Cathy Duffy Reviews is a trusted resource for homeschoolers. Since 1984, Cathy Duffy has provided honest evaluations of educational materials, helping families make informed choices.
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. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What are cathy duffy reviews?
Cathy Duffy Reviews has been a go-to for homeschool curriculum since 1984. Back then, Cathy Duffy started reviewing materials during what she calls the 'dark ages of homeschooling.' With four decades of experience, she knows what works. Unlike publisher ads, her reviews are honest and detailed. They cover over 1,000 K-12 resources across all subjects, from full grade packages to specific subjects.
The learning styles assessment
One of the best tools on the site is the free learning styles questionnaire. Instead of common categories, Cathy created her own fun names: Wiggly Willy for active learners, Perfect Paula for detail-oriented kids, Competent Carl for independent learners, and Sociable Sue for group-oriented ones. Most kids fit into more than one type. After taking the quiz, you can filter curriculum options to match your child's style.
How reviews are structured
Duffy's reviews dive deeper than what you see on publisher sites. She looks at educational philosophy, teaching methods, and more. She also notes strengths and weaknesses, knowing that no curriculum is perfect for every family. Her reviews answer key questions for homeschoolers: How much prep does it need? Is it good for self-directed learners? What's the educational approach? Plus, she updates reviews as new editions come out and as she gets feedback.
Using the site effectively
Start with the learning styles questionnaire to see what your child prefers. Then use the advanced search tool. You can filter by subject, grade, educational approach, religious perspective, and teaching method. It's best to start broad and narrow down from there. If you prefer offline research, check out Duffy's Top Picks books. The latest edition, 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum, offers her best recommendations and comparison charts.
The bottom line
With so many curriculum choices out there, Cathy Duffy Reviews stands out for its independence and depth. Duffy's years of experience help families avoid costly mistakes. The site won’t tell you what to buy, but it gives you the info you need to feel confident in your choice. For families feeling lost in options, starting here can save you time and money.
