The Good and the Beautiful (TGTB) is a faith-based homeschool curriculum emphasizing family, nature, and character, known for its beautiful design, integrated language arts program, and remarkably affordable pricing with many courses available as free PDF downloads.
What is The Good and the Beautiful?
The Good and the Beautiful is a homeschool curriculum company founded in 2015 by Jenny Phillips, offering courses from preschool through high school across multiple subjects. What sets TGTB apart is its combination of Charlotte Mason-inspired methods, beautiful aesthetics, and an aggressive commitment to accessibility—core curriculum is available as free PDF downloads. The company has grown explosively, with hundreds of thousands of families now using their materials. Their language arts program has become the most searched-for homeschool language arts curriculum in the world, largely because it integrates reading, spelling, grammar, geography, and art appreciation into a single, cohesive course.
Key Takeaways
- Language Arts (K-8) and Math (K-8) available as free PDF downloads
- Integrates multiple subjects into unified, open-and-go lesson formats
- Emphasizes family, God, nature, and character throughout materials
- History and Science designed for family-style teaching across multiple ages
- Created by a Christian author; content is non-denominational in approach
Subjects and Grade Levels
What Makes TGTB Unique
Three things stand out about The Good and the Beautiful. First, the open-and-go format: lessons include all instructions right on the page, requiring zero daily prep from parents. Second, the all-in-one integration of their language arts—a single spiral-bound book covers reading, spelling, writing, grammar, geography, and art appreciation rather than juggling separate curricula for each skill. Third, the price point: offering core curriculum for free is nearly unheard of in the homeschool market. The company states this reflects their mission to bring "goodness and beauty into as many homes as possible," regardless of budget.
Potential Limitations
No curriculum works perfectly for everyone, and TGTB has its share of critiques. Lessons can run long—20 to 60+ minutes depending on the child—and many families find they can't complete a full level in one academic year. Some Charlotte Mason purists feel the workbook elements contradict true CM philosophy. Literature choices, while clean and wholesome, may not satisfy families seeking more challenging classic works. The founder's membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has prompted some evangelical families to review the content carefully before committing, though the curriculum itself takes a non-denominational Christian approach.
The Bottom Line
The Good and the Beautiful has earned its massive following by delivering genuinely beautiful, well-organized curriculum at price points that work for any budget. If you value an open-and-go structure, appreciate nature and character woven throughout lessons, and want integrated language arts without managing multiple programs, TGTB deserves a serious look. Download the free PDFs and try a few lessons before purchasing printed materials—it costs nothing to see if the approach clicks for your family.
