My Father's World (MFW) is a homeschool curriculum that combines a Biblical worldview with various educational methods. It emphasizes shared learning for families and connects subjects in a meaningful way.
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). 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 is my father's world?
My Father's World, created by David and Marie Hazell, blends a Biblical worldview into every subject. It’s not just about faith; it’s part of everything you learn. The curriculum combines three educational styles:
- Charlotte Mason’s focus on living books and nature study
- Classical education’s structured learning
- Unit studies that connect themes. Families study history, science, geography, art, and music together, while math and language arts are done separately. This ‘teach once, learn together’ method is great for families with multiple kids.
Program structure
MFW has three learning levels:
- Discover Level (Preschool-3rd Grade): Starts with programs like 'God's Creation from A to Z' for kindergarten.
- Investigate Level (Grades 2-8): Features the Family Learning Cycle, covering Bible, Geography, History, Literature, Science, Art, and Music over five years.
- Declare Level (Grades 9-12): Focuses on advanced skills with integrated Worldview, Bible, History, and English. Math and Language Arts are separate, with Dimensions Math for grades 2-6 and Saxon for older students. Families buy a core package for shared subjects and then add math and language arts for each child.
What sets it apart
MFW stands out because:
- Biblical themes flow naturally through all subjects.
- Living books replace textbooks, making reading enjoyable.
- Families bond through shared reading and discussions.
- Multi-age efficiency teaches the same content to all, saving time.
- 'Open and go' planning means easy prep—lesson plans are clear and simple.
- Hands-on activities include crafts, projects, and even cooking.
- The Hazells are known for excellent customer service—often, they personally check in with families.
Considerations before choosing
Before picking MFW, consider these points:
- It requires quite a bit of read-aloud time—if you’re not into reading for hours, it might be tough.
- Some families find there are too many activities and need to simplify.
- The science content might seem light, especially in upper grades.
- MFW works best for parents who can engage with their kids; it’s not made for kids to work alone in K-8.
- The strong Christian focus may not fit secular families.
- Extra costs for language arts and math can add up.
- Advanced learners might need extra materials for more challenge.
The bottom line
My Father's World lives up to its promise of a Christ-centered, literature-rich education that brings families close. The multi-age approach makes it efficient for families with kids of different ages, creating shared memories through great books. It’s ideal for parents who love reading aloud, want a Biblical worldview in their studies, and can dedicate time to daily lessons. If you're looking for independent work or less parent involvement, you might want to explore other options. Check out BetterSchool to see more about MFW and its offerings.
