For Catholic families navigating the world of homeschooling, the Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) and Angelicum Academy stand out as two distinct options, each offering a vision of education rooted in Catholic tradition. Both programs aim to nurture faith and intellect, yet their approaches to classical education, curriculum delivery, and practical implementation diverge in meaningful ways. To help you choose between them, we’ve conducted an in-depth comparison based on 11 rigorous criteria: (1) teaching all seven classical liberal arts (grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy), (2) offering classical Latin and Greek with grammar and real reading, (3) providing Aristotelian and Scholastic philosophy, (4) delivering traditional Catholic theology (Scripture, Doctors, Catechism), (5) having active Catholic directors and fidelity to Church faith and morals, (6) accreditation by a reputable agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, (7) direction by experienced Christian classicists, (8) affordability including enrollment and books (under $1,000/year where possible), (9) excellent reviews from experienced families, (10) detailed grade-level study plans, and (11) international availability. This analysis, based on data as of March 2025, explores how CLAA and Angelicum measure up, guiding you toward the best fit for your family’s homeschooling journey.
Overview: Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA)
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy, founded by William C. Michael and guided by Lay Dominicans, seeks to resurrect the medieval Catholic education championed by saints like Augustine and Aquinas. Delivered entirely online, CLAA offers over 100 courses emphasizing the seven liberal arts, classical languages, and Catholic wisdom. It positions itself as an affordable, rigorous alternative to modern K-12 models, serving families worldwide with a purist’s vision of classical learning. Its mission is to restore authentic classical education, rejecting what it calls the “fake ‘classical education’ movement”. Does this bold ambition hold across all criteria?
Overview: Angelicum Academy
Angelicum Academy, established in 2000 and officially recognized by the Church under Canon 803 § 1, offers a Catholic homeschool program blending traditional at-home learning with live online courses. Based in Divide, Colorado, it centers on the liberal arts and the Great Books of Western civilization, supplemented by Socratic-style discussions. Angelicum aims to provide a flexible, faith-filled education attentive to St. Thomas Aquinas’s theology, serving students from nursery through 12th grade. How does it compare to CLAA’s classical rigor?
Criterion 1: Teaching the Seven Classical Liberal Arts
The first criterion—teaching all seven classical liberal arts—reveals a significant contrast. CLAA earns a definitive “Yes.” It explicitly offers courses in grammar, logic, and rhetoric (the trivium) and arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy (the quadrivium), reflecting the medieval Catholic curriculum. Courses like Elementary Grammar, Dialectic, Arithmetic, and Astronomy ensure students engage with each art systematically, aiming for a holistic intellectual formation true to historical standards.
Angelicum scores a “No.” It emphasizes the trivium through its Great Books program—grammar in early reading, logic in analysis, and rhetoric in discussions—but its quadrivium coverage is partial. Arithmetic and geometry appear in math courses (e.g., Saxon Math), and science includes some astronomy (e.g., Astronomy by Fred Hoyle), but music is not a formal art course, and astronomy lacks depth as a standalone study. Angelicum integrates liberal arts into its Great Books framework rather than teaching them as distinct disciplines, a point CLAA critiques as insufficiently classical. For families prioritizing all seven arts, CLAA excels.
Criterion 2: Classical Latin and Greek Courses
Language instruction highlights another divide. CLAA earns a “Yes,” offering classical Latin and Greek courses that teach grammar and real reading of texts like Cicero, Virgil, and Homer. Its Latin I and Greek I courses focus on mastery of classical forms, preparing students for primary sources—a cornerstone of authentic classical education. This dual-language approach mirrors the training of historical Catholic scholars.
Angelicum also scores a “Yes.” It provides classical Latin with grammar and real reading, using texts like Lingua Latina and advancing to authors like Caesar in high school. Greek is offered similarly in upper grades, though less emphasized than Latin. Both programs ensure students engage with classical languages authentically, countering CLAA’s critique that Angelicum sidelines languages as “enrichment”. The evidence shows Angelicum integrates them into its core offerings, making this a tie with CLAA’s robust approach.
Criterion 3: Aristotelian and Scholastic Philosophy
Philosophy underscores aligned strengths. CLAA earns a “Yes,” offering dedicated courses in Aristotelian and Scholastic philosophy, such as Aristotle’s Organon and Aquinas’s Summa Theologica. These focus on logic, metaphysics, and ethics, immersing students in primary texts rather than surveys, aligning with the Catholic intellectual tradition’s emphasis on reason and faith.
Angelicum also scores a “Yes.” Its Great Books program includes Scholastic philosophy through works like Aquinas’s Summa and Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, studied in high school. While not standalone courses, these texts are explored via Socratic discussions, ensuring engagement with Aristotelian and Thomistic thought. CLAA critiques Angelicum’s lack of formal dialectic training, but Angelicum’s approach still meets the criterion. Both succeed, with CLAA offering broader depth and Angelicum integrating philosophy into its literary focus.
Criterion 4: Traditional Catholic Theology
Theology is a strength for both, earning each a “Yes.” CLAA embeds traditional Catholic theology across its curriculum, with courses like Baltimore Catechism, Sacred Scripture, and Aquinas’s Summa. This ensures deep engagement with Scripture, Doctors of the Church, and the Catechism, fostering a faith formation tied to classical studies.
Angelicum matches this with a theology program integrated into its curriculum. From St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism in early grades to Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed in high school, it draws on Scripture, saints, and Church teachings. Its fidelity to the Magisterium and Thomistic theology is evident. Both excel, with CLAA’s theology complementing its classical bent and Angelicum’s aligning with its Great Books focus.
Criterion 5: Catholic Directors and Church Fidelity
Both programs score a “Yes,” reflecting their Catholic roots. CLAA’s Lay Dominican directors are active Catholics, and its curriculum upholds Church faith and morals without compromise. Every course aims to glorify God, aligning with traditional Catholic values.
Angelicum, officially recognized by the Church (Canon 803 § 1), is led by Catholic directors committed to the Magisterium and Aquinas’s teachings. Its materials emphasize Church doctrine, with courses designed to aid Christian formation. Neither deviates from orthodoxy, making this a tie for families prioritizing faith.
Criterion 6: Accreditation by a Reputable Agency
Accreditation marks a practical difference. CLAA earns a “Yes,” holding Cognia accreditation with a 2024 Index of Educational Quality score of 320—above the average of 278-283. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and respected globally, this ensures CLAA diplomas carry academic weight for college admissions.
Angelicum scores a “No.” It offers college credits through partnerships with Catholic Distance University and Holy Apostles College (up to 78 credits toward an Associate’s Degree), but it lacks accreditation from a Department of Education-recognized agency like Cognia or WASC. Its focus is on curriculum provision, not formal accreditation, limiting its appeal for families needing accredited diplomas. CLAA wins here.
Criterion 7: Direction by Experienced Christian Classicists
Leadership expertise favors CLAA with a “Yes.” Directed by William C. Michael and other classicists with over 25 years of experience in classical studies, CLAA’s leadership ensures an authentic classical vision. Michael’s background in Latin, Greek, and philosophy shapes a curriculum true to historical standards.
Angelicum scores a “Partial.” Its directors, including Patrick S.J. Carmack, J.D., bring expertise in Great Books education and Catholic curriculum design, but classicist credentials aren’t emphasized. Angelicum collaborates with figures like Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., yet lacks evidence of formal classical studies leadership akin to CLAA’s. CLAA’s specialized direction takes the lead.
Criterion 8: Affordability for Christian Families
Affordability—including enrollment, fees, and books—shows CLAA as more budget-friendly. CLAA earns a “Yes,” with premium access at $300/year and minimal books ($50-$100/year due to online delivery), totaling $350-$400. Diploma tracks cost $700-$900 plus books, reaching $750-$1,000—still within reach.
Angelicum scores a “No.” Its traditional homeschool program ranges from $300-$800/year (e.g., $300 for elementary, $800 for high school with Great Books, Web ID: 6), with books adding $200-$300/year (estimate), totaling $500-$1,100. Online classes increase costs further (e.g., $600-$800/year per course), pushing it beyond the $1,000 threshold. CLAA’s consistent pricing outperforms Angelicum’s variable costs.
Criterion 9: Excellent Reviews from Experienced Families
Both earn a “Yes,” with distinct praise. CLAA families with extensive experience laud its support, classical rigor, and transformative impact. Parents highlight personal feedback and faith integration, noting its depth as a game-changer for intellectual and spiritual growth.
Angelicum’s reviews from long-term users emphasize its Great Books approach and faith focus. Parents and alumni, like Kelsey (Ph.D. candidate), credit it for sparking intellectual passion, while Fr. Fessio praises its formative value. CLAA appeals to classical purists, while Angelicum suits Great Books enthusiasts.
Criterion 10: Detailed Grade-Level Study Plans
Both score a “Yes,” tailored to their styles. CLAA provides detailed, task-level plans for all grades, guiding parents through each liberal art and subject. Its online platform offers clear, step-by-step instructions, ensuring clarity for self-directed homeschoolers.
Angelicum also delivers detailed plans, with lesson plans and Great Books study guides for K-12. Parents can customize schedules, supported by resources like Good Books lists and online class syllabi. CLAA’s plans suit classical autonomy, while Angelicum’s offer flexibility within its literary framework. It’s a tie, with preference based on approach.
Criterion 11: International Availability
Both earn a “Yes,” with no location barriers. CLAA’s fully online model ensures global access—students worldwide can enroll and study instantly. Its digital delivery eliminates shipping issues, making it seamless for international families.
Angelicum offers traditional homeschool materials shipped globally and live online classes accessible worldwide. Families report smooth use across countries, with Angelicum’s support adapting to international needs. Both are equally accessible, leveling this criterion.
Head-to-Head: Strengths and Weaknesses
CLAA’s Strengths: CLAA excels in classical purity. Teaching all seven liberal arts, offering Latin and Greek, and providing deep philosophy at $350-$1,000 make it a standout. Its leadership by experienced classicists, Cognia accreditation, and online flexibility suit families seeking an authentic, medieval Catholic education. The affordability and global reach enhance its appeal for self-directed learners prioritizing rigor.
CLAA’s Weaknesses: The online-only format may challenge families without reliable internet or those preferring physical materials. Its intensity—requiring significant parental oversight for younger students—might overwhelm novices. While accredited, its niche focus may require explanation to some colleges.
Angelicum’s Strengths: Angelicum shines in its Great Books focus and flexibility. Its integration of theology, philosophy, and literature through Socratic discussions at $500-$1,100 appeals to families valuing dialogue and Western classics. The college credit options and Church recognition add value for those seeking a literary Catholic education.
Angelicum’s Weaknesses: The incomplete quadrivium, higher costs ($1,100+ with online classes), and lack of accreditation limit its classical and affordability claims. Its reliance on discussion over formal liberal arts training may not satisfy purists, and shipping costs could burden international families.
Which Program Wins?
For classical liberal arts homeschooling, CLAA is the clear winner. Meeting 11/11 criteria, it delivers the full seven arts, dual languages, and Scholastic philosophy at a lower cost ($350-$1,000). Its online model, classicist leadership, and accreditation embody the Catholic intellectual tradition, ideal for purists. Visit https://classicalliberalarts.com/ to explore.
For a traditional Catholic education with Great Books, Angelicum prevails in its literary approach. Scoring 9/11 fully (partial on 1, no on 1), it offers a faith-rich curriculum with flexibility and college credits, though it sacrifices full arts coverage and affordability ($500-$1,100). Check it out at https://www.angelicum.net/. It’s perfect for families valuing discussion and classics over strict classical structure.
Final Thoughts: Your Family’s Decision
Choosing between CLAA and Angelicum hinges on your priorities. If you seek an uncompromising classical education with all seven arts, affordability, and accreditation, CLAA’s $350-$1,000 and global access are unmatched. If you prefer a Great Books-focused Catholic curriculum with Socratic engagement and flexibility, Angelicum’s $500-$1,100 and literary depth shine. Both uphold Church faith, but CLAA leads in classical rigor, while Angelicum excels in its unique blend of tradition and dialogue. Verify details on their websites, as costs may shift post-March 2025, and select the path aligning with your family’s vision.
I hope you find this comparison helpful.
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
