Three homeschool programs that promote authentic Catholic education

CV NEWS FEED // Now more than ever, parents are looking for education alternatives that give their children solid academics grounded in faith. Homeschooling has been at the forefront of this pursuit, becoming America’s fastest-growing form of education since 2022.

If you’re thinking about homeschooling or already do so but want a more structured approach, it can be daunting to find a reliable Catholic program in a sea of options.

That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out and are sharing three full-enrollment Catholic programs to help in your search. The best part: these programs all feature curricula that are academically rigorous, free from woke propaganda, and faithful to the Church’s Magisterium. Mother of Divine Grace

Mother of Divine Grace School (MODG) is a classical homeschool program founded in 1995 with a curriculum focused on following the stages of a child’s natural intellectual development. Under the patronage of Our Lady, MODG features both traditional and online classes in which parents receive the tools, books, and course materials they need for their children to thrive.

At MODG, students are taken through the four stages of learning with classical subject matter that encourages them to analyze, write, and critically discuss – all while learning about their faith. Parents are also provided with resources to both guide and grow alongside their children, from academic support and counseling to parent enrichment series. In addition to traditional courses, MODG’s online classes give students opportunities to learn and discuss the material with peers.

“Mother of Divine Grace was extremely formative for me because I wasn’t just taking religion classes in addition to what I could take at a public school – every single class was imbued with the truths of the Catholic faith. In history, we studied Julius Caesar – as well as St. Thomas More. In American Government & Economics, we learned the branches of government – and read sections of St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa regarding law. In science, we learned the scientific method – and how to see God’s hand in the world’s design. This integrated education helped me keep Catholicism as the grounding truth in my life as I studied astrophysics in college and now data science. Though numbers and data may seem to have little to do with God, I’m spurred on every day by that educational foundation in the one true faith, and I can see His hand in everything around me.”

Seton Home Study School was founded in 1983 as a response to a crisis in Catholic education during which many tried and tested materials were removed from schools in the name of progress. Dedicated to Catholic saint, mother, and educator St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Seton’s mission is to provide children with a challenging, traditional education rooted in faith.

Seton assists parents in forming students both intellectually and spiritually to live faithfully in the world today. With structured, customizable courses, learning materials, and extensive online academic and support counseling provided, Seton works to fully empower parents to help their children succeed in academics and their future vocations.

“Seton was a huge blessing in my life. It provided me with a phenomenal education but most importantly kept God and the faith in the middle of every single school subject I was given. Without Seton and its strong Christian and academic foundation, I very likely would not be the devout Catholic I am today. Likewise, without Seton, I would never have become a practicing lawyer at the young age of 22. I have nothing but good things to say about Catholic homeschooling.”

Accreditation: the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools.

Originally founded as a private school in California, Kolbe Academy carried its dedication to classical Catholic education into the homeschooling world over 40 years ago. The program follows the Ignatian education method, which holds that all learning should be oriented to the glory of God and contribute to children’s formation as strong future leaders and good citizens. Critical thinking, study of the classics, and original source material are all prioritized.

At Kolbe Academy, personalized classical learning takes center stage. Following the flexible “Kolbe Method,” parents are encouraged to tailor education to fit their child’s individual needs and strengths. With a traditional, online, and asynchronous (self-paced) format to choose from, parents can mix and match styles to find the perfect fit for young learners. All options are equipped with ready-made lesson plans, books, and a staff of teachers and advisors to help with any needs.

“While I went to public high school for a few classes, the majority of my schooling was through Kolbe Academy and I noticed how its focus on classical education and critical thinking helped shape my worldview. In college I was often at a greater advantage because of the background I had, being already informed on many of the articles/books that we read so I could better participate in discussions. Overall, the history and moral education I received with Kolbe really helped me not only to be able to defend my faith when needed, but also was crucial in my ability to aid in my husband’s conversion!”

My wife called up Kolbe Academy with some questions. She mentioned how much she liked something that one of the founders, Francis Crotty, had written. At the end of the call she asked who she was talking to. The response (she said she could almost hear the smile on his face): “Francis Crotty”

Later on for a couple of years she wrote a column for Kolbe Academy for their newsletter many years ago.

My son-in-law is now a teacher at Mother of Divine Grace. Those are all great schools.

Do you have to provide your own ruler for academic discipline or is it in the kit?

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