Seton Home Study School is a Catholic homeschool program founded in 1982. It offers complete curriculum packages for grades PreK-12, along with grading services and accredited diplomas.
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. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is Seton Home Study School?
Seton Home Study School is a Catholic homeschool program that started in 1982 in Front Royal, Virginia. It’s accredited by the Middle States Association and recognized by the Diocese of Arlington. Seton has about 14,000 students enrolled and over 20,000 families using their materials on their own. They offer full curriculum packages from PreK to 12th grade, plus grading services, record keeping, academic counseling, and accredited diplomas when students graduate.
Curriculum approach
Seton uses a traditional Catholic approach instead of a classical one. Every subject incorporates faith, from the Baltimore Catechism in religion to Catholic views in history and literature. The curriculum is challenging and textbook-based, with daily lesson plans that parents can adapt. Core subjects include the Faith and Freedom reading series, Voyages in English for grammar, Saxon Math or Teaching Textbooks for math, and Apologia science courses. By around second grade, students often become independent learners, but parents still play a key role.
Pricing structure
Seton’s tuition remains stable for 2025, showing their focus on affordability. PreK and Kindergarten cost about $250. Elementary grades range from $600 to $800, including books. High school tuition is around $985. Families with multiple students get automatic discounts. There’s also a $30 fee for new families and optional services that cost between $185 and $260. Extra courses like Rosetta Stone and Teaching Textbooks are available for additional charges. Payment plans come with a small service fee.
Student outcomes
Students at Seton generally excel academically. The average GPA is 3.67, with SAT scores around 1230 and ACT scores about 27. They usually test 1-2 grade levels higher than their public school peers. Seton has a strong link to Christendom College, founded by the husband of Seton’s founder, Anne Carroll. However, graduates go on to various colleges and universities.
The bottom line
Seton Home Study School gives Catholic families a reliable and structured way to homeschool. With its accredited curriculum and support, it’s great for families wanting the backing of an established school. However, you’ll have less flexibility compared to creating your own curriculum, and you’ll follow Seton’s Catholic approach in all subjects.
