What Reviewers Say

Hake Grammar and Writing is widely regarded as the 'Saxon Math' of language arts, utilizing a spiral approach that emphasizes incremental development and constant review. Reviewers from Cathy Duffy and The Homeschool Mom consistently praise the program for its ability to ensure long-term retention of complex grammatical rules. While the grammar instruction is considered top-tier and highly rigorous, a common critique across Well-Trained Mind forums is that the writing component is less developed and often used as a supplement rather than a primary writing curriculum. The program is exceptionally independent, making it a favorite for busy parents, though its 'dry' and repetitive nature may be taxing for students who prefer creative or fast-paced learning.

How It Works

A typical day begins with the student reading a short grammar lesson in their hardback textbook and completing a few 'Practice Set' exercises to confirm they understand the new concept. Following this, the child works independently through a 'Review Set' of 30 mixed questions that revisit concepts from all previous lessons, which usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. Parents primarily act as graders using the provided answer key, though they may spend 5-10 minutes introducing the lesson to younger students in grades 3 or 4. The weekly routine includes four grammar lessons and one writing lesson from a separate workbook, with a cumulative test administered every five lessons to ensure long-term retention.

Switching to This?

Parents should use the free placement tests available on the Hake Publishing website, as the program's rigor often means students place one level below their current grade. Because the curriculum builds strictly on its own terminology and incremental steps, families should start at the beginning of a book rather than jumping into the middle, though they can easily start the program at any point in the calendar year. If you are switching from a program that focuses on one topic at a time, expect an adjustment period as your child learns to manage the 30 different types of questions found in every daily Review Set. Most families find that sticking to the placement test results is the best way to avoid frustration, even if the level number seems lower than expected.

Curriculum Details

Price

$60 - $95

Pricing is per grade level kit, which typically includes a student textbook, a teacher packet, and a student writing workbook.

Grades

3 - 8

Available As

Print

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Reading/Language Arts Writing

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Pacing

Some flexibility

Parent Time

5-15 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Analytical Grammar, which uses a 'mastery' approach to cover grammar in short, intensive seasons, Hake provides continuous, year-round practice that prevents students from forgetting rules during the off-season. When weighed against Shurley English, Hake is significantly more independent for the student, as it does not require the parent-led scripted jingles or oral question-and-answer flows that define the Shurley method. Against Rod and Staff, Hake offers a similar level of academic depth but provides a secular alternative for families who want a rigorous, traditional textbook without religious content. Many parents choosing between Hake and First Language Lessons find Hake to be much more 'workhorse' and less 'gentle,' making it a better fit for older students who need efficient, clear-cut instruction rather than oral narration. Finally, while IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) is often the preferred choice for composition, parents frequently pair it with Hake for grammar because Hake’s systematic 'Saxon-style' review is more robust than the grammar instruction found in most writing-heavy programs.

Getting Started