Rod and Staff is a conservative Mennonite publisher based in Kentucky. They create Bible-based textbooks for grades 1-10, focusing on rigorous academics and strong Christian values.
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 rod and staff?
Rod and Staff Publishers is a conservative Mennonite company from Crockett, Kentucky. They’ve been making Bible-based textbooks since 1958. Their goal? To provide Christian homes and schools with materials that teach the truth without compromising God's Word. They offer a curriculum for grades 1-10, covering subjects like Bible, reading, English, math, science, and history. Many Mennonite schools and Christian homeschoolers from various backgrounds use Rod and Staff because it’s affordable and academically strong.
What makes rod and staff different?
Rod and Staff stands out for a few reasons. Their materials are in black-and-white with few illustrations to keep distractions away. The illustrations show a Mennonite lifestyle, but the content is relevant for everyone. They focus on mastery through repetition, so students practice skills a lot before moving on. Their English program includes sentence diagramming right from the start. There’s no online component, and they prefer minimal internet presence, so you order by phone using a physical catalog.
Considerations for non-mennonite families
Many families from different Christian denominations, like Baptists and Presbyterians, successfully use Rod and Staff. You will notice some Mennonite beliefs, like pacifism in history lessons and modest dress in illustrations. Most families find these points spark good discussions. The Building Christian English program is especially noted for helping kids become great writers. Keep in mind that the curriculum stops at grade 10, as Mennonites often transition to vocational training. Also, the heavy workload might be tough for kids who struggle with handwriting.
The bottom line
Rod and Staff provides solid, affordable Christian education that has lasted over the years. Their traditional style emphasizes mastery through repetition and writing, leading to strong academic results. Big families can really benefit from the reusable materials and low prices. The lack of flashy graphics is a plus for those who find colorful pages distracting. Non-Mennonite families can use it effectively if they understand its perspective. If you want engaging, discovery-based learning or a full high school program, you might want to look elsewhere. But for budget-minded families seeking solid academics with biblical integration, Rod and Staff is worth checking out.
