The Great Books approach focuses on reading key texts that have shaped our world. Instead of textbooks, students engage directly with original works, fostering critical thinking and discussion.
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. Classical education has seen a surge in popularity, with the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) reporting a 25% increase in member schools between 2020 and 2024 and growing adoption among homeschool families.
What are the Great Books?
Great Books focus on reading important texts that have influenced history, philosophy, literature, science, and culture. Instead of just learning from textbooks, students dive into original works. Mortimer Adler called this the "Great Conversation," a dialogue of ideas over centuries. This approach began at Columbia University in 1921 and was expanded by Adler and Robert Hutchins at the University of Chicago. In 1952, Adler created the Great Books of the Western World, which includes 54 volumes with 443 works by 74 authors. Today, this method is key in modern classical education and homeschooling.
What books are included
Great Books lists can vary, but they usually cover many time periods and subjects. Ancient works include Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Plato's dialogues, Aristotle's writings, Euclid's math, and Augustine's theology. Medieval and Renaissance selections feature Dante, Chaucer, and Shakespeare. Enlightenment and modern works include founding documents, classic novels, philosophy, and science. Categories range from fiction and history to religion and ethics. Classical Conversations has a list of 117 must-read books, and the 1000 Good Books List offers age-appropriate picks from pre-readers to high schoolers.
How homeschoolers use Great Books
Great Books education mixes history and literature. Instead of just memorizing facts, students engage with the ideas from the past. Socratic discussions play a big role, allowing students to discuss meanings together. It's often suggested to start full Great Books programs in high school when students are more mature. Younger kids can read simpler versions or age-appropriate selections. Many families start with living books in early grades and build up to full Great Books engagement in high school.
Programs for homeschoolers
Great Books Academy offers a complete K-12 homeschool curriculum with weekly live Socratic discussions online. Nautilus Homeschool provides a secular, Great Books-based curriculum for $35-49 a month. Homeschool Connections has online literature courses. Beautiful Feet Books curates timeless literature that supports Great Books education. Many families create their own Great Books reading lists using resources like the 1000 Good Books List. Some charter schools reimburse families for Great Books materials and programs.
The bottom line
The Great Books approach gives homeschoolers something textbooks can't: a direct connection to the ideas that shaped our world. Students enhance their critical thinking skills by engaging with primary sources instead of just summaries. While it takes commitment to implement a full Great Books curriculum, it can fit any homeschool. Start with age-appropriate selections, include Socratic discussions, and gradually move to more challenging texts as students grow. The aim is not just to read old books but to join a conversation that spans centuries.
