What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Memoria Press's Traditional Logic as the 'gold standard' for formal logic in the homeschool community. Most emphasize its clarity, noting that even parents with zero background in logic can successfully teach the material, especially when utilizing the video lessons. The primary trade-off mentioned across platforms like The Well-Trained Mind and Reddit is the aesthetic and presentation: it is frequently called 'dry' or 'boring' due to its black-and-white text and lack of modern visual stimulation. However, users like Cathy Duffy point out that this lack of distraction helps focus on the complex content. While some students find the repetitive workbook exercises tedious, most reviewers agree that the curriculum successfully masters difficult Aristotelian concepts where other programs remain superficial.

How It Works

A student typically begins the week by reading a short chapter in the textbook and watching a 15-to-20-minute video lesson that explains technical concepts like 'categorical syllogisms.' For the next four days, the child spends about 30 minutes completing workbook exercises that focus on defining terms and practicing the specific structure of logical arguments. The parent’s role is primarily to grade the daily work using the teacher’s key and to discuss any errors the child made in their logical proofs. The week concludes with a short test to ensure the student has mastered the vocabulary and rules introduced in the chapter before moving forward.

Switching to This?

Memoria Press does not offer a formal placement test for logic because the subject is its own discrete discipline; therefore, the community rule of thumb is for all students to start with Traditional Logic I, regardless of their grade level. Even a 12th grader should begin at the first book if they have no prior experience with formal, Aristotelian logic. Families can comfortably start this curriculum mid-year or at any point during the term because it does not rely on knowledge from other subjects. If you are switching from a program that focused on 'informal logic' or fallacies, expect a significant transition toward a more technical, math-like study of the structure of sentences and arguments.

Curriculum Details

Price

$15 - $105

Individual texts are approx. $15. Complete sets including workbook, teacher manual, and DVDs/streaming videos range from $85 to $105.

Grades

7 - 12

Available As

Print Workbook Video Digital

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Logic & Critical Thinking

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

15-30 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Christian

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

When compared to The Art of Argument, Traditional Logic focuses on the 'formal' structure of syllogisms rather than 'informal' logical fallacies used in advertising and politics, making it more academic and less conversational. Parents choosing between this and Canon Press’s Introductory Logic often find that Memoria Press stays rooted in language and philosophy, while Canon Press moves quickly into symbolic logic that resembles math equations. Compared to The Fallacy Detective, which is a light and humorous introduction for middle schoolers, Traditional Logic is a rigorous high school-level course that requires much more written output. Families often prefer Memoria Press over The Discovery of Deduction because of the optional video lessons, which provide the direct instruction many parents feel unqualified to give. Ultimately, the choice for Memoria Press is usually a choice for a traditional, 'old-school' academic approach over modern, visually-stimulating alternatives.

Getting Started