Catholic Schoolhouse

by Catholic Schoolhousehttp://www.catholicschoolhouse.com

Religious_studiesGrades 1–5

Catholic Schoolhouse: Classical Memory-Based Catholic Curriculum

Catholic Schoolhouse is a three-year classical curriculum program for grades 1-5 that provides a framework for Catholic education through memorization, timeline-based learning, and weekly group or home instruction. The program offers subject-area memory work, history cards, and activities but requires additional resources for comprehensive coverage.

Best for

Catholic homeschooling families seeking a classical, memory-based framework for elementary education who plan to supplement with additional religious and academic content

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 concerns · 2 neutral

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides structured guidance for memory work and activities. Teacher guides include clear procedures and preparation instructions for group or home instruction.

Tour Guide provides weekly structure, science guides have step-by-step procedures, and memory work is systematically presented through audio CDs

Historical ContextStrength

Strong emphasis on Catholic historical context throughout the curriculum. The timeline-based approach places Catholic events and figures within broader historical frameworks.

History includes Catholic founding of St. Augustine, Catholic historical events receive attention, and the entire program is organized around historical timelines

Theological KnowledgeConcern

Limited systematic theological instruction is provided. The program includes Latin prayers and Catholic historical content but lacks comprehensive doctrinal teaching.

First year teaches Latin prayers, includes Catholic perspective in history, but reviewer notes it's not intended as complete instructional material

Primary Text EngagementConcern

The curriculum includes minimal direct engagement with primary religious texts. Religious content focuses on saint biographies and Catholic historical events rather than Scripture study.

Review mentions students learn about saints each quarter and Catholic historical perspectives, but no mention of Bible reading or primary theological texts

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Adequate teacher support materials are provided through guides and online resources. The program includes Tour Guides, teacher preparation instructions, and additional online support.

Tour Guide serves as reference for teachers/parents, science guides include teacher prep activities, and website offers additional resources and chapter support

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

Limited religious vocabulary instruction is provided. The program includes some Latin terminology but lacks systematic theological vocabulary development.

Program teaches Latin prayers in year 1 and Latin/Greek roots in year 3, but minimal focus on theological terms beyond basic Catholic concepts

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 1–5
SubjectReligious_studies
PedagogyClassical
Faith-BasedChristian/Catholic

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy