Novare Science

What Reviewers Say

Novare Science is recognized by reviewers for its rigorous, mastery-oriented approach that emphasizes depth over breadth. Veritas Press recommends the curriculum for students pursuing science or engineering, noting its formal school-style design. Cathy Duffy Reviews describes the courses as challenging due to the inclusion of substantial math, which she notes helps students avoid a cycle of rote memorization.

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 the experiments, which are printed in the textbook for some courses, such as Physical Science, and in a separate experiment book for others, such as Introductory Physics and Physics: Modeling Nature, and which often require 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 Recommended Science and Math Sequence 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

$130.95 - $225.95

Each course is sold as a program bundle of the textbook and its supporting materials for $130.95 to $225.95, one-time. Hardback textbooks alone cost $86.95 to $121.95, and each course's Digital Resources e-book costs $57.95. The Introductory Physics Video Course with John Mays costs $214.95.

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

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Advanced

Worldview

Christian

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: May 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