of Dakota setup. That’s in line with other full-service Christian homeschool curricula.
Heart of Dakota sells directly through their website at heartofdakota.com.
Heart of Dakota vs. Other Christian Curricula
If you’re comparing options, here’s how HOD stacks up against other popular programs:
| Feature | Heart of Dakota | Masterbooks | My Father’s World |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Charlotte Mason / Unit Study | Traditional / Textbook | Charlotte Mason / Unit Study |
| Christian Worldview | Strong | Strong | Strong |
| Open and Go | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Math Included | No | Yes | No |
| Cost Per Year | $300–$500+ | $150–$300 | $250–$400 |
| Best For | Structured CM families | Traditional learners | Nature-focused families |
For a full comparison of Christian homeschool curriculum options, see our guide to the best Christian homeschool curriculum for elementary kids.
Final Verdict: Our Heart of Dakota Review
Heart of Dakota is one of the most complete, well-designed Christian homeschool curricula available. If you want a structured, open-and-go program built on Charlotte Mason methods with a genuine biblical foundation, it deserves serious consideration.
The cost is real, and the parent involvement required in the early years is significant. But for families who are committed to a rich, literature-based education rooted in faith, Heart of Dakota delivers.
Ready to explore your options? See our full breakdown of the best Christian homeschool curriculum for elementary kids to compare HOD with other top programs.
This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend resources we genuinely believe in. All opinions are our own.