Side by side
BookShark vs Monarch
Both stand on homeschool curriculum. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial AndroidiPhoneWeb
BookShark combines structured schedules and literature-based materials with online tools for students and parents. Families should account for the physical books and the six-month Virtual course-use period.
Visit BookShark
Free trial iPhoneMacWeb+1
Monarch combines parent-managed planning with self-paced digital lessons and a broad course catalog. Families should note that it is a curriculum platform rather than an accredited school, and pricing is billed per student.
Visit MonarchThe facts
| BookShark | Monarch | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Virtual Seat for Language Arts D+E: $88, paid once | See the plans |
| Plans published | 10 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bookshark.com | aop.com |
| On homeschool curriculum | #7 of 40 | #11 of 40 |
BookShark: what it does well
- Curriculum covers three subjects, with math options.
- Schedules are organized for four days per week.
- Virtual offers auto-graded assessments and parent progress tools.
- First week of a Virtual course is free to try.
What to know first
- Virtual courses must be used within six months.
- Virtual does not replace the required physical books.
- No free plan is available.
Monarch: what it does well
- More than 100 Bible-based courses for grades 3–12
- Over 85% of grading is automatic
- Parents can assign courses above or below age level
- 30-day trial includes every course and feature
What to know first
- It is not an accredited school
- No free plan is listed
Alternatives to BookShark Alternatives to Monarch The whole list