What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently laud Noeo Science for its successful integration of the Charlotte Mason 'living books' philosophy into a structured science program. Most sources, including Cathy Duffy and users on The Homeschool Mom, highlight the 'open-and-go' nature of the instructor's guides and the extreme convenience of the all-inclusive experiment kits as major selling points. Families often choose Noeo specifically to avoid the dry, textbook-driven approach of traditional science programs. However, a common trade-off noted in community forums like Well-Trained Mind and Reddit is the high cost compared to sourcing books and materials independently. Some critical feedback suggests that the older levels (Level 3) may lack the academic depth required for students heading into rigorous high school sciences, and a few parents find the transition between different 'living books' occasionally feels disjointed. Overall, it is seen as a high-quality, stress-reducing option for families who value high-quality literature and hands-on learning.

How It Works

A typical week follows a four-day schedule where students spend the first few days reading short assignments from high-quality 'living books' like Usborne encyclopedias and then summarizing what they learned in their science notebooks through 'narration' or sketching. The parent acts as a facilitator, reading aloud to younger children or reviewing the notebook entries of older students using the straightforward instructor’s guide. On the fourth day, the family performs a hands-on experiment using the included all-in-one kit, which contains almost every specialized material needed. Each session is designed to be 'open-and-go,' taking about 20 minutes for younger kids and up to 45 minutes for middle schoolers, with virtually zero preparation time required for the parent. This routine turns the kitchen table into a lab where science is learned through high-end literature and direct observation rather than dry drills.

Switching to This?

Noeo Science does not provide a formal placement test because its levels are based on broad developmental stages rather than strict grade levels: Level 1 is for grades 1–3, Level 2 for grades 4–6, and Level 3 for grades 7–8. Most families simply choose the level that matches their child's current grade, though those with multiple children often find success by placing them all in one level to teach them together. If you are starting mid-year, you can jump into the curriculum at the beginning of any of the modular book sets, though starting at the beginning of the instructor's guide is recommended to establish the narration routine. Families switching from a traditional textbook program should prepare for a transition where the child is expected to explain concepts in their own words rather than just selecting a multiple-choice answer. Because Noeo provides the books and kits as a bundle, parents should check their own bookshelves first to see if they already own any of the included encyclopedias before purchasing.

Curriculum Details

Price

$189 - $259

Prices are per full curriculum kit (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) per grade level. Individual components like instructor guides or book sets can be purchased separately for less.

Grades

1 - 8

Available As

Print Physical Kits

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Science

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

15-45 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Christian

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

When compared to Apologia Science, Noeo offers a 'neutral' worldview that uses secular encyclopedias and living books rather than a single, overtly providential textbook, which appeals to families who prefer a more literature-focused approach. Compared to BookShark Science, which also uses living books, Noeo is often praised for its superior experiment kits that include nearly every necessary item, whereas BookShark users often need to source more household supplies independently. Against R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey, Noeo leans more toward reading and sketching and less on 'worksheet' style data recording, making it feel more like a Charlotte Mason-style lesson. Parents looking at Supercharged Science will find Noeo much more affordable and less screen-dependent, as it lacks the heavy video-lecture component found in Supercharged. Finally, unlike many 'spiral' programs that mix biology, chemistry, and physics every year, Noeo focuses on one specific discipline per year, allowing students to immerse themselves deeply in a single topic through various authors and experiments.

Getting Started