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Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science)

Secular classical science with real books, experiments, notebooking and Sassafras stories.

Updated September 2026 · 8 sources

Grades	PreK–12th
Creation/faith	No religious content; teaches evolution
Approach	Reference-book readings, experiments and notebooking; Sassafras adds novels
Who teaches	The parent teaches
Parent prep	Moderate (weekly glance at guide; kits save hunting supplies)
Screen time	Mostly offline (books and paper)
Video lessons	None: book, notebook and experiment based
Cost	$79.99: Chemistry for the Grammar Stage bundle (teacher guide, workbook, experiment kit); spine books extra (source)
Placement	Where do I start with Elemental Science? Programs by age, preschool through high school
ESA vendor	Publisher is on the approved vendor list in Arkansas (Direct Pay), New Hampshire. Checked September 2026; each state's list can change and applies to the publisher, not every product.

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) ranks against 28 other programs.

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What parents say

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 love

Follows the Well-Trained Mind classical model
Sassafras novels make science a story
Experiment kits available to save shopping

Common complaints

Spine books are bought separately
Parent leads discussions and experiments
May feel light for advanced middle schoolers

Who it fits

Best for

No religious content. No religious content; resources assume evolution
Living books (Charlotte Mason). Real reference books and Sassafras adventure novels
Hands-on unit studies. Topic-by-topic reading, experiments and notebooking
Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
Some: 20–30 min daily. Two-day or five-day schedules, parent-guided
Plenty: I teach it. Younger kids need read-alouds and dictation
Confident. Rewards a parent who's confident with science
Charlotte Mason. Narration, sketching and real books
Classical. Built on Well-Trained Mind classical stages
Literature-based. Sassafras novels serve as the spine

Less suited for

Christian, young-earth creation. Secular; resources assume evolution and an old earth
Video lessons a big plus. Book, notebook and experiment based
I'd rather a video or script teach. Expects the parent to do the teaching

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

Similar programs

Moving Beyond the Page ScienceSecular, literature-based science units with science kits included
Oak Meadow ScienceSecular, Waldorf-inspired science built on nature study, projects and journaling
R.E.A.L. Science OdysseySecular, lab-centered science with short readings and lab sheets, K–10

Comparisons

Questions parents ask

How does Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) teach science?

Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) is described as reference-book readings, experiments and notebooking; sassafras adds novels. Parent prep: moderate (weekly glance at guide; kits save hunting supplies).

What grades does Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) cover?

Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) covers grades PreK–12th.

How much does Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) cost?

$79.99: Chemistry for the Grammar Stage bundle (teacher guide, workbook, experiment kit); spine books extra. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.

Is Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) creationist or secular?

No religious content; teaches evolution.

Is Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) online?

Mostly offline (books and paper). The parent teaches.

Does Elemental Science (incl. Sassafras Science) have a placement test?

Yes. Where do I start with Elemental Science?. Programs by age, preschool through high school

Sources (8)

Summaries are in our own words.