Essentials in Writing
A video-based grammar and composition curriculum for grades 1–12. A certified teacher, Matthew Stephens, teaches short video lessons, and students complete matching assignments in a student book while parents grade with answer keys, checklists and sample compositions.
What is Essentials in Writing?
Essentials in Writing is a homeschool writing curriculum for grades 1–12. Its lessons are taught on video by Matthew Stephens, who holds an elementary education degree and a Missouri teaching certificate with an emphasis in middle and high school English. Each level combines grammar and composition, so most families don't need a separate grammar book.
The company also makes Essentials in Literature for Levels 7–12, a summer plan, an 18-week supplement and a college application essay guide.
How it works
Your child watches a short video, usually 3 to 7 minutes, then completes the matching page in the student book. Bigger writing assignments are broken into small steps across several days, so kids aren't asked to write a whole essay at once.
A typical day:
- Watch the day's video lesson.
- Complete the assignment, from a grammar exercise to one stage of a composition.
- Parent checks the work using the answer key, checklist or sample composition.
The company says students can work without supervision. In practice, parents of younger kids sit nearby, and parents of older kids grade compositions. A paid Scoring Service can grade compositions for Levels 6–12.
What it covers
| Level | Ages | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | 6–9 | Grammar and small, daily writing steps |
| 4–6 | 9–12 | Grammar and longer, multi-day compositions |
| 7–8 | 12–14 | Compositions graded with rubrics |
| 9–12 | 14–18 | High school composition; pairs with Essentials in Literature |
Each course includes Alternative Instructional Strategies for struggling students. The company markets the program as dyslexia-friendly and says it supports ADHD, autism and dysgraphia.
Who it's best for
It fits parents who feel unsure teaching writing, students who like video teaching and families who want grade-level, open-and-go lessons with grading help.
Families who prefer a literature-rich, discussion-based approach may like Brave Writer. Those who want a tightly structured method with checklists and stylistic techniques often choose IEW.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, most levels cost $99 digital or $119 with printed books, and Levels 11 and 12 are listed lower. Bundles with assessments or literature cost more, and DVDs add $30.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Writing curriculum is commonly an allowable expense in education savings accounts, like those on our Arizona ESA page and Florida scholarship page. Each program decides. Save Essentials in Writing to your wishlist and apply once through scholarships for families.
How it compares
WriteShop offers gentle, parent-guided lessons, and Writing With Ease uses narration and dictation for early grades. For a game-based supplement, Night Zookeeper motivates reluctant elementary writers. Browse more writing programs, middle school writing curriculum and high school writing curriculum.
Who Essentials in Writing is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Parents who want someone else to teach writing
- Students who learn well from short videos
- Families who want grammar and composition in one program
- High schoolers who want a documented English credit with Essentials in Literature
Look elsewhere if
- Kids who dislike screen-based instruction
- Families who want a literature-based or Charlotte Mason writing approach
- Students far below grade level in reading, without adjustments
Essentials in Writing pros and cons
Pros
- Clear video teaching from a certified teacher
- Short lessons broken over several days
- Checklists, sample compositions and rubrics make grading easier
- One household login covers siblings
- Grades 1–12 with a placement tool
Cons
- Tests cost extra
- Video access must be renewed after the access period
- Skills-focused, less literature-based than some writing programs
- Digital books can be viewed and printed but not downloaded
What’s included
- Twelve levels, one per grade, with video lessons of about 3–7 minutes
- Grammar and composition in one course
- Teacher Handbook with answer keys, composition checklists and sample papers; rubrics from Level 7
- Online placement tool and level comparison guides
- Optional Assessment/Resource booklet with quizzes and unit tests
- Paid Scoring Service for Levels 6–12
- Pairs with Essentials in Literature (Levels 7–12) for a full high school English credit
Essentials in Writing levels
| Level | Grades | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Lower elementary (Levels 1–3) | 1–3 | Ages 6–9. A slow, systematic start with small daily assignments and grammar. Level 3 works on synonyms, categorizing and figurative language through the writing process. |
| Upper elementary (Levels 4–6) | 4–6 | Ages 9–12. Grammar plus step-by-step compositions that build on earlier levels. Level 6 is the first level eligible for the optional Scoring Service. |
| Middle school (Levels 7–8) | 7–8 | Ages 12–14. Compositions graded with rubrics, which begin at Level 7, plus optional grammar review lessons. Essentials in Literature becomes available. |
| High school (Levels 9–12) | 9–12 | Ages 14–18. High school composition and grammar. Paired with Essentials in Literature at the same level, the company says it equals one English credit. |
The online placement tool and level comparison guides help you choose. The company says most students should start at their grade level unless they have a learning disability.
Official Essentials in Writing placement test ↗How much does Essentials in Writing cost?
As of October 2026, each Essentials in Writing level page lists Writing at $99 digital (online video, online Student Book and Teacher Handbook) or $119 digital plus printed books, for Levels 1–10. Levels 1–6 add a $109/$139 Writing and Assessments option, and Levels 7–10 add a Writing and Literature bundle at $199/$229. Level 11 is listed at $69/$89 and Level 12 at $67/$87. DVD video lessons can be added for $30 plus shipping.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing, Levels 1–10, digital | $99 | One-time | — |
| Writing, Levels 1–10, digital + print | $119 | One-time | — |
| Writing + Assessments, Levels 1–6, digital + print | $139 | One-time | — |
| Writing + Literature, Levels 7–10, digital + print | $229 | One-time | — |
| Writing, Level 11, digital | $69 | One-time | — |
| Writing, Level 12, digital | $67 | One-time | — |
Free trial: A free 'Try Before You Buy' demo lets you preview lessons.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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Essentials in Writing FAQs
How much does Essentials in Writing cost?
As of October 2026, most levels are $99 for digital access or $119 with printed books. Level 11 is listed at $69/$89 and Level 12 at $67/$87. Bundles with assessments or Essentials in Literature cost more.
How long are Essentials in Writing lessons?
Videos run about 3 to 7 minutes. With the assignment, a lesson takes 15 to 20 minutes in Levels 1–2, 20 to 30 in Levels 3–5, and 20 to 40 in Levels 6–12.
Is Essentials in Writing Christian or secular?
The company's site doesn't label the program as religious, and lessons focus on grammar and composition skills. Preview the free demo if faith content matters to your family.
How long do I have access to the videos?
Level pages list 18 months of online video access with free renewals for most levels (12 months for Level 12). DVDs are available for $30 more and are yours to keep.
Can I use Essentials in Writing with more than one child?
Yes. A household shares one login, and each additional child needs their own student book. Customer service can reactivate streaming for a younger sibling later.
Does Essentials in Writing count for high school credit?
The company says Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature at the same level together equal one high school English credit. If your state treats composition and literature as separate courses, each can count as its own credit.
Is there an Essentials in Writing discount code?
We don't publish coupon codes. The official site regularly runs seasonal promotions and lists military and first-responder discounts, so check the homepage before you buy.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources:
- essentialsinwriting.com
- essentialsinwriting.com · course catalog
- essentialsinwriting.com · faqs
- essentialsinwriting.com · level 3
- essentialsinwriting.com · level 8
- essentialsinwriting.com · level 11
- essentialsinwriting.com · level 12 2
- essentialsinwriting.com · placement tool
- essentialsinwriting.com · trybeforeyoubuy
- essentialsinwriting.com · level comparison guides writing