What Reviewers Say

Novare Science is widely regarded by reviewers as one of the most rigorous and high-quality science options for the classical Christian homeschool community. Consistent praise is directed toward its 'Mastery, Integration, and Kingdom Perspective' philosophy, which moves away from the 'cram-pass-forget' cycle common in traditional textbooks. Reviewers like Cathy Duffy and users on the Well-Trained Mind forums highlight that the curriculum does not shy away from complex math or mainstream scientific evidence regarding the age of the earth, which distinguishes it from many other Christian science programs. However, a common trade-off noted is the significant academic demand it places on students; the mastery-based assessments require frequent cumulative review, which some students find grueling. Additionally, while the texts are aesthetically beautiful and well-written, they are best suited for students who are strong in math and parents who are comfortable facilitating advanced experiments.

How It Works

A typical week involves a student reading several pages of the textbook and answering detailed review exercises designed to be written out in a dedicated science notebook. Parents facilitate experiments once a week using a separate lab manual, which often requires 60 to 90 minutes for setup, execution, and the recording of data in a formal lab report. Daily study sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes and prioritize 'mastery,' meaning students spend time reviewing old concepts every day to prepare for weekly cumulative quizzes. The parent's primary role is to lead labs, grade the intensive written assessments using the digital teacher resources, and ensure the student is maintaining a consistent review schedule.

Switching to This?

Novare does not offer formal diagnostic placement tests, but they provide a critical 'Math Requirements' chart that parents must consult to ensure a student's math level matches the science track. The community rule of thumb is to place students based on their current math proficiency—specifically regarding Algebra—rather than their grade level, as the physics and chemistry books are mathematically rigorous. It is difficult to start this curriculum mid-year because its 'mastery' philosophy relies on a cumulative review system that builds on specific vocabulary and concepts introduced in the first chapter. Families switching from traditional 'Young Earth' programs should prepare for a perspective shift, as Novare integrates mainstream scientific evidence regarding the age of the universe within a Christian framework.

Curriculum Details

Price

$80 - $250

Individual textbooks cost around $80-$100; full sets including teacher resources and experiment manuals typically range from $130 to $200 per grade level.

Grades

6 - 12

Available As

Print Digital

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Science

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Pacing

Some flexibility

Parent Time

20-45 min/day

Parent Involvement

Moderate

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Advanced

Worldview

Christian

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Apologia, which is known for its conversational tone and Young Earth creationist stance, Novare is more formal in its writing and accepts mainstream scientific views on the age of the earth. When weighed against BJU Press, Novare is much less encyclopedic; it focuses on deep mastery of a few core concepts rather than covering a vast number of topics that students might later forget. Parents choosing between Novare and Berean Builders will find that while Berean Builders uses a chronological history-based approach, Novare follows a traditional subject-specific sequence with a much heavier emphasis on mathematical applications. Against a program like ACE PACEs, which uses short workbooks and multiple-choice questions, Novare requires significantly more writing, critical thinking, and parent-led laboratory work. Ultimately, the choice for Novare usually hinges on a parent's desire for a 'college-prep' level of rigor that treats science and math as inseparable disciplines.

Getting Started