An Honest Review of Classical Conversations
Classical Conversations has been such a game-changer for our homeschool. It’s given us structure, community, and a rhythm that really works for our family.
I am not affiliated with Classical Conversations, I’m just a mom who loves to share my experience and what I have learned.
If you’re new to Classical Conversations and want to learn more about what to expect your first year, read more here!
When we first started homeschooling, I had no idea what kinds of groups were out there. A friend recommended that I look into Classical Conversations, and I’m so thankful she did. After being part of a local CC group for three full years now, I want to share what makes this program so valuable for our family.
From the leadership and curriculum to the friendships and field trips, here’s my honest review of what we love (and why we plan to stick with it for the long haul).
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Strong Leadership Makes It Work
One of the biggest reasons Classical Conversations works so well is the leadership structure. Every local group has a director who not only handles logistics but also plans science experiments, organizes fine arts, leads the big group time each week, and manages many behind-the-scenes tasks.
Our director is truly phenomenal. She keeps everything running smoothly, communicates clearly, and creates such a warm and organized environment.
What’s also great is that she has support herself, a higher-level team, that helps with training and guidance. So it doesn’t all fall on one person!
I’ve seen other homeschool groups struggle or even fall apart without strong leadership. The way CC is organized helps it stay consistent and thriving. That kind of structure gives parents confidence and allows the community to flourish.
Parents Are Still the Primary Teachers
One thing I really appreciate about Classical Conversations is that it doesn’t take the teaching out of the parent’s hands. Instead it supports the parents as the primary teachers of their children.
During our weekly community day, children are placed in small classes with a tutor who introduces the new material, but the parent stays in the room. That means kids get the benefit of learning from another adult while still having their parent right there to reinforce and expand on the material throughout the week.
It’s a wonderful balance—kids learn to listen to other adults, follow instructions, and interact in a classroom setting, all while the family stays connected in the learning process. I love that I’m still my child’s main teacher, but I’m not doing it alone.
The Power of Homeschool Community
Homeschooling can sometimes feel lonely, but being part of a Classical Conversations community has completely changed that for us.
Every week, we get to meet with other families who are using the same curriculum and walking a similar path. It’s not just encouraging, it’s practical! We share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate wins together.
When something isn’t working at home, chances are someone in our group has a helpful tip or has been there too. There’s something powerful about being on this journey with others who understand it.
The friendships we’ve built, both for me and my kids, have become one of our favorite parts of homeschooling!
Field Trips that Enrich and Connect
One of the unexpected joys of Classical Conversations has been the amazing field trips our director organizes. Nearly every week, we have the opportunity to go somewhere new. We’ve explored museums, farms, historical sites, science centers, and more!
I love these opportunities for my kids to experience hands-on learning that ties into what we’re studying. These aren’t just fun outings (though they definitely are that!); they deepen our learning and strengthen our homeschool friendships.
Honestly, I would never have the time or capacity to plan this many meaningful trips on my own. Plus doing them with our community. makes them even more special.
It’s one of those added benefits that makes being part of CC so worthwhile!
Weekly Science Experiments and Fine Arts
Every week, our Classical Conversations group does hands-on science experiments and fine arts projects! Our director brings all the materials and guides us through engaging activities that truly bring the subjects to life.
We have done everything from building a model of the Earth’s geosphere to learning about different instruments in the orchestra. These experiences are things I likely wouldn’t have the time, resources, or know-how to replicate at home.
It’s such a gift to have these rich learning opportunities included in our community day. My kids look forward to it every week and so do I!
Simple, Complete Curriculum That Works
One of the most refreshing things about Classical Conversations is how simple and streamlined the curriculum is. With the Foundations program, everything—history, science, geography, English grammar, Latin, timeline, and more—is all included in the Foundations Guide.
All I need to add at home is math (read more about the math curriculum we use here) and language arts (we use Handwriting Without Tears). That’s it. As a homeschool mom, it’s such a relief not to be piecing together a dozen different programs or spending hours researching what to use for each subject.
The cycle-based approach also means we rotate through key topics over a three-year span, diving deeper as the kids grow. It’s well thought out, easy to follow, and it saves me both time and money. Plus Classical Conversations has awesome songs to help kids learn historical events, the Presidents, Latin, and of course, the Timeline song!
Read more about what to expect next year in Cycle 2 here!
Is Classical Conversations Too Expensive?
This is probably the most common concern I hear about Classical Conversations, and honestly, I had the same question before we joined. But after being part of the program, I can say without hesitation that it’s worth every penny. The fees go toward so much more than just a weekly community time.
You’re paying for a trained director who handles all the planning, provides science and fine arts supplies, organizes field trips (many of which we get at a discount or even for free), and creates a consistent, enriching environment.
Plus, the only materials you have to buy for the Foundations program (ages 4-11/12) are the Foundations Guide and a tin whistle—both of which you use for years.
Compared to buying separate curricula for each subject, the cost of CC is actually very reasonable, especially when you factor in the value of community and support. For us, it’s an investment that pays off in more ways than I can count.
Why We’re Sticking with Classical Conversations
At the end of the day, Classical Conversations has been a huge blessing to our family. It gives us structure without being overwhelming, support without taking away our role as primary teachers, and a rich community we truly enjoy being part of.
From the engaging weekly lessons to the thoughtful organization behind it all, it’s clear this program was designed with both kids and parents in mind. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, it has absolutely worked for us—and we plan to continue with it for as long as we can.
If you’re curious about Classical Conversations, I encourage you to visit an open house or talk to a local director. I hope you find the same kind of support, encouragement, and joy that we’ve found.
