Homeschool curriculum review
Calvert Education
Traditional, comprehensive, accredited option
Last reviewed January 2025 · Price last checked January 2025
About This Curriculum
One of the oldest secular homeschool curriculum providers in America, founded in 1906. Calvert offers a complete, accredited secular curriculum with comprehensive teacher guides designed for non-teacher parents. Known for its rigorous academics and optional accredited enrollment.
This review looks at who Calvert Education fits best, who should compare alternatives, what a normal day can look like, parent prep, cost, and similar programs to consider.
Who This Fits Best
Calvert Education is strongest for secular families covering PreK–12 who want a clear, structured plan with fewer daily decisions. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include long-established, academically respected program and accreditation option for official transcripts.
Who Should Consider an Alternative
Consider an alternative if traditional format — less creative or flexible or more expensive than some secular options. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Calvert Education against the alternatives below before buying.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
A typical day with Calvert Education usually follows the teacher guide or lesson sequence: introduce the concept, work examples together, assign independent practice, and review mistakes. The exact workload varies by grade, but most families should plan for steady parent oversight.
Parent Prep Required
Calvert Education keeps parent prep manageable because the sequence is already laid out. Parents still need to check work and adjust pacing, but the planning burden is lower than a fully custom curriculum.
At a Glance
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
- ✓Long-established, academically respected program
- ✓Accreditation option for official transcripts
- ✓Comprehensive guides for parents with no teaching background
- ✓All subjects covered for each grade level
- ✓Secular — no religious content
Consider Before Buying
- –Traditional format — less creative or flexible
- –More expensive than some secular options
- –Not as engaging as newer online curricula
Best Alternatives
If Calvert Education is close but not quite right, compare it against curricula with similar tags, worldview, or teaching style.
Abeka
Traditional textbook-based, direct instruction
BJU Press (Bob Jones University Press)
Traditional textbook-based, rigorous academic
Rod and Staff
Traditional, workbook-based, conservative Christian
Frequently Asked Questions About Calvert Education
How much does Calvert Education cost?+
Calvert Education runs about $300–$700 per year. Per grade; accredited enrollment option available for additional fee
What grades does Calvert Education cover?+
Calvert Education covers grades PreK–12. Always check the publisher's current placement guidance before buying.
Is Calvert Education faith-based or secular?+
Calvert Education is secular. One of the oldest secular homeschool curriculum providers in America, founded in 1906. Calvert offers a complete, accredited secular curriculum with comprehensive teacher guides designed for non-teacher parents. Known for its rigorous academics and optional accredited enrollment.
Who is Calvert Education best for?+
Calvert Education is strongest for secular families covering PreK–12 who want a clear, structured plan with fewer daily decisions. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include long-established, academically respected program and accreditation option for official transcripts.
Who should avoid Calvert Education?+
Consider an alternative if traditional format — less creative or flexible or more expensive than some secular options. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Calvert Education against the alternatives below before buying.