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Two homeschool science programs, compared on what actually decides the fit: creation and faith content, teaching style, 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| Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) | Noeo Science | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | PreK–12th | 1st–8th |
| Creation/faith | No religious content; teaches evolution | Worldview-neutral: leaves origins to parents |
| Approach | Reference-book readings, experiments and notebooking; Sassafras adds novels | Living books, narration and notebooking with kit-based experiments |
| Who teaches | The parent teaches | The parent teaches from a scripted guide |
| Parent prep | Moderate (weekly glance at guide; kits save hunting supplies) | Low (open and go, experiment kit included) |
| Screen time | Mostly offline (books and paper) | Mostly offline (books and paper) |
| Video lessons | None: book, notebook and experiment based | None: books and hands-on experiments only |
| Cost | $79.99: Chemistry for the Grammar Stage bundle (teacher guide, workbook, experiment kit); spine books extra | $253: Biology 2 full package (grades 4–6: guide, lab manual, books, 70+ experiment kits, microscope) |
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Classical families appreciate that the program follows the Well-Trained Mind model with real reference books, narration and experiments, and many find the grammar-stage courses close to open and go; kids often love the Sassafras adventure novels. The downsides are juggling several separately bought spine books, steady parent involvement for discussions and experiments, and a sense among some that the middle-school level is too easy for advanced students.
Parents rave that it is truly open and go, with nearly every experiment supply in the box, engaging books kids keep reading, and no busywork. The main criticisms are the high price per kit, a gentle level of rigor that science-minded kids may outgrow, no high school option, and occasional kit gaps like a basic microscope or household items you still supply.
Neither is better for every child. Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) is the stronger fit for textbook + labs; hands-on unit studies; independent workbooks. Noeo Science is the stronger fit for minimal; rusty; i'd rather a video or script teach.
Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science): no religious content; teaches evolution. Noeo Science: worldview-neutral: leaves origins to parents.
Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science): $79.99: Chemistry for the Grammar Stage bundle (teacher guide, workbook, experiment kit); spine books extra. Noeo Science: $253: Biology 2 full package (grades 4–6: guide, lab manual, books, 70+ experiment kits, microscope).
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