Is Memoria Press Worth It? A Classical Homeschool Review

Memoria Press is one of the most respected names in classical homeschool education, known for its rigorous Latin program and strong emphasis on logic, literature, and the classical trivium. But is it worth the investment? Here is a comprehensive look.

What Is Memoria Press?

 Memoria Press is a classical homeschool curriculum publisher based in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded by Cheryl Lowe, it offers a complete K–12 classical curriculum with particular strength in Latin, logic, classical literature, and formal rhetoric. The program is rooted in the traditional classical model of grammar, logic, and rhetoric — the trivium — and places special emphasis on memorization, recitation, and mastery of foundational knowledge.

What Is Included?

Memoria Press offers individual subject courses as well as complete grade-level packages. A typical complete package includes Latin, English grammar, reading and literature, classical studies, and history. Each subject comes with a detailed teacher's guide and student workbook. The teacher's guides are well-designed and provide clear lesson plans, answer keys, and teaching notes.

Pros of Memoria Press:

Memoria Press's Latin program is among the best available for homeschoolers. Prima Latina and Latina Christiana are widely regarded as excellent introductory Latin programs, and the progression into more advanced Latin is rigorous and systematic. Students who complete the full Memoria Press Latin sequence are genuinely well-prepared for classical languages at the college level. The curriculum is also extremely well-organized. Teacher's guides are clear, lesson plans are straightforward, and the quality of content — particularly in classical literature and history — reflects years of careful curriculum development.

Cons of Memoria Press:

Memoria Press is a parent-intensive curriculum. Parents are expected to teach lessons directly, lead recitation, and assess student work. There are no video lessons or automated grading — everything runs through the parent-as-teacher model. For families with multiple children at different levels, managing the instructional demands of Memoria Press can be challenging. The curriculum is also academically demanding, which is a feature for the right student but a source of frustration for children who need a gentler pace or who struggle with rote memorization.

Is Memoria Press Worth the Price?

Memoria Press complete packages run $200 to $500 per year per grade level, depending on the subjects included. Individual courses are available separately for families who want to use Memoria Press for specific subjects rather than as a complete curriculum. For families committed to classical education, Memoria Press offers genuine value — the quality of the Latin program alone often justifies the cost compared to other Latin curricula available at similar price points.

Who Is Memoria Press Best For?

Memoria Press is the best fit for families who are committed to classical education, who want rigorous Latin instruction, and who have the time and ability to provide direct parent-led teaching each day. It works especially well for academically strong students who enjoy the challenge of Latin, logic, and classical literature, and for families where a parent has a background in or genuine enthusiasm for classical learning.

Final Verdict: 

Memoria Press is worth it for families who are genuinely committed to classical education and willing to invest the parental time it requires. The quality of the curriculum — particularly the Latin and literature programs — is excellent. It is not a hands-off program, but for the right family, it provides a rigorous, meaningful classical education.

YES or NO?

YES for classical education families willing to teach directly. The Latin program alone is worth the investment. Not recommended for families needing independent or self-directed learning.