Homeschool curriculum review
Rod and Staff
Traditional, workbook-based, conservative Christian
Last reviewed January 2025 · Price last checked January 2025
About This Curriculum
A conservative Mennonite-produced curriculum known for its old-fashioned academic rigor, beautiful workbooks, and explicitly Christian content. Rod and Staff is especially beloved for its grammar program and is one of the most affordable complete curricula available.
This review looks at who Rod and Staff 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
Rod and Staff is strongest for christian families covering PreK–10 who want a clear, structured plan with fewer daily decisions. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include exceptionally affordable and outstanding grammar and writing instruction.
Who Should Consider an Alternative
Consider an alternative if conservative mennonite cultural perspective throughout or black-and-white workbooks — not visually stimulating. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Rod and Staff against the alternatives below before buying.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
A typical day with Rod and Staff 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
Rod and Staff 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
- ✓Exceptionally affordable
- ✓Outstanding grammar and writing instruction
- ✓Durable, no-frills workbooks built to last
- ✓Very rigorous academic content
- ✓No screens or technology required
Consider Before Buying
- –Conservative Mennonite cultural perspective throughout
- –Black-and-white workbooks — not visually stimulating
- –Limited grades available (stops around 10th)
Best Alternatives
If Rod and Staff 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
Notgrass History
Narrative, literature-based history
Frequently Asked Questions About Rod and Staff
How much does Rod and Staff cost?+
Rod and Staff runs about $80–$250 per year. Extremely affordable; individual subjects priced separately
What grades does Rod and Staff cover?+
Rod and Staff covers grades PreK–10. Always check the publisher's current placement guidance before buying.
Is Rod and Staff faith-based or secular?+
Rod and Staff is christian. A conservative Mennonite-produced curriculum known for its old-fashioned academic rigor, beautiful workbooks, and explicitly Christian content. Rod and Staff is especially beloved for its grammar program and is one of the most affordable complete curricula available.
Who is Rod and Staff best for?+
Rod and Staff is strongest for christian families covering PreK–10 who want a clear, structured plan with fewer daily decisions. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include exceptionally affordable and outstanding grammar and writing instruction.
Who should avoid Rod and Staff?+
Consider an alternative if conservative mennonite cultural perspective throughout or black-and-white workbooks — not visually stimulating. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Rod and Staff against the alternatives below before buying.