What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Word Roots as a highly effective, no-nonsense supplement for mastering English vocabulary through Latin and Greek roots. Major sources like Cathy Duffy highlight its utility in preparing students for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT by teaching them to decode unfamiliar words logically. While the program is praised for its independence—allowing students to work through exercises with minimal parental oversight—it is frequently criticized for being 'dry' or repetitive. Families who value efficiency and logic-based learning find it a perfect fit, but it may feel like 'busy work' for students who crave variety or creative engagement. The transition from physical workbooks to software options is noted as a benefit for some, though the core content remains traditional workbook-style drill and practice. Overall, it is viewed as a reliable tool for building a strong linguistic foundation with very little prep work for the parent.

How It Works

A typical session involves a student spending 15 to 20 minutes working through a two-page spread in their workbook or software program. First, the child reviews a table of specific Latin or Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes, then applies that knowledge to exercises like matching words to definitions, completing sentences, or deconstructing complex words into their meanings. Parents act primarily as supervisors, assigning the lessons and checking the answers using the key at the back of the book, which requires zero prior preparation. Because the program is designed for independent use, most families find it easy to slot into their schedule three to four days a week as a short linguistic warm-up.

Switching to This?

The Critical Thinking Co. does not offer a formal placement test for Word Roots; instead, parents should follow the publisher's grade-level recommendations, such as starting with 'Level 1' for grades 5 through 12 or 'Beginning' for grades 3 and 4. If a student is older but has never studied morphology (the structure of words), it is a common community rule of thumb to start at Level 1 to ensure they master the most common foundational roots. Families can easily start this curriculum mid-year because the lessons are self-contained and do not rely on a cumulative narrative. If you are switching from a traditional spelling program, expect your child to shift from memorizing letter sequences to logically 'solving' a word’s meaning based on its parts.

Curriculum Details

Price

$14 - $34

Prices vary by level and format. Workbooks are generally $14.99-$21.99; software/eBooks range up to $34.99.

Grades

3 - 12

Available As

Print Digital Workbook Software

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Logic & Critical Thinking Reading/Language Arts

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

5-10 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Secular

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Word Roots focuses more on logical word-building puzzles and decoding rather than lengthy writing assignments, making it a better fit for students who prefer concise, workbook-style tasks. When weighed against Wordly Wise 3000, Word Roots teaches the 'DNA' of language through Greek and Latin components rather than asking students to memorize lists of individual words. Families choosing between this and Michael Clay Thompson’s Caesar’s English will find Word Roots to be a straightforward, no-frills supplement, whereas Caesar’s English is a highly conversational, teacher-led approach that focuses on the beauty of literature. Compared to English from the Roots Up, which relies on physical flashcards and parent-led drills, Word Roots is designed for the student to complete entirely independently. Finally, unlike formal Latin programs from publishers like Memoria Press, Word Roots is strictly a vocabulary tool meant to improve English reading comprehension and standardized test scores without the burden of learning complex foreign grammar.