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Two homeschool language arts programs, compared on what actually decides the fit: what each one teaches, how your child feels about writing, and how much you'll teach.
Updated September 2026 · based on parent reviews and publisher information
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Compare for my child| Classical Composition (Memoria Press) | Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 6th–12th | 3rd–12th |
| Covers | writing | grammar, writing |
| Approach | Classical rhetoric, progymnasmata-based composition | Classical, vocabulary-rich "language philosophy" |
| Who teaches | The parent teaches | The parent teaches |
| Parent prep | Moderate (parent leads, or use the video add-on) | Moderate (parent leads discussion) |
| Screen time | Mostly offline (books and paper) | Mostly offline (books and paper) |
| Video lessons | Available: optional video course lightens the teaching load | Not yet checked |
| Faith | Christian content throughout | No religious content |
| Cost | $85 per set; $120 for a two-level bundle; optional video add-on $55 | Level 1 Complete Homeschool Package $244-488 depending on paperback/eBook mix; Student-Books-Only $117-235 |
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Families in classical circles describe this as a systematic, well-regarded way to teach rhetoric and composition through the ancient progymnasmata method, with an optional video course that lightens the teaching load for parents untrained in classical rhetoric. It's a niche program outside classical homeschooling, with less independent coverage than mainstream writing programs, and the rigor can feel intimidating to start.
Parents of strong readers and writers describe MCT as a genuinely different, richer alternative to worksheet grammar: vocabulary, poetry, grammar and writing are woven together into one "language philosophy." It's pricier than most alternatives and the dense, abstract format takes real adjustment, and is likely too advanced for average or struggling learners.
Neither is better for every child. Classical Composition (Memoria Press) is the stronger fit for christian worldview. Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts is the stronger fit for grammar; a complete program; enjoys it.
Classical Composition (Memoria Press): writing. Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts: grammar, writing.
Classical Composition (Memoria Press): $85 per set; $120 for a two-level bundle; optional video add-on $55. Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts: Level 1 Complete Homeschool Package $244-488 depending on paperback/eBook mix; Student-Books-Only $117-235.
Summaries are in our own words.