The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) is intentionally priced far below most academic programs—not because it is limited, but because it was built on different principles from the beginning.

1. Education is a Work of Mercy—not a Business Opportunity

The instruction of the young—especially in matters of faith and virtue—is recognized by the Church as a spiritual work of mercy. It is not something to be commercialized. The CLAA exists to serve Catholic families rather than capitalize on their needs. We work to help parents fulfill their duties to their children. That’s why we offer a single $25/month Student Plan, which provides complete access to our entire curriculum. We believe that makes a quality Catholic education available to every child.

2. We Have Developed a Cost-Efficient Program Over Nearly Two Decades

Since 2008, we have built and refined a complete online system for classical Catholic education. Every course, assessment, and policy has been developed with long-term sustainability and simplicity in mind. Rather than depend on expensive print materials, unnecessary staff, or extra services, we’ve invested in structured, mastery-based online courses that families can manage on their own. This allows us to serve thousands of students without raising prices. We are able to keep costs low because our system has been built carefully and intentionally over time for this purpose.

3. We Respect the Sacrifices of Homeschooling Families

Homeschooling parents sacrifice income, time, and convenience in order to educate their children faithfully. They often do so not by choice, but out of necessity. We believe this effort should be supported, not exploited. The cost of a homeschool program should not be simlar to that of private schools. How would that even make sense? Homeschooling families provide their own classroom, structure, and supervision. They should not be expected to pay professional tuition rates for work they are doing themselves. Our pricing reflects respect for the responsibilities parents have already taken on.

4. We Are Not Selling Diplomas

In many modern programs, diplomas are awarded for little more than attendance or tuition payment. Academic standards are often low, and students are promoted without meaningful accomplishment. We take a different approach. CLAA students are expected to complete real academic work: reading original texts, mastering content, passing exams, and submitting written assessments. Our diplomas are earned, not bought. This preserves the academic integrity of the program.  

5. We use Technology Prudently to Reduce Costs

We do not use technology to replace the teacher or the parent, but to deliver content efficiently and at scale. Our online platform allows for continuous access to lessons, automated assessments, and easy tracking—all without the overhead of a traditional school. This careful use of technology allows us to provide a full curriculum at a fraction of the cost of most alternatives.

6. We Offer Paid Services Separately

For $25/month, every student receives full access to all CLAA courses. There are no required textbooks to be purchased, no hidden fees, and no per-course charges. Families who wish to receive additional help—consultation, tutoring, etc.—can purchase those services as desired. This ensures that the core education remains affordable for all, while extra assistance remains available to those who want it.

7. Our Accreditation Proves that Higher Costs are Not Necessary

The CLAA is a fully accredited institution. Our courses, policies, assessments, and academic standards have been reviewed and approved by the world's largest accrediting body, Cognia, and has earned high marks. This demonstrates clearly that high tuition prices and institutional overhead are not required to offer a legitimate, academically sound program. We have met all the necessary standards—while keeping our cost at $25/month per student.  Shouldn't wise people be able to do that?

Summary