Novare Science is a Christian educational publisher that offers rigorous science curricula for grades 6-12. Founded by John D. Mays, it focuses on deep understanding through a physics-first approach and mastery learning.
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 is novare science?
Novare Science & Math creates tough science courses for grades 6-12. The name 'Novare' means 'to renew' in Latin. John D. Mays, the founder, believes American science education needs a fresh start. After years as an electrical engineer and teaching at classical Christian schools, he wrote his first textbook in 2009 because he was frustrated with the options available. Now part of Classical Academic Press, Novare helps over 200 schools and many homeschoolers with its curriculum based on wonder, integration, and mastery.
The physics-first philosophy
Novare takes a different route than most science programs by starting high school science with physics. This makes sense because physics concepts like atoms, energy, and forces are key to understanding chemistry and biology. How can you learn chemical reactions without knowing atomic structure? Physics also builds important math skills like unit conversions and scientific notation that students need for chemistry. It might seem odd, but this approach works well.
The mastery approach
Novare's mastery method is different from standard textbook learning. Instead of covering a chapter, testing it, and moving on, Novare revisits key ideas throughout the year. Tests are cumulative; a March test might include material from September. This approach demands more from students initially but leads to better long-term memory. Weekly reviews and smart exercises mix basic skills with advanced questions, helping students truly learn rather than just memorize.
Considerations for homeschoolers
Novare is academically demanding, often more than typical homeschool science. Students need to be comfortable with algebra before starting physical science and pre-calculus before tackling advanced physics. Real lab experiments with actual scientific equipment are a must. Parents don’t need a science background since the textbooks are designed for student reading. However, helping with labs and keeping students accountable is important. For families unsure about science, it's a good idea to find a co-op leader or tutor. The result? Genuine college-level preparation.
The bottom line
Novare isn't for everyone, and that's okay. Families looking for a challenging, mastery-based science program that prepares students for college will find Novare remarkable. The physics-first approach may be unusual, but it's based on solid teaching principles. The materials are visually appealing, the content is thorough, and the Christian perspective is thoughtfully integrated. Students who complete Novare courses say they finally understand science instead of just memorizing facts. If you want lighter science or if math isn't your strong suit, you might want to look elsewhere. But for serious science education, Novare delivers.
