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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| Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts | Analytical Grammar | |
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| Grades | 3rd–12th | 4th–12th |
| Covers | grammar, writing | grammar |
| Approach | Classical, vocabulary-rich "language philosophy" | Traditional, incremental grammar |
| Who teaches | The parent teaches | The parent teaches |
| Parent prep | Moderate (parent leads discussion) | Moderate (instructor handbook guides lessons) |
| Screen time | Mostly offline (books and paper) | Mostly offline (books and paper) |
| Video lessons | Not yet checked | Not yet checked |
| Faith | No religious content | No religious content |
| Cost | Level 1 Complete Homeschool Package $244-488 depending on paperback/eBook mix; Student-Books-Only $117-235 | About $63-68 per level (e.g. Level 3 Parts of Speech $68, Level 4 $63); optional DVD bundle $99-128 |
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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.
Parents describe this as a longstanding favorite for concise, concrete grammar lessons that don't drag on, with a self-paced structure that fits many schedules. It gets pricier across all five levels, and a 2023 revised edition changed the lineup, so older reviews may not fully match the current version.
Neither is better for every child. Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts is the stronger fit for writing; a complete program; enjoys it. Analytical Grammar is the stronger fit for others.
Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts: grammar, writing. Analytical Grammar: grammar.
Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Language Arts: Level 1 Complete Homeschool Package $244-488 depending on paperback/eBook mix; Student-Books-Only $117-235. Analytical Grammar: About $63-68 per level (e.g. Level 3 Parts of Speech $68, Level 4 $63); optional DVD bundle $99-128.
Summaries are in our own words.