Classical Conversations (CC) is a community-based classical Christian homeschool program where families meet weekly to learn together, combining memorization-focused curriculum with parent-led instruction at home and group accountability.
What are Classical Conversations?
Classical Conversations is a classical Christian education program built around three pillars: Classical, Christian, and Community. Founded in the late 1990s by Leigh Bortins, the organization now serves over 45,000 families across all 50 states and more than 50 countries. Unlike traditional curricula purchased for home use, CC centers on weekly community gatherings where homeschooling families come together to learn. Children aren't dropped off—at least one parent attends throughout the day, making CC as much a parent education experience as a children's program. The model assumes families continue learning at home throughout the week, with community days providing accountability, instruction, and social connection.
Key Takeaways
- Weekly community gatherings for 24 weeks each academic year
- Three program levels: Foundations (ages 4-12), Essentials, and Challenge
- Parent attendance required—not a drop-off program
- Emphasizes memorization through songs, chants, and repetition
- Local directors manage enrollment, tuition, and community administration
Program Structure
CC offers three main programs aligned with classical education stages. Foundations serves students ages 4-12, focusing on memory work across seven subjects—Latin, English grammar, history, geography, science, math, and timeline. Essentials builds on Foundations with writing instruction and mathematical reasoning. Challenge programs serve older students through increasingly rigorous, discussion-based learning that culminates in sophisticated rhetoric and argumentation. Students may participate in multiple programs simultaneously—a nine-year-old might attend both Foundations and Essentials on the same community day. The three-year memory work cycle (covered elsewhere in this glossary) rotates through Foundations content.
The Community Model
Community days aren't school—they're structured gatherings where tutors guide students through memory work, presentations, and activities. The real learning happens at home throughout the week. Parents introduce concepts, drill memory work, and guide deeper study while community days provide accountability and group practice. This model creates unusually strong connections between homeschooling families. The requirement that parents attend means families get to know each other across ages. Many CC families cite community as the program's greatest benefit, particularly those seeking connection with like-minded homeschoolers.
Cost Considerations
CC costs vary by community since local directors set tuition within ranges. A typical Foundations year might run $400-500 including registration, facility fees, and tuition. Essentials adds similar costs. Challenge programs cost more as students advance. Families with multiple children pay per-child fees, though some programs offer sibling discounts. Beyond tuition, families purchase materials—the Foundations Guide, memory work cards, and program-specific resources. All fees are typically non-refundable, making the financial commitment significant before knowing whether the program fits your family. Contact local directors for specific current pricing.
What to Consider Before Joining
CC requires substantial commitment. Parent attendance on community days can challenge working families, those with babies or toddlers, or families with members who have special needs requiring separate attention. The quality of experience depends heavily on your local community—parent reviews range from enthusiastic endorsement to disappointment, often reflecting the specific dynamics of individual groups. The memorization emphasis produces remarkable recall in many students, though some parents question whether students understand the material deeply or simply remember it temporarily. Preview days let families observe before committing.
The Bottom Line
Classical Conversations offers something genuinely distinctive: a community-centered approach to classical Christian education that combines parent education with student learning. The model works exceptionally well for families seeking connection, accountability, and structured memory work within a biblical framework. The parent attendance requirement and community-dependent quality mean families should investigate their local options carefully before committing. Preview a community day, talk with current families, and honestly assess whether your schedule accommodates the weekly time investment.
