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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
Still torn? Answer a few questions and see how both rank for your child, side by side.
Compare for my child| IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) | Brave Writer | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 3rd–12th | K–12th |
| Covers | writing | writing |
| Approach | Video-based, structured writing method | Relaxed, conversation-first writing |
| Who teaches | The program does the teaching | The parent teaches |
| Parent prep | Moderate (watch video lessons together, grade written work) | Moderate (parent facilitates discussion and early transcription) |
| Screen time | A mix of screen and paper | Mostly offline (books and paper) |
| Video lessons | Included: video lessons are the core teaching method | Not yet checked |
| Faith | No religious content | No religious content |
| Cost | Basic package (with videos) $169; Premier (+parent training) $289; Student Packet ~$50 | Partnership Writing Collection One $97; Jot It Down $50 (PDF) |
| Parents love |
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| Common complaints |
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Parents value how the video instructor takes over the teaching: Andrew Pudewa walks through nine structural writing models that get applied to any subject, so the same method works for a history report or a science summary. The most common frustration is that the nine models repeat across levels, which some kids find formulaic, and the cost adds up once you add Fix It! Grammar and student packets.
Parents whose kids resist formal writing describe Brave Writer as a genuine turnaround: conversation and oral narration come first, with the parent transcribing early on, so a reluctant writer never faces a blank page alone. The trade-off is a real lack of a fixed scope and sequence, which unsettles parents who want a clear plan, and the per-stage and online-class costs add up.
Neither is better for every child. IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) is the stronger fit for structured, step by step; classical; video lessons a big plus. Brave Writer is the stronger fit for reluctant or avoids it; gentle, literature-based; relaxed, interest-led.
IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing): writing. Brave Writer: writing.
IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing): Basic package (with videos) $169; Premier (+parent training) $289; Student Packet ~$50. Brave Writer: Partnership Writing Collection One $97; Jot It Down $50 (PDF).
Summaries are in our own words.