Winter Promise is a Charlotte Mason-inspired, literature-based homeschool curriculum using themed, multi-age programs that integrate history, language arts, science, and character development through quality literature.
What is Winter Promise?
Winter Promise is a homeschool curriculum publisher offering Charlotte Mason-inspired, literature-based programs organized around themes rather than traditional grade levels. Each themed program integrates history, language arts, science, Bible study, geography, and culture through real books, hands-on projects, and notebooking activities. The approach combines unit study methodology with Charlotte Mason principles, designed specifically for families with multiple children who want to learn together.
Key Takeaways
- Themed programs integrate multiple subjects around historical periods or topics
- Charlotte Mason-inspired with literature-based approach
- Multi-age design with separate learner guides for different levels
- Open-and-go format requires minimal teacher preparation
- Christian orientation with Protestant worldview throughout
How Winter Promise Is Organized
Rather than grade-level boxes, Winter Promise offers themed programs like "Quest for the Ancient World," "Adventures in Sea and Sky," and "Children Around the World." Each theme spans specific grade ranges—some covering K-3, others extending through 8th or even 12th grade. Within each program, multiple Learner Guides (Younger, Standard, Older) allow children of different ages to study the same theme at appropriate levels. This design lets families with multiple children learn together without purchasing entirely separate curricula.
What's Included (and What's Not)
Religious Orientation
Winter Promise is fundamentally Christian curriculum with Protestant worldview woven throughout. Bible study coordinates with each program's theme, and lesson plans note when secular books contain evolutionary assumptions or content potentially conflicting with Christian beliefs. There is no official secular version. The program "Children Around the World," for example, teaches about other cultures but includes prayer for those countries. Families seeking secular alternatives will need to look elsewhere or significantly modify the materials.
What Parents Say
Families consistently praise the minimal preparation—detailed guides make it truly "open and go." The literature-based approach engages children who dislike textbooks. Multi-age design saves money and keeps siblings learning together. Common concerns include needing to source math separately, absence of formal testing or answer keys (parents work closely with children), and some customer service inconsistencies. The lack of high school completeness also frustrates families wanting to continue through graduation. Pricing ranges from around $120 for simpler programs to $300+ for comprehensive theme packages.
The Bottom Line
Winter Promise works well for Christian homeschool families wanting literature-based, multi-age learning with minimal preparation time. The themed approach engages history and literature lovers, and siblings studying together creates family learning experiences textbooks can't match. Just know you'll need to add math curriculum, there are no formal assessments, and secular families should look elsewhere. For the right family, Winter Promise provides a cohesive, engaging alternative to traditional boxed curriculum.
