Christian Light Education Review: Homeschool curriculum Game-Changer

Imagine a homeschooling world where your kids learn independently, confidently navigating their studies without you constantly hovering. If that sounds like a dream come true, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re diving deep into Christian Light Education (CLE)—a revolutionary curriculum that blends biblical principles with a literature-based approach, all designed to foster independent learning in your homeschool. In this blog post, we’ll explore the CLE system, share real-life success stories, and compare it with other popular homeschool curricula, so you can decide if it’s the perfect fit for your family.

My Homeschool journey

Hi, I’m Rebecca Devitt—a seasoned homeschool mom currently guiding my two amazing kids on a Christian learning journey.

With over 11 years dedicated to researching and experiencing various Christian homeschool curricula, I understand the juggling act that comes with planning lessons, managing daily chaos, and keeping the Bible at the center of learning.

Homeschooling is a labor of love, but let’s be honest: it can sometimes feel like you’re running on a never-ending hamster wheel.

Between chasing one child after another and fielding endless “Why is the sky blue?” questions, finding a curriculum that supports independent study while staying biblically grounded is a game-changer.

The Daily Homeschool Hustle

If your daily routine feels like a high-speed chase—a mix of lesson plans, snack times, and the occasional kitchen science experiment gone awry—then you’ll appreciate the promise of independent learning.

Imagine the relief when your children can confidently tackle their studies on their own.

Not only does this lighten your load, but it also instills crucial life skills, empowering them for a future beyond the homeschool environment.

What is Christian Light Education?

Enter Christian Light Education (CLE)—a curriculum that has become a favorite among Christian homeschoolers nationwide.

CLE is designed to balance academic rigor and independent learning perfectly.

It’s neither too easy nor overly challenging, much like the “just right” porridge in Goldilocks’ tale.

With its focus on literature-based education, CLE uses rich literary resources to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding, all while remaining biblically grounded.

What Makes CLE Stand Out?

• Biblically Grounded Curriculum: Every lesson is infused with biblical principles, ensuring that your child’s education is rooted in faith.

• Independent Learning Focus: Once your kids develop their reading skills, they can navigate the curriculum largely on their own—an approach that builds confidence and life-long learning habits.

• Student-Led Structure: The CLE curriculum is divided into manageable “LightUnits,” allowing for steady progress and regular milestones without overwhelming your child.

• No Screen Time: For parents who prefer traditional learning methods over digital distractions, CLE offers a screen-free educational experience.

A Success Story

Let’s bring the CLE experience to life with a story from a fellow homeschooler.

Meet Sarah, a busy mom of three who once found herself overwhelmed by the unique learning needs of each child.

While her eldest dove into history, the middle child worked through math puzzles, and the youngest embarked on a flour-and-vinegar science experiment in the kitchen, chaos reigned supreme.

Then Sarah discovered Christian Light Education.

With CLE’s independent, student-led approach, her kids began to manage their lessons on their own.

The curriculum’s structure, breaking content into bite-sized LightUnits that take 15-17 days each, transformed their chaotic learning environment into one of calm and confidence.

Sarah’s once frantic home became a place where independent learning blossomed and even the occasional kitchen experiment was met with a smile.

How CLE Works

Here’s a closer look at the key components that make CLE a standout homeschool curriculum:

1. LightUnits

CLE courses are divided into 10 workbooks—each called a LightUnit.

Instead of facing a daunting, year-long textbook, your child works through digestible portions every 15-17 days.

This approach not only prevents overwhelm but also celebrates small wins along the way.

2. Daily Lessons

Each day introduces a new concept, keeping the material fresh and engaging. This steady stream of information ensures that learning remains dynamic and enjoyable.

3. Systematic Reviews

Regular reviews are interwoven throughout each LightUnit.

These aren’t tedious repetitions; they’re strategic reinforcements that cement new knowledge and prevent important details from slipping through the cracks.

4. Quizzes and Tests

After every five lessons, a quiz serves as a fun checkpoint.

And at the end of each LightUnit, a test celebrates your child’s achievements and readiness to move on to the next unit.

5. Independent Learning

The hallmark of CLE is its emphasis on student-led learning.

Once your child can read, they’re empowered to explore the curriculum independently—freeing you from constant oversight and allowing your child to build self-confidence and autonomy.

For parents seeking additional accountability, the Homeschool Plus option offers third-party review of your child’s work, while those looking for a more cost-effective approach might opt for the unaccredited, yet equally enriching, version of CLE.

By the way if you like independent curricula, checkout the video below on several options for homeschooling like this.

Also SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube channel!

What does it cost?

For a 9th or 12th grader, Christian Light’s curriculum would cost between $400 and $500 per student.

Plus, Christian Light's accredited Homeschool Plus program costs an additional $310 for a family with two students, making it incredibly affordable.

CLE vs. Other Curricula

Of course, Christian Light Education isn’t the only curriculum on the market.

Here’s a brief comparison with two popular alternatives:

Masterbooks vs cle

Masterbooks is often compared with Christian Light Education. But how do they compare?

• Pros: Uses engaging living books that make learning fun.

• Cons: Some families feel it lacks sufficient work problems, requiring supplemental materials for a well-rounded education.

BJU Press vs cle

You can also compare BJU Press with CLE:

• Pros: Combines workbooks with teacher-led video lessons, offering a more engaging, multi-sensory learning experience (see the video below of my BJU Press Grade 2 curriculum unboxing).

• Cons: The extra video content can increase the cost compared to CLE and Masterbooks.

Each curriculum has its strengths, but CLE’s focus on independent, biblical, and literature-based learning makes it a standout choice for many Christian homeschooling families.

Join Our Homeschool Community!

Before we wrap up, I invite you to join our supportive homeschool community.

If you’re looking for more tips, resource recommendations, and real-life homeschooling stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my weekly homeschool email.

It’s packed with practical advice and a dash of humor—because, let’s face it, sometimes homeschooling really is a wild ride!