What Classical Conversations does

Classical Conversations, Incorporated is a private, family-owned provider of Christ-centered, classical homeschool education programs headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Founded in 1997 by Leigh Bortins and led by CEO Robert Bortins, the company delivers a sequential K-12 curriculum (Foundations ages 4+, Scribblers ages 4-8, Essentials ages 9+, and Challenge A through IV for ages 12-17) organized around the classical Trivium framework (Grammar, Dialectic, Rhetoric). Delivery is community-based: licensed directors (trained homeschool parents) lead weekly in-person community days, supplemented by the CC Connected online learning platform, the CC Bookstore e-commerce storefront, and ancillary programs such as Common Latin, The Math Map, the Classical Learning Cohort tutor training, and the CC International Online program for non-U.S. families.

The business model combines recurring membership/subscription fees paid by families for community access and CC Connected, one-time curriculum and merchandise sales through the CC Bookstore, revenue from licensing and certifying directors, event fees (National Conference, Parent Practicum, National Commencement, CC Cruise), and tuition share from the CC Plus Undergraduate Program partnership with Southeastern University. Distribution is community-led and self-reinforcing, relying on word-of-mouth referrals, an annual catalog mailer, and a multi-channel digital presence across web, email, SMS, podcasts, YouTube, and social platforms. The company serves 45,000+ homeschooling families and 125,000+ students across more than 50 countries and all 50 U.S. states, with 101-250 corporate employees. Strategic emphasis is on retention and lifecycle expansion, illustrated by college-prep partnerships (Classic Learning Test, Concurrent Enrollment) and the higher-education extension via CC Plus.

Name

Classical Conversations

Legal name

Classical Conversations, Incorporated

Website

https://classicalconversations.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Classical Conversations is a private, family-owned provider of Christ-centered, classical homeschool curriculum and community programs (Foundations through Challenge IV) serving 45,000+ homeschooling families across 50+ countries, delivered via licensed directors and the CC Connected online platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeschool Education Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Classical Education K–12 Schools (EDAJABAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Virtual Homeschool Programs & Online Curriculum Schools (EDAJADAJ)

Keywords

• Classical homeschool programs
• Christian education services
• Community-based learning
• Classical curriculum publishing
• Homeschool tutoring services

Headquarters

HQ city

Southern Pines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership/Subscription Programs: Families pay membership fees to join local Classical Conversations communities and access curriculum resources through CC Connected. The subscription model provides recurring revenue with community day sessions, curriculum materials, and ongoing parent support.
2. Curriculum and Book Sales: Sale of textbooks, curriculum guides, hands-on science materials, Latin merchandise, and educational resources through the CC Bookstore (classicalconversationsbooks.com).
3. Licensed Director Program: Revenue generated from licensing trained homeschool parents to lead local communities, including training, certification, and ongoing support services.
4. Event Fees: Fees for annual National Conference, Parent Practicum events, National Commencement, CC Cruise, and other community events.
5. CC Plus Undergraduate Program: Partnership with Southeastern University providing college credit and degree programs for Challenge students, generating revenue through program fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Classical Conversations provides Christ-centered, classical-methodology homeschool education programs delivered through weekly community gatherings led by trained parent-tutors, supported by the CC Connected online learning platform and curriculum materials sold through the CC Bookstore. The company serves over 45,000 families across 50+ countries with sequential K-12 programs from Foundations (age 4+) through Challenge IV (age 17+), plus college credit opportunities through the CC Plus partnership with Southeastern University.

Product overview

Classical Conversations operates a multi-level, community-based classical Christian homeschool program spanning from early childhood (ages 4) through high school graduation (age 17+). The core portfolio consists of four sequential program tiers: (1) Foundations (ages 4+) for foundational grammar and memory work through weekly community gatherings; (2) Scribblers (ages 4–8) for early literacy; (3) Essentials (ages 9+) for language arts and math enrichment; and (4) the Challenge track (Challenge A through Challenge IV, ages 12–17) which progresses from science fair research and formal logic (A) through mock trial (B), debate (I), protocol (II), poetry (III), and culminates in a Senior Thesis (IV). Supporting the core programs are CC Connected (the online membership learning center providing digital curriculum resources and a transcript tool), the CC Bookstore for physical curriculum and merchandise, Common Latin (an integrated family Latin curriculum), The Math Map, and the Classical Learning Cohort parent-tutor training. Add-on competitive and community events include National Memory Master, National Number Knockout, Parent Practicum, CC Cruise, and National Commencement. The CC Plus Undergraduate Program extends the offering into higher education through a partnership with Southeastern University, allowing Challenge students to earn college credit while remaining in the CC community. All programs are unified by the classical Trivium model (grammar, dialectic, rhetoric arts) and a Christian worldview.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Foundations A community-based homeschool program for children ages 4 and up, featuring weekly gatherings where families practice classical learning skills through songs, chants, movement, hands-on science, hands-on fine arts, and student presentations using a cyclical three-year curriculum.
• Scribblers An early literacy program designed for children ages 4-8, focused on building foundational reading and writing skills through age-appropriate classical learning activities.
• Essentials A language arts and math enrichment program for students ages 9 and older, designed to deepen grammar skills and mathematical fluency through the classical model.
• Challenge A The first level of the Challenge program, serving students ages 12 and up, focusing on science fair research, formal logic, and foundational classical skills.
• Challenge B The second level of the Challenge program, serving students ages 13 and older, featuring mock trial as a key component of rhetorical and legal reasoning training.
• Challenge I The third level of the Challenge program, serving students ages 14 and older, centered on debate and the development of persuasive argumentation skills.
• Challenge II The fourth level of the Challenge program, serving students ages 15 and older, focused on protocol training including formal dining, social etiquette, and communication skills.
• Challenge III The fifth level of the Challenge program, serving students ages 16 and older, featuring a Poetry Cafe and continued development of rhetorical skills through written and spoken composition.
• Challenge IV The capstone level of the Challenge program, serving students ages 17 and older, culminating in a formal Senior Thesis defense as the culminating rhetorical project.
• CC Connected (Learning Center) The online membership portal for enrolled Classical Conversations families, providing access to thousands of digital curriculum resources, the Transcript Tool for creating college-ready transcripts, online forums, and video tutorials alongside the in-person community day curriculum.
• CC Bookstore An e-commerce storefront for purchasing CC curriculum materials, Latin merchandise, science activity books, and homeschool resources referenced across the programs.
• National Memory Master Competition An annual national competition for Foundations and Essentials students to demonstrate mastery of memory work from the classical curriculum.
• National Number Knockout An annual national math competition testing students' speed and accuracy in mental arithmetic and mathematical problem-solving.
• CC Plus (Undergraduate Program) A partnership program with Southeastern University allowing Challenge II-IV students to pursue a college degree while remaining enrolled in CC communities and studying from home, with guaranteed admission for enrolled Challenge students.
• Classical Learning Cohort (CLC) A training program for parents and tutors providing mentorship in classical education skills, assessment practices, and discipleship integration, meeting every other week in a structured cohort format.
• Parent Practicum An annual parent-equipping event providing training, skill development, and community encouragement for homeschooling parents using the classical model.
• Common Latin An integrated homeschool Latin curriculum where families study the same passages by translating Scripture from the Latin Vulgate together, memorizing shared vocabulary and building mastery side by side.
• The Math Map A structured resource guiding families through the progression of mathematical concepts from foundational arithmetic through advanced mathematics, aligned with the classical model.
• International Program (CC International Online) An online community serving homeschooling families internationally, offering access to CC's curriculum and community model for families outside the United States.
• Testing / Assessment Options Standardized testing and assessment services for homeschool students, including partnerships with testing providers to support college admissions documentation.
• CC Cruise An annual cruise event offering educational content and community fellowship for CC families in a travel-based setting.
• National Commencement An annual national graduation ceremony celebrating CC Challenge graduates, featuring featured speakers and the ceremonial walking across the stage.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 677,500 students enrolled in classical schools nationwide during 2023-2024 school year, with enrollment projected to reach 1.4 million by 2035
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CC ConnectedcoreTechnology or IntegrationCC Connected is the company's primary online learning management platform serving enrolled families with curriculum resources, instructional content, and community tools. While operated by the company, it represents the core technology infrastructure for digital service delivery.
• Classic Learning TestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing homeschool-friendly college entrance testing alternative. CLTest offers assessments recognized by colleges and universities, helping CC families document academic achievement for college admissions through a classical education-aligned testing option.
• Southeastern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through CC Plus Undergraduate Program allowing Challenge students to pursue college degrees or explore academic interests while remaining connected to CC community. Students can earn college credit and work toward degrees while studying from home.
• Concurrent EnrollmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership helping families navigate assessments, college credit options, and high school graduation requirements. Works alongside Classic Learning Test partnership to provide comprehensive college preparation pathway for Challenge students.
• GiveSendGominorOthersScholarship opportunity allowing CC families to apply for funds to help cover CC tuition costs or support other families in need. Applications accepted through GiveSendGo platform with CC discount opportunities.
• International Association for Creation (IAC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember benefit providing quality, Christ-centered educational tours for families. IAC offers Christian museums and events nationwide and globally, with CC family discounts available.
• Licensed DirectorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHomeschool parents trained and licensed by CC to lead local communities one day per week. Directors model classical approach, build community, and provide structure and support for local families. Core distribution channel for community-based model.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Memoria Press: Classical Christian homeschool curriculum publisher offering K-12 materials with a similar trivium-aligned, parent-led pedagogy. Directly comparable product catalog, target customer (Christian homeschool families), and recurring curriculum revenue model.
• Veritas Press: Classical Christian education provider offering K-12 curriculum, online self-paced courses (Veritas Scholars Academy), and live online classes. Directly competes with CC in the classical Christian homeschool category with overlapping methodology and customer base.
• Sonlight Curriculum: Christian literature-based homeschool curriculum provider serving K-12 with a literature-rich, parent-led approach. Directly comparable Christian homeschool target market and annual curriculum subscription model, though pedagogically less classical than CC.
• BJU Press (Bob Jones University Press): Christian K-12 textbook and homeschool curriculum publisher owned by Bob Jones University. Comparable target market (Christian homeschool families), K-12 program structure, and curriculum-plus-services revenue model.
• Alpha Omega Publications: Christian homeschool curriculum provider offering print and online K-12 programs (Monarch, Ignite, LIFEPAC, Horizons). Comparable Christian homeschool customer, K-12 coverage, and recurring curriculum subscription model.
• Timberdoodle: Secular-leaning homeschool curriculum kit retailer that assembles multi-publisher packages for K-12 homeschool families. Comparable homeschool parent customer base and curriculum commerce model, though less religious and less methodologically prescriptive than CC.
• Well-Trained Mind Academy (Susan Wise Bauer): Online classical education academy built around the Well-Trained Mind / classical trivium methodology. Directly comparable classical pedagogy, K-12 online delivery, and homeschool parent audience; smaller scale and more individual-class oriented than CC.
• Classical Academic Press: Classical Christian education publisher specializing in Latin, logic, rhetoric, and Bible curriculum for homeschool and classical schools. Comparable classical methodology, Christian homeschool customer, and curriculum commerce model, with strong overlap in Latin and rhetoric offerings.

Emerging players

• Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool: Free, online, all-in-one K-12 homeschool curriculum with a large following of secular and Christian homeschoolers. Competes for the same homeschool family wallet, especially price-sensitive ones, though it lacks CC's community model and classical methodology.

Broad incumbents

• Outschool: Large online marketplace for live K-12 classes, homeschool-friendly courses, and group instruction. Addresses the same homeschool family customer with a much broader (secular, eclectic) catalog and live online class delivery that partially overlaps CC's community-day model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Classical_Conversations
• Facebookfacebook.com/classicalconversations
• Xx.com/classicalconv
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/classical-conversations

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Classical Conversations