Which Level of Hearth & Story Is Right for Your Student?

At Hearth & Story, we designed each Complete Language Arts grade level to meet or exceed Common Core standards. That means (at least in theory) that most families can simply choose the level that matches their child's grade and feel confident they’re on track.

But in practice, we know things aren’t always that simple!

We’ve heard from a growing number of families who are making the switch to Hearth & Story from other programs, including those that don’t follow standard progression in writing. Some homeschool ELA programs that aren’t standards-based underemphasize structured composition or begin targeting these goals a year or two later than standards-based programs. As a result, some students are unsure how to build strong paragraphs, organize an essay, or support a point with evidence.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s more common than you think, and it’s not necessarily a problem.

Start with Writing Level, Not Just Grade Level

If your child is reading and writing at or above grade level, then our standard grade-level recommendation will likely be the right fit. But if you’re concerned about their writing progress, or if they’ve never had formal instruction in essay writing or research, it’s wise to start by looking at their writing level instead of their age.

Use this quick guide:

• Start Complete 4th Grade if your student can write strong sentences and has some experience writing paragraphs.

• Start Complete 5th Grade if your student can write solid paragraphs and is beginning to understand the 5-paragraph essay format.

• Start Complete 6th Grade if your student has experience writing multiple types of 5-paragraph essays.

• Start Level 7–8 if your student has written a full research paper (including source-gathering, note-taking, citing in MLA format, and writing around 1000 words).

Mix & Match to Find the Perfect Fit

One of the great things about Hearth & Story is that every course component works together, but nothing is locked in.

Let’s say your student is entering 5th grade but hasn’t done much paragraph writing yet. You could still choose Complete 5th Grade but purchase and swap in 4th Grade Writing instead and hang on to your copy of 5th Grade Writing to use next year. That way, your student is still growing in literature, grammar, spelling, and critical thinking at their current level, while getting writing support that actually matches their needs.

This kind of switch is simple, common, and a smart way to support growth without overwhelming your student.

What If My Student Is Behind?

First, you are not alone. Many homeschool families are surprised to learn that their student is a bit behind in writing after using a non-standards-based curriculum that focuses on other goals rather than writing. That doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, and it definitely doesn’t mean it’s too late to catch up. The important thing is to meet your student where they are and keep moving forward.

And here’s some good news: if your student needs to step back a level to build skills, you still won’t lose momentum. Our Level 7–8 course covers both 7th and 8th grade standards in a single year, so your child will be fully back on track by the time they start high school. No gaps, no worries.

A Final Word of Encouragement

We know how much thought and love you pour into your homeschool. When choosing the right level, don’t worry about comparing your student to others. The most important thing is to give your learner the most appropriate tools to grow, thrive, and express themselves.

We believe in mixing high academic standards with joyful learning, and our goal is to help your student reach their full potential with warmth, clarity, and a little fun along every step of the way.

Have questions about placement? Come ask in our Facebook group. There, you will find many helpful homeschooling parents who give great advice!