Rod & Staff vs. Christian Light Education: Which Should You Pick?
If you’ve spent even ten minutes in homeschool circles, you’ve probably heard these two names whispered with equal parts reverence and dread: Rod and Staff and Christian Light Education (CLE). Both are heavy hitters. Both are old-school. Both are rooted in Mennonite tradition.
So which one is right for your family?
Let’s dive into the quirks, the similarities, the theology, and yes — the black-and-white reality of these two classic programs.
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First Things First: The Mennonite Roots
Before we talk workbooks and color (or the lack of it), let’s zoom out.
Both Rod and Staff and CLE come from a Mennonite background.
That means you’ll bump into their theology now and then.
We’re talking:
Arminian theology (aka, anti-Calvinist)
Head coverings for women
Pacifism (yes, even in history lessons you may notice a soft anti-war tone)
Total abstinence from alcohol (no wine at communion here)
Now, don’t freak out.
Plenty of Christians who aren’t Mennonite use these programs happily.
But if you’re Baptist, Presbyterian, or another flavor of Christian, you may run across these differences and think, “Huh, that’s… new.”
They aren’t dealbreakers for most families, but they do pop up as conversation starters.
Similarities Between Rod & Staff and CLE
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
What do these two curriculums have in common?
1. They’re Both Robust (a.k.a. Rigorous)
Neither of these programs is trying to be “gentle” or “lightweight.”
If you’re looking for fluffy reading passages about puppies and cupcakes… keep scrolling.
These are meaty, thorough, traditional homeschool programs that will give your child a serious academic workout.
2. They’re Pretty Black-and-White (Literally)
Forget full-color spreads.
These are black-and-white workhorses.
If you’re a parent who loves pretty rainbow pages, you’re going to be disappointed (see comment from a mom pictured below about this!).
But if you want your kids focused on content instead of doodling in the margins, it works.
3. They’re Traditional in Method
No Charlotte Mason tea parties here.
No Classical trivium structure.
Just good old-fashioned lessons, practice, mastery, and tests.
Think of it as “grandma’s homeschool” — straightforward, no-frills, no Pinterest crafts required.
4. They’re Affordable
Compared to many modern curriculums (looking at you, $1,000+ boxed sets), both Rod and Staff and CLE are budget-friendly.
That’s a huge draw for families trying to keep homeschooling costs down.
How They’re Different
Okay, so if they’re both robust, black-and-white, traditional, and affordable… what separates the two?
1. Workbooks vs. Textbooks
This is the biggest difference most parents notice.
Christian Light Education LightUnits for Bible curriculum – bite-sized, black-and-white mini workbooks that give kids a sense of progress as they check each one off.
CLE uses small, consumable workbooks called LightUnits (see picture above). Your child works through one, checks it off, sets it aside, and moves on to the next. It gives a sense of progress that can feel really motivating. (Because who doesn’t love the satisfaction of saying, “I finished another book!”)
Rod and Staff uses big, chunky textbooks (see picture below) with accompanying workbooks. It’s old-school in feel and layout. If you like everything in one hefty volume, you’ll love it. If your child likes milestones and checklists, they may prefer CLE.
Rod and Staff homeschool workbooks – traditional, black-and-white, textbook-style lessons known for their thoroughness and rigorous Mennonite approach. They’re big, chunky workbooks.
2. Color (Well… Sort Of)
CLE sneaks in a teeny bit of color. Not much — we’re not talking magazine-style illustrations here. But enough to keep kids awake.
Rod and Staff? Nope. Black and white all the way. If CLE is a muted color TV, Rod and Staff is straight-up black-and-white.
3. Parent Reviews & Buzz
Here’s the thing: both have loyal fans, but CLE generally gets more positive chatter online. Parents often describe it as “a little more interesting” and “easier to use” than Rod and Staff.
Rod and Staff is praised for being extremely thorough and rock-solid academically, but it doesn’t have the same “fun factor.”
4. Cost Difference
Both are affordable, but if we’re splitting hairs: Rod and Staff is usually cheaper. CLE costs a bit more, partly because you’re buying those multiple LightUnits per subject.
The Theology Factor
Now, let’s circle back to theology for a minute.
Both programs will point your kids to Jesus.
You’ll find plenty of Scripture, moral lessons, and Christian worldview.
But the Mennonite influence does shine through more with Rod and Staff.
Think: pacifist views in history, women’s head coverings, and strong emphasis on conservative living.
CLE has the same roots but tends to feel a little less heavy-handed in how it comes across. That’s one reason you’ll see more variety of families using CLE comfortably.
So if theology is a huge sticking point for your family, you’ll want to skim a few lessons first.
“📌 Parent Tip: Theology differences don’t have to divide your homeschool. Many parents use these moments as a springboard to talk with their kids about other denominations — and how to love the wider body of Christ even when we don’t all agree.”
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the bottom line:
Choose CLE if your child thrives on small milestones, you want a touch of color, and you appreciate a little more “buzz” from other homeschool families.
Choose Rod and Staff if you’re ultra budget-conscious, you like the old-school textbook format, or you just want no-nonsense, no-distraction academics.
Both are excellent.
Neither is “easy.”
Both will prepare your kids well academically (see comments in picture below).
My Personal Take
If I had to pick one for most families, I’d say CLE tends to come out ahead. It’s not perfect, but it’s generally more engaging and parent-friendly.
That said—plenty of families swear by Rod and Staff, especially those who want the cheapest option or who genuinely like its straightforward, all-in-one structure.
Alternatives to Rod & Staff and CLE
Maybe you’ve read all this and thought, “Hmm… black-and-white pages and Mennonite theology aren’t really my jam.”
Don’t worry—there are plenty of other solid Christian homeschool options that might suit your family better. Here are a few worth checking out:
1. BJU Press
If Rod & Staff and CLE are black-and-white TV, BJU is like a full-on HDTV with surround sound.
It’s colorful, academically rigorous, and has video lessons that let parents step back from direct teaching.
And they’re even more independent with learning than CLE.
It’s pricier, but many families feel it’s worth it for the support and visuals.
We use this option. You can see what a day in the life of BJU looks like in our homeschool in the video here.
2. Abeka
Abeka is another traditional Christian program, very similar in rigor to Rod & Staff and CLE, but with brighter pages and more polished readers.
It’s heavy on workbooks and super-rigorous, but some parents like the structure and the way it mirrors private Christian school curriculum.
It’s also fairly independent and comes with video lessons.
3. MasterBooks
On the other end of the spectrum, MasterBooks is a gentler, story-based approach.
It’s Christian, colorful, and much less worksheet-heavy than Rod & Staff or CLE.
Families who want a Charlotte Mason flavor without overwhelming academics often love it.
4. Notgrass (for History)
If history is your jam, Notgrass is an excellent alternative.
It’s literature-rich, Christ-centered, and designed for family-style learning.
Less workbook grind, more story immersion.
👉 See Notgrass curriculum here
5. Generations
Generations is another strong contender if you like robust, traditional-style programs but want something a little more visually engaging.
It’s colorful, gospel-saturated, and unashamedly Calvinist in its theology.
For some families, that’s a huge positive — especially if you’re looking for a curriculum that ties every subject back to a Reformed perspective.
For others, it’s simply good to know up front where the material is coming from.
Either way, if you love the thoroughness of CLE and Rod and Staff but wish for a bit more vibrance, this is a fantastic option.
👉 Learn more about Generations here
Are Rod & Staff and CLE an Arminian Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes — both Rod and Staff and Christian Light Education (CLE) come from a Mennonite background, which means they’re written from a distinctly Arminian perspective.
In practice, this means they emphasize free will, human responsibility, and resist Calvinist doctrines like predestination.
But here’s the thing: while they are technically Arminian homeschool curriculums, that theology isn’t front and center in the lessons.
You’ll see more focus on Bible verses, moral living, and Christian character than on debating theological camps.
When I ordered materials, I did get pamphlets that were pretty strongly anti-Calvinist.
But in the actual curriculum, those views aren’t heavy-handed.
They may peek through occasionally, but they don’t dominate.
And honestly, some parents who hold different theological views say they actually use these moments as springboards.
They become talking points about other denominations and a way to show their kids how to love and respect other Christians despite doctrinal differences.
So, if you’re a Calvinist family, you probably won’t find it a dealbreaker.
Many Reformed and Baptist parents still happily use CLE or Rod and Staff because they’re affordable, academically strong, and unapologetically Christ-centered — and the Arminian leanings are mild enough that they don’t derail the overall experience.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Let’s be real.
Choosing curriculum can make you feel like curling up in the fetal position.
Been there.
That’s exactly why I created my Homeschool Parenting Program — a full step-by-step roadmap for new homeschoolers. It’ll save you from burnout, wasted money, and the endless cycle of “did I choose the right thing?”
It’s basically therapy for new homeschoolers — but cheaper — and it actually works.
👉 Check it out here.
Final Thoughts
Rod and Staff vs. CLE isn’t a battle of good vs. bad. It’s more like vanilla vs. chocolate ice cream: both are solid, both have fans, and your pick will depend on your family’s taste.
Want affordable, robust, and classic old-school? Go Rod and Staff.
Want slightly more engaging with bite-sized milestones? Go CLE.
Want something colorful and gospel-saturated beyond both? Try Generations.
Whichever way you go, your child will get a strong Christian education that points them toward Christ — and that’s what homeschooling is all about.
