An Honest Comparison of the Best Catholic Homeschool Curricula
It’s a great time to be a homeschooler. There are so many amazing resources, especially authentically Catholic homeschool curricula! But where to begin? The vast choices can be overwhelming. Today, I will share with you a list of some of the different Catholic homeschool curricula on the market. I will give you a brief overview of each one, and compare and contrast them. This will help you start your research when deciding which ones to pursue further.
After homeschooling for 8 years now, I have had experience with a few different curricula. I have also seen what works well for my friends. Today, I will share with you:
- 8 of the best Catholic homeschool curricula (in my opinion)
- The grade levels available for each one
- The cost for 1st grade
- Whether or not enrollment is available
- Whether or not online classes are available or offered
- If grading available
- If the program/school is accredited
- If standardized testing services are available
Use this list to help you narrow down which curriculum may be best for you and your family.
The 8 best Catholic homeschool curricula
Here is the list of Catholic homeschool curricula that I will go over today. We will take cost, options and resources available for each one. Cost will vary from year to year, so I will compare the cost of a 1st grade curriculum for all of the options.
Also, keep in mind that you can also mix and match curricula from different companies. For example, you may love the Spelling and Handwriting of one company but choose to use History from a totally different company. Do what works for you!
What is accreditation?
Click here to read about what it means for a school to be accredited and decide if this will benefit you.
Without further ado, here is the list:
1. Catholic Heritage Curricula
Catholic Heritage Curricula‘s motto is “Educating for Eternity!” This is a perfect motto for them because all of their materials are solidly and authentically Catholic. Catholic Heritage Curricula is known as a gentle and flexible curriculum. However, make no mistake that their standards are up to par with state and national standards.
For example, a child will be reading at a 2nd or 3rd grade level (or higher) if he or she completes CHC’s phonics program in 1st and 2nd grade. They pride themselves on teaching students how to be life long learners. They have a lot of reviews, testimonial, and FAQ on their website. Their materials are simple, organized, and beautiful. Their religious education supplements are wonderful!
Many of CHC’s materials are consumable, meaning they can only be used by only 1 child. There are a few textbooks that can be shared, but this also keeps the cost of the program down annually.
Now, let’s look at CHC is more detail:
- Grades available: Pre-K through High School (although their high school program is unique in that it is designed by the parent and the student)
- Cost for 1st grade: $210.80 for First Grade core kit
- Enrollment: No
- Online classes available: No
- Grading available: No
- Accredited: No
- Testing services available: No
2. Seton Home Study School
Seton Home Study School is a solid choice for Catholic homeschooling. Named after St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, they have a great track record of their graduates going on to attend prestigious colleges and universities. Their materials are thorough, simple to use, and organized.
Everything from Seton is infused with the Catholic faith, including their math curricula for the younger grades. Their American History and early elementary Art books are favorites in our family. Art 1 is based on the Liturgical Year, and we often revisit crafts year after year that we enjoyed. I recommend it! It’s great to do as a family. Your child will receive a solid foundation in academics and the Catholic faith with Seton.
Some people believe their curricula can be a little dry or dull, but you can take a look at plenty of the samples on the website to decide for yourself.
- Grades available: Pre-K through High School
- Cost for 1st grade: $600.00 to enroll (this includes the new family fee. There are discounts for enrolling more than 1 child)
- Enrollment available: Yes (though not mandatory)
- Online classes available: No
- Grading available: Yes
- Accredited: Yes
- Testing services available: Yes
3. Kolbe Academy
Kolbe Academy is another solid Catholic homeschool curriculum choice. At a homeschool conference, I once heard someone say that Kolbe high school is like college! This suggests that their academics are strong. They also have many options and resources for homeschoolers as well as plenty of support available for homeschool parents.
In my opinion, some of their early spelling and phonics programs look a little dated and unappealing to children. However, we are currently using their 3rd grade World History curriculum, and it has been very enjoyable and fruitful! It has plenty of important historical Catholic figures and events woven throughout. It isn’t a super detailed history curriculum, but it is giving us a solid introduction into the different time periods and key figures. It is organized well, and we love the activities and supplemental materials.
Kolbe also has great summer resources such as online classes and book clubs.
- Grades available: Pre-K through High School
- Cost for 1st grade: $769.00 (includes $350.00 book credit) – This is for full time standard. Click here to see all of the options available.
- Enrollment available: Yes (though not mandatory)
- Online classes available: Yes
- Grading available: Yes
- Accredited: Yes
- Testing services available: Yes
4. Our Lady of Victory School
Our Lady of Victory School is a Traditional Catholic homeschool program. They “…promote the Traditional Latin Mass, the ancient rites of the Sacraments, a love of the Saints and Holy Mother the Church, as well as traditional devotions, such as the Sacred Heart and the Rosary in its original 15-decade form.” Lovely!
They use religious texts all published before 1960 for religious education courses. Many of their books are from Lepanto press, a Traditional Catholic publisher.
- Grades available: Kindergarten through High School
- Cost for 1st grade: $450.00 for full enrollment, though there are other options
- Enrollment available: Yes (though not mandatory)
- Online classes available: No
- Grading available: Yes, but some courses are graded only by the parent
- Accredited: Yes
- Testing services available: No, but certain standardized test booklets are available
5. Mother of Divine Grace School
Mother of Divine Grace “…helps parents implement a Classical Education…” MODG follows the classical Trivium and Quadrivium cycles. MODG offers plenty of assistance and guidance to parents and is, of course, authentically Catholic. I do not have a lot of experience with MODG, but I love browsing their religion books and curricula for ideas. I have also seen their art books at a homeschool conference, and they are pretty enough to be displayed on a coffee table! Children will enjoy them immensely.
- Grades available: Pre-K through High School
- Cost for 1st grade: $550 for new families
- Enrollment available: Yes
- Online classes available: Learning Support Classes to supplement the main program are available
- Grading available: Yes
- Accredited: Yes
- Testing services available: Yes
6. Mater Amabalis
Mater Amabalis is a FREE Catholic Charlotte Mason style homeschool curriculum. The curriculum is inspired by Charlotte Mason education which includes. Charlotte Mason’s method of education usually includes lots of family read-alouds of “Living Books”, an emphasis on Nature Study, a relaxed homeschool environment, and unit studies (where various academic subjects are covered in one lesson on one specific topic). For example, a unit study on Ancient Rome could include history, reading, writing, science, geography, and religion over the course of a day or even a month. You would focus on studying Ancient Rome, but weave the various subjects throughout the study.
Even though this curriculum is free, it is very thorough! I have found lots of lovely ideas for unit studies and projects throughout their website. That said, nothing is entirely free. You will rely on your local library for the recommended readings, and may need to purchase some if you cannot find them. For example, you will need to purchase the Faith in Life religion textbooks. Furthermore, you will also need access to a printer or printing service.
However, Mater Amabalis generously provides all of the detailed lesson plans and answer keys for free. What a blessing to have access to an affordable Catholic homeschool education!
- Grades available: Pre-K through High School
- Cost for 1st grade: Free
- Enrollment available: No
- Online classes available: No
- Grading available: No
- Accredited: No
- Testing services available: No
7. Our Lady of the Rosary School
Our Lady of the Rosary School is another Traditional Catholic program. Many of the materials are their own Catholic materials, and they cannot be purchased a la carte or individually. Although, you can purchase consumable packets if needed. Some materials can be used for multiple children over the years, but not the consumable ones.
I do not have experience with this particular curriculum. There are some samples on the website, but they are not very detailed. I wanted to mention it because from what I can see it is definitely solidly and authentically Catholic.
- Grades available: Pre-K through High School
- Cost for 1st grade: $709.00
- Enrollment available: Yes (required)
- Online classes available: No
- Grading available: Yes
- Accredited: Yes
- Testing services available: No
8. Catholic Schoolhouse
Catholic Schoolhouse is a Classical homeschool model (similar to Mother of Divine Grace). Catholic Schoolhouse is 100% authentically Catholic throughout all subjects.
Catholic Schoolhouse is also a unique program because it is a SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAM.
Catholic Schoolhouse, however, does not include core subjects like full math, spelling and grammar. You will have to supplement your coursework with these from another source. See the scope and sequence here.
The coolest thing about Catholic Schoolhouse is that it offers the opportunity for a co-op to support each family’s learning. For example, each family will complete the supplemental lessons and coursework on their own but will meet up with a group of other families who use the curriculum as well. This is a great opportunity for socializing and groupwork in each subject.
The co-ops meet at a central location and parents or hired instructors will teach each subject. This is a very enjoyable and unique experience for homeschoolers. No other program on the list offers this co-op model.
Catholic Schoolhouse also relies heavily on memory work. There is also an emphasis on working on many subjects as a family called a “one-room schoolhouse” model. This model has many benefits such as the older children solidifying their understanding by helping at teaching younger children.
At a glance, their materials are truly beautiful and would be exciting for any Catholic homeschooled child. They also offer the option to buy individual Tours (yearly cycles) and courses.
The real benefit of Catholic Schoolhouse is the potential to join a chapter and connect with other homeschool families. You can find out if there is a chapter near you here and you can find the directory of local directors here.
- Grades available: Pre-K through high school
- Cost for 1st grade: Fees per family and per student
- Enrollment available: Join a Catholic Schoolhouse Chapter
- Online classes available: No, but some remote access resources available and an app
- Grading available: No
- Accredited: No
- Testing services available: No
How to choose the best homeschool curriculum
Choosing a homeschool curriculum is a very personal choice and can vary greatly among families. Every family is different and every child is different, and they each have their own unique needs. Be sure discern your curriculum choice carefully by bringing it to The Lord in prayer. He will give you the exact grace and guidance you need at all time. All you have to do is ask!
When deciding on the right curriculum for your family, you should also determine your budget. As you can see throughout this article, the costs can vary significantly among curricula. This could narrow some down right off the bat.
You should also check the scope and sequence of each curricula that you are interested in, especially if your state requires standardized testing. You want to make sure these match closely with national and/or common core standards. I am not saying that you have to teach using common core. Just make sure the scope and sequence equals or exceeds these standards.
Also, think about what kind of learners your children are. Do they enjoy lots of hands-on work in a group or do they prefer to work independently in a workbook? You probably have many different learners among your children!
Lastly, what curriculum appeals to you? If you are not excited to teach the the curriculum then school will be painful and unenjoyable.
Questions or advice on Catholic homeschool curricula?
I would love to hear from you! If you are a new homeschooler, what choices appeal to you and what other questions do you have? Be sure to subscribe for a free printable to help you plan!
If you are a seasoned homeschool parent, what is your favorite Catholic homeschool curriculum and what advice do you have for others deciding on what curriculum to choose?
Please let me know in the comments!
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You left off CatechismClass.com which only focuses on the religion component of homeschooling and does it exceptionally well. Their programs have been around since 2004. They are the original online Catholic homeschooling option and they still provide excellent lessons combining topics, Scripture, catechism passages, and activities in a great and low cost way. Please don’t leave them off the list.
Thanks for the recommendation, Mike! I will have to check them out!