Michael Brooks
There are many Catholic homeschooling programs available, each with its own unique approach, level of structure, and cost. Some of the most popular programs include Seton Home Study School, The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA), Kolbe Academy, and Charlotte Mason. These programs offer a rigorous academic foundation, preparing children for success in higher education, and beyond. They incorporate classic literature, Latin studies, theology, philosophy, math, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills. The hardest Catholic homeschool program will depend on the student's learning style and the level of structure and flexibility offered by the program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rigorous academics | Success in higher education |
| Classical | Latin studies |
| Emphasis on critical thinking skills | |
| Customization | |
| Charlotte Mason-inspired | |
| Online | |
| Traditional | |
| Modern | |
| Structured | |
| Flexible | |
| Simple to use | |
| Organized | |
| Infused with the Catholic faith |
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What You'll Learn
Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA)
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) is a Catholic homeschool program that offers a classical education in the liberal arts. The program is unique, rigorous, and authentically Catholic and classical. The CLAA is accredited by Cognia and is committed to self-improvement and accountability. The program offers courses in a variety of disciplines, including Latin, Greek, philosophy, theology, modern math, classical math, and ancient history. The CLAA's high school program is designed by the parent and the student, allowing for customization and flexibility.
The CLAA's curriculum is designed to nourish the soul, sharpen the mind, and prepare individuals for a life of virtue and purpose. The program emphasizes the principles of the classical liberal arts and embraces the teachings of the Catholic Church and the wisdom of the ancients. The CLAA's mission is to guide students, parents, and teachers through this curriculum, offering insights, lectures, and practical tips to enrich the educational journey.
The CLAA's online platform, Moodle, is easy to use and encourages student independence. All course materials, quizzes, assessments, and texts are available immediately upon enrollment. The texts and materials are either original and developed by the CLAA or are in the public domain. The program is designed to be affordable and accessible for families, with all the necessary materials available online.
The CLAA provides students and parents with the support needed for success in classical studies. Daily communication is available via email, live chat, and phone, ensuring that help is always accessible. The program is well-planned and efficient, leaving more time for prayer and family while also being easy to tailor and enhance to meet individual needs and goals. The CLAA offers a different path for each student, based on their unique circumstances and aspirations.
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Seton Home Study School
The school provides a Christ-centred program designed for Catholic homeschooling families in today's world. Seton's curriculum is customisable to suit the unique needs of each child, and its entire staff is dedicated to assisting parents with their educational responsibilities. Seton's program is well-structured and simple to use, with materials that are easy to follow.
One parent shared their experience of using Seton for their 5-year-old son, who was reading and doing math at a first-grade level. They appreciated the step-by-step curriculum, which helped alleviate their anxiety as a new homeschooling parent. They also praised the religion course and music lessons, which included fun sing-alongs and art projects. However, they were not as impressed with the history and science texts, citing the inclusion of religion in these subjects as excessive.
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Charlotte Mason method
The Charlotte Mason method of education is based on three principles: "Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life". Charlotte believed that a child's home environment has a significant influence on their learning. She advocated for cultivating good habits and character development as a vital aspect of education, alongside academic instruction. This method encourages Bible readings and has a Christian-based methodology, making it compatible with Catholic education.
The Charlotte Mason Educational Collaborative (CMEC) is a great resource for families seeking a traditional Charlotte Mason education. While not officially Catholic, many of its members are, and they offer guidance on how to align the curriculum with Catholic teachings.
The Charlotte Mason method emphasises the importance of living thoughts and ideas, rather than rote memorisation of facts. It encourages the use of notebooks to record quotes, thoughts, and reflections, fostering a deeper engagement with the material.
Some parents who follow the Charlotte Mason method have noted challenges in finding Catholic-specific resources and have had to supplement with additional materials to align with their faith. However, with some adjustments, the Charlotte Mason approach can be successfully integrated into a Catholic homeschool curriculum.
In terms of curriculum choices, Seton Home Study School is a popular option for Catholic homeschooling. It offers a thorough, simple-to-use, and organised curriculum infused with Catholic faith across various subjects, including math, history, and art. The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) is another unique and rigorous Catholic homeschool program offering classes in Theology, Philosophy, Math, Latin, Greek, and Ancient History.
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Mater Amabilis
The Mater Amabilis curriculum is laid out by age, but parents are encouraged to move their child up or down as needed. Each level has its own page with suggested books and materials for each subject. Many books and subjects have specific lesson plans and schedules to assist parents in planning. The program is designed to be used over a 36-week year, but this can be adapted to suit the needs of the child and family.
The Mater Amabilis curriculum is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Holy Father Pope Francis. The resources listed in the curriculum are suggestions, and parents are free to substitute them with other suitable resources they prefer. The curriculum covers various levels, from Pre/K to High School, and the system of grade levels is modeled after Charlotte Mason's Parents' Union School (PUS) levels with some modifications.
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The School House Anywhere (TSHA)
TSHA integrates art, nature, and hands-on learning into every aspect of the curriculum. For art appreciation, children are introduced to a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, music, and dance, which encourages them to explore their creativity and self-expression. The program also offers a supportive online community where parents can connect with other homeschooling families, engage with educators and the founder of TSHA, and access resources such as podcasts, newsletters, and emails filled with homeschooling tips.
Unlike some other programs, TSHA does not follow a traditional or classical approach. Instead, it focuses on providing a curriculum that supports a love of learning, critical thinking, and a strong moral compass. This approach may be well-suited to families who value flexibility and want to prioritize a child-led education.
TSHA is a good option for those who want to incorporate Catholic values into their homeschool curriculum without a specific religious focus. It offers a unique, flexible, and community-oriented approach to homeschooling, allowing parents and children to connect with others on a similar journey while also tailoring the education to their individual needs and interests.
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Frequently asked questions
I cannot find information on which Catholic homeschool program is the hardest. However, here is a list of some of the most rigorous Catholic homeschool programs:
- Seton Home Study School
- The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA)
- Kolbe Academy
Seton Home Study School is a well-known and established Catholic homeschooling program that offers a traditional school curriculum that can be completed at home. Seton's materials are thorough, simple to use, and organized, infused with the Catholic faith, and include math, science, religion, music, history, and art. Seton also provides a step-by-step curriculum.
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) offers rigorous classes in Theology, Philosophy, Modern Math, Classical Math, Latin, Greek, and Ancient History, among others. The program is entirely online, with all materials, quizzes, assessments, and texts available on their Moodle platform.
Kolbe Academy offers an authentically Catholic, classical home education with customization to suit a student's unique learning style. They are an accredited institution with over 40 years of experience in forming well-rounded, integrated young men and women.
