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IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

Video-based Structure and Style writing method used across any subject.

Updated September 2026 · 9 sources

Grades	3rd–12th
Covers	writing
Approach	Video-based, structured writing method
Who teaches	The program does the teaching
Parent prep	Moderate (watch video lessons together, grade written work)
Screen time	A mix of screen and paper
Video lessons	Included: video lessons are the core teaching method
Faith	No religious content
Cost	Basic package (with videos) $169; Premier (+parent training) $289; Student Packet ~$50 (source)
Placement	No placement test: leveled by grade band Level A (3rd-6th), B (6th-9th), C (9th-12th); sequential within a level, no formal test.

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) ranks against 34 other programs.

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What parents say

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 love

Proven structural method builds real writing skill
Video instructor does the heavy teaching
Content ties into any subject, reinforcing other schoolwork

Common complaints

Same nine models revisited can feel repetitive
Formulaic "dress-ups" can feel forced
Pricier once you add Fix It! Grammar and packets

Who it fits

Best for

Writing. Structured writing method used across any subject
Finds it hard. Breaks writing into clear structural steps
Structured, step by step. Explicit structural models taught step by step
Some screen time. A mix of screen and paper
Video lessons a big plus. Video lessons are the core teaching method
Video lessons nice to have. Video lessons are the core teaching method
Rusty. Lessons teach the concepts for you
I'd rather a video or script teach. Video or the program does the teaching

Less suited for

Spelling. No spelling component
Relaxed, interest-led. Formulaic "dress-ups" don't suit relaxed writers

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

Similar programs

Essentials in WritingVideo-based grammar and writing combined in one course
Cozy GrammarWarm, story-based video grammar lessons from a retired English teacher
Time4Learning Language ArtsOnline, auto-graded language arts covering grammar, writing and comprehension

Comparisons

Questions parents ask

What does IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) cover?

IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) covers writing. It's described as video-based, structured writing method.

What grades does IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) cover?

IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) covers grades 3rd–12th.

How much does IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) cost?

Basic package (with videos) $169; Premier (+parent training) $289; Student Packet ~$50. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.

Is IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) Christian or secular?

IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) is secular: it has no religious content.

Is IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) online?

A mix of screen and paper. The program does the teaching.

Does IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) have a placement test?

No. Level A (3rd-6th), B (6th-9th), C (9th-12th); sequential within a level, no formal test.

Sources (9)

Summaries are in our own words.