Christopherus Homeschool Resources
Waldorf homeschool curriculum written by Waldorf teacher Donna Simmons, with detailed print syllabi for grades 1–8, early-years resources, middle-grades student workbooks and audio downloads.
What is Christopherus Homeschool Resources?
Christopherus Homeschool Resources publishes Waldorf curriculum written by Donna Simmons, a Waldorf teacher, parent educator and homeschooling parent. The business, based in Viroqua, Wisconsin, has supplied homeschoolers for more than 20 years.
Its approach is Waldorf, inspired by Rudolf Steiner. It favors a computer-free childhood, art, form drawing, movement, reading aloud and a calm home rhythm. The materials aim to be flexible enough for almost any homeschool.
How Christopherus works
Each grade has a full-year syllabus built around main lesson blocks. A block focuses on one theme for a few weeks, such as Norse myths or local geography, while other subjects run alongside it in shorter lessons.
The syllabus tells you what to teach, how to teach it and, as the First Grade book puts it, "most critically, why." It isn't scripted. You weave the subjects together and adapt them to your child and your season.
The lower grades are parent-led. In grades 6 to 8, student workbooks act as a hybrid of main lesson book and textbook, and recorded audio lessons help reduce parent prep while building independence.
What it covers
| Grade | Example blocks and format |
|---|---|
| 1st | School readiness and form drawing, letters, quality of numbers, four processes, seasonal nature study; 4-day weeks over 31 weeks |
| 4th | Man and Animal, Norse Myths, local and national geography, Old Testament stories, Four Elements, math; 34 weeks |
| 6th–8th | Connected science, history, geography and language arts with workbooks and recorded lessons |
Every grade also includes music, painting, drawing, modeling, handwork and movement. Some essentials are sold separately, such as Joyful Movement, Form Drawing for Beginners and a grade's math bundle.
Who it's best for
Christopherus fits families who are serious about Waldorf and want to understand the reasoning behind each lesson. It's a strong match for screen-free households and for parents who like to adapt rather than follow a script.
It's a poor fit if you want daily scripts, digital materials, or a refund window. For a Waldorf curriculum with parent training videos and coaching, compare Waldorf Essentials. See more on our Waldorf homeschool curriculum page.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, the First Grade Curriculum costs $260 and the Fourth Grade Curriculum $525, each priced per family and printed on demand. Companion books, audio and handwork kits are extra. All sales are final.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Possibly. Curriculum like this is commonly allowed in ESA programs such as Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account and Florida's FES-UA, but each program decides. Christopherus also posts a charter school policy and a page on financial help for homeschoolers.
Save Christopherus to your wishlist, then apply once on Edulist to the scholarship programs in your state.
How it compares
- Waldorf Essentials pairs each grade with a parent training course and optional coaching.
- Oak Meadow is another Waldorf-inspired curriculum to compare.
- Blossom and Root mixes nature, arts and literature for families who want a gentler blend.
Browse more elementary homeschool curriculum, middle school curriculum or the best homeschool curriculum.
Who Christopherus Homeschool Resources is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Families committed to Waldorf education who want depth
- Parents who like understanding child development behind each lesson
- Screen-free households
- Families teaching older Waldorf students who want student workbooks
Look elsewhere if
- Parents who want scripted, day-by-day lessons
- Families who need a refund window
- Families who want digital-only or app-based materials
- High schoolers
Christopherus Homeschool Resources pros and cons
Pros
- Written by a Waldorf teacher with over 40 years in education
- Explains what to teach, how and why
- Full main lesson block schedules for each year
- Middle grades reduce parent prep with student workbooks and recorded lessons
- Free sample pages to preview before buying
Cons
- All sales are final; no returns or refunds
- Several required companion books sold separately
- Higher-grade curricula cost more
- Heavy parent involvement in the lower grades
- Stops at 8th grade
What’s included
- Full-year syllabi for grades 1–8 written by Waldorf teacher Donna Simmons
- Main lesson blocks with teaching advice, schedules and read-aloud lists
- Middle grades (6–8) add hybrid main lesson books and workbooks for students
- Audio downloads, including recorded lessons for older students
- Essentials such as Form Drawing for Beginners and Joyful Movement
- Kindergarten Supplement and early-years parenting resources
- Self-study parent course: On the Journey with Christopherus
Christopherus Homeschool Resources levels
| Level | Grades | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years | Pre-K–K | Parenting and home-life resources plus a Kindergarten Supplement for play-based early childhood. |
| Lower Grades (1–5) | 1–5 | Full-year syllabi with main lesson blocks, form drawing, language arts, math, nature study, music, painting and handwork. |
| Middle Grades (6–8) | 6–8 | Hybrid main lesson books and workbooks, recorded core lessons and preparation for high school research and essay writing. |
Placement is by age. For example, the First Grade Curriculum is meant for children who are 7 for most of the year, and Fourth Grade for children who are 10.
Official Christopherus Homeschool Resources placement test ↗How much does Christopherus Homeschool Resources cost?
As of October 2026, Christopherus prices each grade's curriculum per family. The First Grade Curriculum is a 376-page spiral-bound book for $260; the Fourth Grade Curriculum is two spiral-bound volumes (528 pages) for $525. Books are printed on demand. Several companion resources, such as Joyful Movement, Form Drawing and grade-specific audio or math bundles, are sold separately.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Grade Curriculum (print) | $260 | One-time | — |
| Fourth Grade Curriculum (print, 2 volumes) | $525 | One-time | — |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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Christopherus Homeschool Resources FAQs
Who writes the Christopherus curriculum?
Donna Simmons, a Waldorf teacher, parent educator and homeschooling parent with more than 40 years in education, writes the Christopherus materials. The business is based in Viroqua, Wisconsin.
What grades does Christopherus cover?
It offers early-years resources and full curricula for grades 1 through 8. There is no high school program.
Is Christopherus scripted?
No. Lessons are never scripted, but each syllabus gives detailed teaching advice and many options. The middle grades add student workbooks and recorded lessons to lighten parent prep.
How long is the Christopherus school year?
It varies by grade. The First Grade Curriculum uses a four-day week over 31 weeks, and the Fourth Grade Curriculum covers 34 weeks with a five-day week that includes an independent day.
Can I return Christopherus materials?
No. Christopherus says all sales are final and it doesn't accept returns or give refunds, so review the free sample pages before ordering.
Is Christopherus religious?
It is based on Waldorf education, inspired by Rudolf Steiner, and includes seasonal festivals and an Old Testament stories block in 4th grade. It isn't tied to a specific church.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: