By TED Staff
January 2021
Two things have been on the rise in recent years: homeschooling and classical education. Schools rooted in Great Books and the Trivium are popping up all over the United States. And as more and more families choose to learn at home, it makes perfect sense that classical homeschooling curricula are becoming better and more widely available. Below, we break down the five best homeschooling curricula for classical education.
What is Classical Education?
Classical Education has been used to educate young people for centuries. Put simply, classical education values knowledge for its own sake. It is rooted in the Trivium and Quadrivium; first comes knowledge, then understanding, and finally, wisdom. All of these are cultivated through the embracing of literature, language, history, and art. Classically educated students immerse themselves in the Great Books — that is, those books by which we pass on our cultural heritage — as preparation for a life of wisdom and virtue.
1. Memoria Press
Memoria Press is a classical Christian curriculum for children grades Pre-K to 12. Besides being extremely popular amongst homeschooling families, Memoria Press is also taught via an online academy, and is used in more than 650 schools nationwide. Curriculum is available in grade-level packages. It offers everything one needs to complete a school year. Highlights include Latin, the Famous Men series, and science.
2. Classical Academic Press
Classical Academic Press’s motto is “classical subjects creatively taught.” While mMost classical curricula emphasize the memorization of facts in the knowledge stage of the Trivium. Classical Academic Press does so with a more creative-than-most approach. Curriculum is available for grades Pre-K through 12. Online courses, parent-teacher training, and homeschool co-op groups are also offered. Highlights include:
- the Writing Rhetoric series
- Latin and Latin-based languages
- the God’s Great Covenant Biblical studies program.
3. Veritas Press
Veritas Press offers classical homeschooling curriculum for grades kindergarten through 12th. Rooted in a Christian approach to the Trivium, Veritas Press provides homeschoolers with complete grade-level packages containing all subjects and materials needed for a year of learning. Additionally, students may participate in online classes and/or self-paced courses. Curriculum highlights include the all-encompassing Omnibus and a series of elective courses not often found in other classical homeschooling programs.
4. The Good and the Beautiful
The Good and the Beautiful is a classical homeschooling curriculum with a Christian worldview. Families love that The Good and the Beautiful is both affordable and “easy.” It requires virtually no prep time on the part of parents! Curriculum is offered for grades Pre-K through eight, in subjects ranging from language arts to science. Highlights include:
- handwriting workbooks
- family-style science courses
- typing.
5. Classical Conversations
Classical Conversations is a homeschooling curriculum which focuses on three “keys”:
- Classical education
- a Christian approach
- community
Unlike other strictly “at-home” curriculums, Classical Conversations introduces its students to others in their region. Students are then encouraged to spend part of each week learning together as a group, with parents trained as “tutors.” Curriculum is available for students ages three to 12+. Highlights include:
- Bible
- history
- geography.
Related Reading:
30 Common Misconceptions About Homeschoolers and Homeschooling
30 Great Free Online Courses for Educators
Top 30 Homeschooling Blogs