Calvert is a homeschooling program founded in 1897, offering K-12 courses with a focus on mastery-based learning. It provides both print and online materials, and an optional accredited school program.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is Calvert?
Calvert started in 1897 with Calvert School in Baltimore, Maryland. Its homeschool division kicked off in 1905, led by headmaster Virgil Hillyer. This made Calvert one of the first correspondence curricula, helping American kids overseas. Today, Calvert offers full K-12 programs: print materials for K-2 and online courses for grades 3-12. The lessons are mastery-based, with clear step-by-step plans to keep parent prep to a minimum. They also have Calvert Academy, an accredited option that provides diplomas and transcripts. The curriculum is secular, covering evolution and old-earth science without any religious content.
What you get
Calvert's K-2 print packages come neatly packed. You get teacher guides, worktexts, resource books, and hands-on materials. Daily prep time is just 5-15 minutes since lesson plans are very clear. For grades 3-12, everything shifts online with over 45 courses. These include videos, interactive exercises, and multimedia content. Each K-8 course has 160 lessons plus 20 review lessons with built-in assessments. Subjects are integrated well—like a 5th grader studying the Civil War in history while analyzing Walt Whitman's poetry in language arts. Plus, there are audio read-aloud options for struggling readers or auditory learners.
Accreditation through Calvert academy
Calvert Academy is a separate accredited online private school using Calvert's curriculum. It’s regionally accredited through Cognia, just like many public and private schools. Students get official transcripts, grades are recorded, and graduates receive recognized diplomas. Credits transfer smoothly to other schools. For student athletes, the Academy is NCAA-approved, which is great for families wanting the flexibility of homeschooling but with traditional school credentials. However, it does come at a cost: Academy tuition ranges from $1,500 to $3,200 yearly, compared to $160 to $380 for just the curriculum.
Is the premium price worth it?
Calvert is pricier than options like Time4Learning, which costs $20-30 a month, or free choices like Khan Academy. The real value lies in what you get: a complete, structured, secular program that’s stood the test of time. With minimal prep for parents, it’s flexible enough for families with multiple kids at different levels. Traveling families love the self-paced online format. Plus, those with learning differences can benefit from audio supports and the Verticy Learning Program for dyslexia. If you can afford it and appreciate what Calvert offers, many reviewers say it’s worth the investment.
The bottom line
Calvert stands out in the homeschooling world with its well-rounded program, honed over more than a century. It’s a secular option that delivers rigorous academics without religious content. The low prep time is perfect for busy parents with jobs or multiple kids. Plus, the accreditation option gives you credentials when you need them. Whether the higher cost is justified depends on your needs and budget. Families wanting a similar structure at a lower price might consider Time4Learning, while those looking for Christian content should look elsewhere. But for secular, structured, low-prep homeschooling with a solid track record, Calvert is a benchmark.
