.webp)
Classical Conversations
General Summary
- Community-based Christian classical curriculum for ages 4-18
- Weekly in-person classes supplemented by parent-led home instruction
- Structured progression through grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric stages
- Strong emphasis on memory work, public speaking, and Christian worldview
Community Support: Fellowship & Shared Journey
Parents consistently praise the community aspect as a key benefit:
"All the moms and students had a bond and shared a unique fellowship over this education system, and we spent every day building each other up in the Lord."
CC Graduate via TheHomeSchoolMom
"The community of CC can make it feel like an extended family. This strong social support system is a key strength, especially for new homeschoolers."
TheHomeSchoolMom Review
Academic Rigor: Challenging & Thorough Curriculum
Many families value the program's comprehensive and challenging approach:
"Classical Conversations was an awesome experience for our family. The curriculum is rigorous and only missing math. If completed, the credits are more than required for high school graduation."
Parent Review via TheHomeSchoolMom
"CC is intellectually rigorous and not for the faint of heart. It incorporates deep, meaningful dialogue every day in class."
Challenge Student via TheHomeSchoolMom
Parent Support: Framework & Guidance
Parents appreciate the structure and support CC provides:
"Being the parent of a CC Challenge (high school) student means that you are their teacher. Yes, you pay someone to tutor that class, but the tutor supports what you are doing at home."
CC Challenge Director via Family Style Schooling
"I have been using Classical Conversations for over 10 years. After seeing all levels, I feel as though I can speak from an educated point of view."
Longtime CC Mom via TheHomeSchoolMom
Early Years Experience: Fun & Engaging Foundations
The elementary program receives particular praise for its engaging approach:
"I loved the Foundations curriculum with all the music and movement. The multi-sensory approach allowed my younger kids to learn facts through play."
Mom via TheHomeSchoolMom
"I loved learning all the different songs and facts in Foundations. It provided a fantastic first step for elementary students."
Parent Review via TheHomeSchoolMom
Cost Considerations: Significant Investment
The program's cost is a common concern among families:
"Classical Conversations is way overpriced for what you get. I paid for 3 years of Foundations and felt my kids remembered nothing after we left."
Parent Review via TheHomeSchoolMom
"I wish I had saved my money instead of spending all that money on Classical Conversations."
Former CC Parent via TheHomeSchoolMom
Workload & Pace: Demanding Schedule
Some families struggle with the program's intensity and pace:
"Challenge had him reading a book and writing the essay that week, amongst the other subjects. My son felt like he was drowning. He wasn't able to comprehend the information because he had to do everything so fast."
Mom Who Withdrew Her Son via TheHomeSchoolMom
"I am unable to count how many of my fellow students have dropped out because of the sheer mental fortitude and diligence that this program demands."
CC Student via TheHomeSchoolMom
Quality Concerns: Leadership & Teaching
Some parents note issues with consistency and quality control:
"Tutors receive just a few hours of training, and it shows in poor teaching or classroom management."
Parent Review via TheHomeSchoolMom
"CC the organization is trash. The 'curriculum' is mediocre and doesn't change, so I'm confused why it cost so much. The tuition hardly stays with the community... instead goes to the area reps and above. [CC] reads MLM big time."
Former Tutor via TheHomeSchoolMom
"The company has a money priority over a Christian priority."
Parent Review (2022) via TheHomeSchoolMom
Who Thrives With Classical Conversations?
Well-Suited For:
- Christian families seeking a biblically-integrated education
- Parents wanting structure and support within a homeschool community
- Students who excel with memorization and systematic learning
- Families who prioritize classical education and rhetoric skills
- Children who thrive in a weekly group/community setting
Consider Alternatives If:
- Your budget is limited or you're seeking a lower-cost option
- Your child gets easily overwhelmed or needs a lighter workload
- You prefer a secular or different educational philosophy
- Your family needs more flexibility in scheduling and pacing
- Your child learns better through exploration than memorization
Our Bottom Line
Classical Conversations offers a structured, community-based classical Christian education with strong parent involvement. The program excels in building a supportive community and providing a comprehensive framework for a rigorous education. However, the significant financial commitment, intense workload, and quality inconsistencies across communities may not suit all families. Success often depends on finding the right local community, aligning with the classical approach, and having adequate resources (both time and money) to fully commit to the program.
Subjects covered
Core subjects: History, Science, English, Geography, Math, Latin
Electives: Fine Arts (art and music activities), Literature, Writing and Rhetoric, Formal Logic, Debate, Government/Economics, Philosophy, Theology
Special emphasis: Integrated curriculum with a Christian worldview, heavy memorization and recitation, community-based learning approach
Teaching Format
Format: Primarily an in-person, community-based program with at-home study; hybrid homeschool co-op model
Weekly Community Day: Students attend a local CC community once a week, led by trained parent tutors
At-Home Instruction: Parents teach at home following the community day guide; parents are the primary teachers
Curriculum Materials: Mostly print-based materials and hands-on activities; CC produces guides and textbooks
Online Resources: Optional subscription to “CC Connected” for additional resources; not a standard part of CC
Parent Training and Support: Annual free parent practicums and on-the-job training during community days
Implementation flexibility: Parents can customize at home as needed; CC materials are tools, not strict rules
Assessment: Emphasis on memorization and recitation; students participate in oral review games
Structure: Weekly lessons with specific objectives, memory work, and integrated subjects
Pricing
Tuition-based membership model: Families pay annual fees to participate in a local CC community
Program Tuition: Approximately $395 per student for Foundations or Essentials per year
Challenge programs: Roughly $715 per semester (about $1,430 per year, totaling ~$1,680 for a first-time Challenge student)
Fees: Annual membership or enrollment fees, typically an initial enrollment fee around $100+ for the first student
Materials: Core guides (e.g., Foundations Guide around $100 new) and additional textbooks or literature for Challenge courses
Community Fees: Extra fees for facility or supply costs, ranging from $50 to a few hundred per family per year
Optional Expenses: CC Connected subscription costs around $6–$15/month; field trips or events may incur additional costs
Tutor Discounts: Parents can offset costs by tutoring or directing in the community, potentially covering their own children's tuition
Parent Involvement
High involvement required
Home Teacher: Parent is primary teacher, responsible for daily instruction and oversight
Daily commitment: Significant time commitment expected, especially in elementary grades; daily memory work practice required
Classroom Helper: Parents assist during community day classes and volunteer for activities
At-Home Coach: Parents review materials, help with assignments, and engage in discussions with children
Preparation: Parents must prepare for lessons, often learning alongside their children; training resources provided
Leadership Opportunities: Parents can take on roles as tutors or community leaders, requiring additional commitment
Student Accountability: Parents monitor progress closely and ensure completion of assignments and projects
