Reviews

Catholic Homeschooling Programs

Many parents are very happy to have the assistance of these homeschool programs as an essential part of their educational endeavors. Others, like a devout Catholic father and grandfather of many homeschooled children who I spoke with, would say that they haven't pulled their children out of school just to have someone else tell them what to do. Catholic teaching has always been quite clear that the parents are the primary educators and that they have a right to choose how their children are educated. These Catholic programs offer their curriculum at the service of the family.

Homeschool programs bring varying degrees of accountability and guidance for homeschool parents. They offer a certain sense of security, particularly for new homeschoolers and those homeschooling high-schoolers. When trying to decide which program to use or whether or not to use a program, the most important thing to do is to pray (preferably as a family) to discern God's will and to have the grace to follow it. It is worthwhile to consider your children's learning styles, your own academic abilities, state law, and college admissions requirements in making this decision. Please visit the linked websites and/or order catalogs for more information on each program.

For those wishing to work more independently or looking for a little help with homeschooling on their own, there are a number of Catholic companies (including some of the programs listed below) that allow you to purchase their lesson plans without being signed up with a particular school. Click here for our page on Catholic lesson plans.

Catholic homeschool programs are listed below in alphabetical order. A listing does not imply endorsement by love2learn.net or any of our contributors, but is provided as a service to homeschool families.

If you would like to suggest additions to this page, please email us at admin [at] love2learn [dot] net.

 

Angelicum logoThe Angelicum Academy

Founded: 2000

Classical, great books program with a curriculum inspired by Mortimer Adler, John Senior and Thomas Aquinas College.

PO Box 25777
Colorado Springs, CO 80936
Phone: 719-373-6876
Email: info@angelicum.net
Website: https://www.angelicum.net

 

Aquinas Learning logoAquinas Learning

Founded: 2009

"Aquinas Learning is a family-friendly curriculum where the family learns the same content at different levels, so everyone’s on the same page (especially when it comes to dinner discussions and field trips). It is Catholic at its core, classical & scholastic in its approach, with subjects that are integrated in the pursuit of beauty, goodness, and truth to build moral and intellectual virtues in students, thereby creating a community whose affections are turned to these pursuits." "Aquinas Learning ... blend[s] a once-a-week meeting day with peers and other adults with at-home studies."

P.O. Box 253 
Manassas, VA 20108
Email: info@aquinaslearning.com
Website: https://www.aquinaslearning.com/

 

CHC logoCatholic Heritage Curricula

Founded: 1993

Complete curriculum provider without enrollment. "Catholic Heritage Curricula's exclusive materials and lesson plans fit together to provide a solid, complete, family-friendly Catholic education. It is CHC's belief that, when solid academics are offered in a gentle, flexible manner, the vast majority of children will blossom spiritually, emotionally, and academically." See our reviews of CHC's lesson plans here!

4020 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 122-320 
Irving, TX 75038
Phone: (800) 490-7713
https://www.chcweb.com/

 

Catholic Schoolhouse logoCatholic Schoolhouse

Founded: 2007

"Catholic Schoolhouse was founded in 2007 to enhance education in the grammar stage by providing classical memory work for the Catholic homeschool. Going beyond simple memory work, the developers enlisted experts in all areas of study and a wide variety of resources, Catholic and secular, homeschool and non-homeschool to determine what information is typically encountered during the elementary school years (K-8). 

"Individual families, chapters and co-ops are able to succeed, bring family unity to teaching, and belong to a greater Catholic community with Catholic Schoolhouse."

Email: catholicschoolhouse@gmail.com
Website: https://www.catholicschoolhouse.com/

 

Homeschool Connections logoHomeschool Connections

Founded: 2008

Online Catholic homeschooling courses. "Discover the joy of homeschooling with instructors who support your faith." Homeschool Connections offers both live, interactive courses that meet online, and recorded courses that can be used for independent, self-paced learning.

P.O. Box 1386
Keller, Texas 76244
Phone: (888) 372-4757
Email: info@homeschoolconnections.com
Website: https://homeschoolconnections.com/

 

Kolbe Academy logoKolbe Academy

Founded: Day School, 1980 - Homeschool Program, 1988

Classical, great books program inspired by St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Online academy has been operating since Fall 2015, and students may enroll in a single course or a complete online program. Some summer or self-paced courses are also available.

2501 Oak Street
Napa, CA, 94559
Phone (707) 256-4306
Website: https://www.kolbe.org
You may also wish to read Implementation of Ignatian Education in the Home by Kolbe's founder, Francis Crotty.

 

Mater Amabilis logoMater Amabilis

Curriculum provider, no enrollment. "A Catholic Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum. ... Mater Amabilis™ [is] a free online Pre/K- High School Charlotte Mason style curriculum for Catholics."

Website: https://materamabilis.org/ma/

 

MODG logoMother of Divine Grace School

Founded: 1995

Classical, living books program that provides families with an experienced home educator to help you tailor their basic program to your family's needs. See our reviews of MODG lesson plans here.

407 Bryant Circle, Suite C
Ojai, CA 93023
Phone (805) 646-5818
Website: https://www.modg.org
You may also wish to read Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum which was written by the director, Laura Berquist.

 

 

Our Lady of the Rosary logoOur Lady of the Rosary School

Founded: 1983

Traditional Catholic pre-K through 12 grade program dedicated to using Catholic materials wherever possible.

101 Buchannan Blvd, Ste 2
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-1338
Website: https://olrs.com

 

Our Lady of Victory School logoOur Lady of Victory School

Founded: 1977

Traditional Catholic program and publisher (under the title Lepanto Press) of many Catholic textbooks and fine literature of old.

103 East 10th Avenue
Post Falls, ID 83854
Phone: (208) 773-7265
Website: https://www.olvs.org

 

Oxrose Academy logoOxrose Academy / Schola Rosa / Rolling Acres School

"Rolling Acres School, LLC operates Oxrose Press and Oxrose Academy to promote Catholic, Classical curriculum, materials, and online learning opportunities."

Provides "an orthodox, Christo-centric, classical curriculum that teaches truth and grows the sacramental Christian identity of the child and family; a means for communities to practice Christian solidarity and foster local Catholic culture in co-ops; a joyful, community of scholars to aid in creating materials for middle school and highschool students; a useful, affordable, high quality catalog of educational products and services."

The Rolling Acres School
254 Dozier Rogers Road,
Lucedale, MS 39452
Phone: 507-822-6966
Email: scholarosa@gmail.com
Website: https://www.oxrosepress.com/mission/

 

Queen of Heaven Academy logoQueen of Heaven Academy

Founded in 1995 (originally Regina Coeli Academy), online homeschool program

Queen of Heaven Academy (QHA) offers an accredited online curriculum (4 - 12th grade) that is faithful to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual traditions of the Catholic Church. QHA's flexible scheduling in multiple zones allows students to complete daily live, interactive online classes by noon each day providing families with maximum flexibility later in the day for extra-curricular activities. QHA's affordable tuition makes full-time or part-time enrollment possible for large families. Full-time enrolled siblings receive deep discounts and a family only pays for three concurrently enrolled full-time students at a time - the 4th, 5th, 6th full-time students pay a minimal participation fee. Unique and exclusively designed for the QHA program, the Missionary Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, in order to protect students using the internet, offer enrollment in the "St. Joseph the Protector Safety Net."

2487 S. Gilbert Rd.
Suite #106-494
Gilbert, AZ  85295
Phone: (817) 805-2818 and (520) 751-1942
Website: https://www.queenofheavenacademy.org

 

Saint Thomas Aquinas Academy

Founded: 1995

Classical, living books emphasis with assistance in tailoring their basic program to fit the needs of your family.

316 California Ave Ste 145
Reno, NV 89509
(209) 863-8400

Website: https://www.staa-homeschool.com

 

Seton Home Study School logoSeton Home Study

Founded: Day School, 1975; Homeschool program, 1980

Traditional Catholic program and a major publisher of Catholic curriculum.

1350 Progress Drive
Front Royal, VA 22630
(540) 636-9990
Website: https://www.setonhome.org
You may also wish to read Catholic Homeschooling, written by the director, Mary Kay Clark.
Seton Home Study was founded by Anne Carroll, the author of Christ the King, Lord of History and Christ and the Americas.

 

Umbrella Schools - no curriculum provided

Saint Michael the Archangel Academy

Founded: 1992

Umbrella school for Catholic Homeschool Families located in California

13924 Foothill Blvd
Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 661-9033

Email: StMichaelTheArchangel@mail.com

 

Catholic Links

Living the Faith

Aleteia Catholic spirituality, culture and news from around the world.

Living Differently: A Catholic Parent's Guide to Changing the World

The Word on Fire Bishop Robert Barron's excellent site, particularly known for great articles, movie reviews and cultural commentary.

Catholic Documents and other Primary Sources

The Catechism of the Catholic Church Complete text available online. Includes Catechism of the Catholic Church search engine.

Dies Domine Pope John Paul IIs recent letter on keeping Holy the Lord's Day.

The Church Fathers

Vatican Information Service Official News Service of the Holy See Press Office

Catholic Resource Sites

Adoremus Society for the Renewal of the Sacred Liturgy

A Catholic Educator's Resource Center A very valuable source of information with solid articles, essays and book reviews on a variety of important topics include evolution, birth control, the over-population myth, etc.

Catholic Information Network Excellent resource on our Catholic faith - encyclicals and other writings and talks from the Holy Father, articles, message boards, etc.

Catholic Liturgical LibraryArticles, book reviews, church documents, and other information relating to the liturgy.

EWTN Eternal Word Television Network - You can watch online if you don't have cable.

New Advent Catholic Website Great Catholic resources (particularly primary sources) including the Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Devotional and Inspirational Sites

Apostleship of Prayer The Holy Father's special intentions listed for each month (Have you ever wondered about the phrase "for the intentions of Our Holy Father for this month" in the morning offering? You can sign up for a free monthly e-mail with this information or refer back to the website on occasion.

Biographies of Popes From the Catholic Encyclopedia.

In Eternal Memory of Angela Baird The very beautiful and touching story of a 19 year old college student (former homeschooler) who was very active in the pro-Life movement and in her faith.

Shroud of Turin Scientific information and history concerning the burial cloth of Christ.

Also See:

Favorite Suppliers
Homeschooling Links

Christmas Music and Movies

Christmas Music: The Bells of Dublin the Chieftains
1991, RCA Victor

Lively Irish tunes are mixed with traditional Christmas melodies and medieval carols to make for an uplifting and memorable Christmas experience. Even the modern Rebel Jesus, written by a "heathen and a pagan" reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas. The album begins with a recording of the bells ringing in the city of Dublin on Christmas eve.

Reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke (11-29-05)

Tracks:

  1. The Bells Of Dublin Christmas Eve
  2. Past Three O'Clock
  3. St. Stephens Day Murders
  4. Il Est Ne/Ca Berger
  5. Don Oiche Ud I MBeithill
  6. I Saw Three Ships A Sailing
  7. A Breton Carol
  8. Carol Medley: O The Holly She Bears A Berry
  9. Carol Medley: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  10. Carol Medley: The Boar's Head
  11. The Wexford Carol
  12. The Rebel Jesus
  13. Skyline Jig
  14. O Holy Night
  15. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Arrival Of The Wren Boys
  16. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Dingle Set--Dance
  17. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Wren In The Furze
  18. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': A Dance Duet--Reels
  19. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': Brafferton Village/Walsh's Hornpipe
  20. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Farewell: The Piper Through The Meadow Strayed
  21. Medley: Once In Royal David's City
  22. Medley: Ding Dong Merrily On High
  23. Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful
Christmas Carols and Motets The Tallis Scholars directed by Peter Phillips
1986, Gimell Records A Christmas Celebration Kathleen Battle
New York Choral Artists, The Boy's Choir of Harlem, The Orchestra of St. Luke's, Leonard Slatkin conducting
1986, Angel Records The Christmas Song Nat King Cole
1963/1999, Capitol Records

Handel: Highlights from Messiah Winchester Cathedral Choir, London Handel Orchestra, Martin Neary, conductor
1984, Academy Sound and Vision, 1989/1994, Musical Heritage Society Merry Christmas Bing Crosby with John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra
1945, MCA
Tracks:

  1. Silent Night
  2. Adeste Fideles
  3. White Christmas
  4. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
  5. Faith Of Our Fathers
  6. I'll Be Home For Christmas
  7. Jingle Bells
  8. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
  9. Silver Bells
  10. It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas
  11. Christmas In Killarney
  12. Mele Kalikimaka
O Come All Ye Faithful King's College Choir
1984 - Decca, 1993 - Musical Heritage Society Christmas Movies: The Bells of Saint Mary's Going My Way It's a Wonderful Life Miracle of the Bells Miracle on 34th Street

Christmas Novena

To be said 15 times daily from the feast of St Andrew (Nov. 30) until Christmas Day (Dec. 25) Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary at midnight in Bethlehem in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, oh my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother.

Educating the Whole Child

Academic, spiritual, social and physical aspects of development are closely interrelated. Discipline gained from playing sports on a team can carry over into academic habits. Questions about Church teaching that come up in a social setting can help reinforce the child’s faith. Academic assignments are an excellent place to practice important virtues. Academics: Formation vs. Information Solid interior development is more important than learning a great deal of information.
  • Self-discipline
  • Virtues
  • Thinking skills
  • Interest in learning
  • Habits
You certainly want solid academic content, but there are many areas of academics that you catch up on later in life more easily than the above mentioned habits and virtues. Integration of Faith and Academics This is what makes a Catholic education…Catholic. A “Religion only” mentality doesn’t work. Math Example (in addition to more practical considerations):
  • develops and disciplines the mind
  • provides a sense of order (which we learn to see in God’s creation)
  • presents the opportunity to practice virtues such as patience, neatness and perseverance (for both children and their parents!!!)
Training the Will (Self-Discipline)
  • forming habits (start young and build in small steps)
  • the will needs exercise just like the body does
  • stories of St. Therese and other Saints / Morning Offering – rely on God
  • parents need to know the difference between laziness and difficulty with the subject matter
Spiritual Formation
The moral virtues grow through education, deliberate acts, and perseverance in struggle. Divine grace purifies and elevates them. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1839
The spiritual nature of the child must be considered at all times. Prayer, the Sacraments, family life, parental example and academic studies are essential. History, literature and science can help reinforce the faith. Socialization Schools provide “automatic” socialization – for better or for worse. Homeschoolers have to plan socialization – this is important, but not difficult. Like many other things, some children need more practice than others. Consider social goals for your children – particularly as they get to adulthood - such as: good manners, working well with others, sensitivity to others needs. Ideally your children should socialize with homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers. Important considerations:
  • age and maturity
  • protect their innocence, especially in the early years
  • know activities are safe and supervised by trustworthy adults
  • be available to talk about experiences, questions
  • develop strengths and encourage growth in weaker areas
Isolationism vs. Controlled Exposure Social possibilities (and examples of what they can provide)…
  • Classes (e.g. art, gymnastics, dance) - respect authority, classroom decorum, comfort level around non-family members
  • Sports – physical exercise and discipline, being a team player (Parish teams, soccer clubs, local recreation department programs and summer sports camps at the local high school are some possibilities.)
  • Volunteer work – experience challenges and solutions, self-esteem, joy in helping others
  • Have whole families over to visit – support and camraderie for children and parents
  • Group activities such as academic clubs, nature outings
  • Interaction with other adults – mentors
Physical Education and Motor Skills To a certain extent - if the body isn’t happy, the mind isn’t happy. Work in physical areas carries over to school subjects – confidence, self-discipline, perseverance, etc. Fine motor skills can be a big issue in academics – find creative ways to develop in this area – such as legos, artwork, stringing beads, making rosaries and doing paper mazes. Homeschooling can be great for balancing these needs – you can let your children run around between subjects, do artwork during read-alouds, chew gum (helpful for very active or noisy children who otherwise distract their siblings), etc.
What use is it to pile task on task and prolong the days of labor, if at the close the chief object is left unattained? It is not the fault of the teachers--they work only too hard already. The combined folly of a civilization that has forgotten its own roots is forcing them to shore up the tottering weight of an educational structure that is built upon sand. They are doing for their pupils the work which the pupils themselves ought to do. For the sole true end of education is simply this: to teach men how to learn for themselves; and whatever instruction fails to do this is effort spent in vain. (Dorothy Sayers "the Lost Tools of Learning")

Educational Theory: Ideas that Matter

This page (and its sub-pages) are presently under construction.

Educational Theory: Ideas that Matter - "Age Quod Agis"

A quote by Fr. Thomas Dubay:
Little children live intensely in the present moment, neither in the past nor in the future. As the French writer La Bruyre once put it, ‘Children have neither past nor future, but they have something we seldom have—they rejoice in the present.’ This is the child-like trait which the New Testament would have us imitate. Age quod agis—literally, ‘do what you are doing’…The future does not yet exist and the past is gone forever. What we have is the present moment. By it we are fashioning our eternity.… Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM, LIVING FAITH, Sept. 30, 2002
From The Virtue-Driven Life by Fr. Benedict Groeschel:
Part of temperance is taking care of ourselves. Obsessive-compulsive workaholism is obviously not a sign of temperance. Even if we enjoy our work, we need to practice temperance and get adequate rest. Careful, Benedict! Enjoy what's going on while it's going on. If you go to the supermarket, enjoy it. Don't make it drudgery. Talk to the cashier. Speak to the people at the fruit counter. Chat with a neighbor. Try to get to know people, get them to talk to you, and make your passage through life pleasurable. If you are a private person and find it a chore or somewhat difficult to speak to strangers, at least smile. As an old extrovert, I deeply appreciate a quiet person with a genuine smile; in addition, such a person listens to us, which practically no one else does. Slow down. Smell the flowers as you go by, and then you won't need too much of this world's goods. Enjoy your work and you won't need too much time off. Enjoy being at home and you won't have to go away so much. Many people are intemperate because they are miserable and suffering. Their life is a big long misery, so they decide to brighten it up with mountains of potato chips. They're addicted to potato chips or sweets or even beer. Look at your own intemperateness and see if unhappiness is causing it.
Related Links: In A Spacious Place: Age quod Agis -- Logistics in the Homeschool Karen Edmisten: Visiting Others Love2learn Moments: Age Quod Agis Melissa Wiley: Every Face I Look at Seems Beautiful Studeo: Finally Getting Back to Dubay's Authenticity

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