What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Economics for Everybody for its high production quality and R.C. Sproul Jr.'s ability to make complex economic concepts accessible and engaging. Cathy Duffy highlights its strength as a foundational course that can easily be expanded into a full-credit high school elective. A common theme across sources like The Homeschool Mom and various forums is the curriculum's heavy emphasis on a biblical worldview and the Austrian school of economics (free-market capitalism). While many appreciate this ideological clarity, some reviewers note that parents wanting a broader survey of different economic systems (like Keynesianism) will need to supplement with outside resources. The consensus is that it is an excellent, low-stress option for high schoolers that effectively removes the 'boredom factor' from the subject.

How It Works

Each week, students watch a 20-minute video lesson featuring R.C. Sproul Jr., who uses humor and clear analogies to explain economic principles from a biblical perspective. After the video, the student works through the study guide, which includes vocabulary definitions, multiple-choice questions, and short-answer reflections based on the video and the recommended textbook, 'Basic Economics' by Clarence Carson. Parents typically spend about 15 minutes reviewing the answers and discussing the 'Discussion' questions at the end of each lesson to ensure the child can apply the concepts to real-world scenarios. A typical session takes about 45 to 60 minutes once or twice a week, allowing the 12-lesson course to be completed in a single semester.

Switching to This?

There are no formal placement tests for this curriculum, as it is designed as a foundational elective for any high school student regardless of their previous exposure to economics. Most families start this course in 11th or 12th grade to meet graduation requirements, but its conversational tone makes it accessible for 9th or 10th graders as well. Families can easily start mid-year or even during the summer because the 12 video-based lessons are modular and do not rely on prior specialized academic sequences. If you are switching from a standard secular or Keynesian-focused textbook, expect a significant shift toward the Austrian school of economics, which emphasizes individual choice and limited government over mathematical modeling.

Curriculum Details

Price

$45 - $65

Pricing varies by format. Streaming or DVD sets are around $45, while bundles with the printed study guide range from $55 to $65.

Grades

9 - 12

Available As

Digital Video Workbook Print

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

History/Social Studies

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

10-20 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Christian

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Parents often compare this to the 'Uncle Eric' series by Richard Maybury, which also advocates for free-market principles; however, Economics for Everybody is preferred by those who want a structured video component rather than just a series of books written as letters. Compared to Notgrass 'Exploring Economics,' which is a reading-heavy, full-credit course including literature and primary sources, this curriculum is much more concise and better suited for students who are already carrying a heavy academic load. If you are weighing it against Dave Ramsey’s 'Foundations in Personal Finance,' note that Ramsey focuses on practical life skills like budgeting and debt, while Sproul Jr. teaches the theoretical 'why' behind how markets function. Against a traditional program like BJU Press Economics, this course is less focused on technical graphing and formulas, making it more engaging for students who struggle with dry, textbook-style instruction. Ultimately, families choose this over other options when they want a course that explicitly links economic theory to historical theology and biblical stewardship.

Getting Started