Homeschool curriculum review
The Good and the Beautiful
Charlotte Mason-influenced, literature-based, nature-focused
Last reviewed January 2025 · Price last checked January 2025
About This Curriculum
A beautiful, nature-inspired Christian curriculum created by Jenny Phillips that is known for its gorgeous design and gentle Charlotte Mason-influenced approach. Much of the curriculum is available as free PDFs, making it one of the most affordable complete curricula available.
This review looks at who The Good and the Beautiful 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
The Good and the Beautiful is strongest for christian families covering PreK–12 who want room to customize pacing, subjects, and day-to-day flow. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include stunningly beautiful, professionally designed materials and much of it is completely free to download.
Who Should Consider an Alternative
Consider an alternative if science and history are lighter than some families want or christian worldview throughout. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare The Good and the Beautiful against the alternatives below before buying.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
A typical day with The Good and the Beautiful often includes read-aloud time, discussion, narration or written response, and follow-up work in history, literature, or related subjects. The rhythm is relational and book-heavy, so it works best when a parent can protect consistent reading time.
Parent Prep Required
The Good and the Beautiful requires moderate parent prep. Read the next lesson, gather any materials, and decide what to skip, slow down, or supplement based on your child.
At a Glance
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
- ✓Stunningly beautiful, professionally designed materials
- ✓Much of it is completely free to download
- ✓Strong language arts and phonics program
- ✓Gentle, joy-filled approach children love
- ✓Math program included (sold separately)
Consider Before Buying
- –Science and history are lighter than some families want
- –Christian worldview throughout
- –Printing free PDFs can be time-consuming
Best Alternatives
If The Good and the Beautiful is close but not quite right, compare it against curricula with similar tags, worldview, or teaching style.
Notgrass History
Narrative, literature-based history
Ambleside Online (Charlotte Mason)
Charlotte Mason, living books, narration, nature study
Simply Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason, Christian, literature-based
Compared With Similar Curricula
Frequently Asked Questions About The Good and the Beautiful
How much does The Good and the Beautiful cost?+
The Good and the Beautiful runs about $0–$300 per year. Many materials are FREE to download; printed versions and math sold separately
What grades does The Good and the Beautiful cover?+
The Good and the Beautiful covers grades PreK–12. Always check the publisher's current placement guidance before buying.
Is The Good and the Beautiful faith-based or secular?+
The Good and the Beautiful is christian. A beautiful, nature-inspired Christian curriculum created by Jenny Phillips that is known for its gorgeous design and gentle Charlotte Mason-influenced approach. Much of the curriculum is available as free PDFs, making it one of the most affordable complete curricula available.
Who is The Good and the Beautiful best for?+
The Good and the Beautiful is strongest for christian families covering PreK–12 who want room to customize pacing, subjects, and day-to-day flow. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include stunningly beautiful, professionally designed materials and much of it is completely free to download.
Who should avoid The Good and the Beautiful?+
Consider an alternative if science and history are lighter than some families want or christian worldview throughout. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare The Good and the Beautiful against the alternatives below before buying.