Switching from Memoria Press to IEW: which level to check first
Find the last Memoria Press level your child worked in to see where to look in IEW, how strong the evidence is, and the free placement test to give next.
In short
- No direct crosswalk: no publisher we found publishes one from Memoria Press to IEW
- How we place them: both programs on one shared reading scale, from each publisher's own level guidance
- Example: finishing Fifth Grade in Memoria Press points to SSS Year 1 Level B in IEW, or SSS Year 2 Level A if the placement test shows gaps (Confirmed by publisher)
- Evidence: across all 10 Memoria Press levels, 10 Confirmed by publisher
- The real answer: the placement test
Checked Oct 17, 2026. Built from the same table as our reading switch helper and methodology page.
IEW guide: where to start in Structure and Style
IEW places by reading level and writing experience. If a student has struggled with writing or reads below grade level, IEW says to begin at a lower level, and it advises against skipping ahead in the sequence.
IEW covers: writing (grammar sold separately as Fix It!). Memoria Press covers: phonics (early), literature, spelling, grammar, composition.
Memoria Press to IEW, level by level
| Last Memoria Press level | Finished it: look first at | About halfway: look first at | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Kindergarten | SSS Year 1 Level A (the program starts above this point; use its readiness check) | SSS Year 1 Level A (the program starts above this point; use its readiness check) | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Kindergarten | SSS Year 1 Level A (the program starts above this point; use its readiness check) | SSS Year 1 Level A (the program starts above this point; use its readiness check) | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| First Grade | SSS Year 1 Level A (the program starts above this point; use its readiness check) | SSS Year 1 Level A (the program starts above this point; use its readiness check) | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Second Grade | SSS Year 1 Level A | SSS Year 1 Level A (the program starts above this point; use its readiness check) | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Third Grade | SSS Year 2 Level A If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 1 Level A | SSS Year 1 Level A | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Fourth Grade | SSS Year 2 Level A If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 1 Level A | SSS Year 2 Level A If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 1 Level A | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Fifth Grade | SSS Year 1 Level B If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 2 Level A | SSS Year 2 Level A If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 1 Level A | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Sixth Grade | SSS Year 3 Level B If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 2 Level B | SSS Year 1 Level B If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 2 Level A | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Seventh Grade | SSS Year 3 Level B If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 2 Level B | SSS Year 3 Level B If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 2 Level B | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
| Eighth Grade | SSS Year 1 Level C If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 3 Level B | SSS Year 3 Level B If the test shows gaps: SSS Year 2 Level B | Confirmed by publisher | Open in the helper |
Why these levels
Memoria Press: Memoria Press sells its core curriculum by grade and advises choosing literature by reading level. Its staff say a child starting First Grade should be fluent with short words. Sources: Memoria Press staff: no placement tests; choose literature by reading level, Memoria Press staff: first grade starts with real books; fluent with short words.
IEW: IEW places Structure and Style by reading level: Level A for grades 3 to 5, B for 6 to 8, C for 9 and up. Sources: IEW: How to progress in Structure and Style (grade and reading-level bands), IEW FAQ: Level A 3rd to 5th, B 6th to 8th, C 9th to 12th.
A match is only as strong as its weaker side. Confirmed by publisher means both publishers state the level we used, not that they confirmed the pairing. Supported by parent reports means at least one side rests on reviewers or parents. Unverified means we found no source for at least one side.
How to make the switch
- Note the last Memoria Press level your child worked in and whether they finished it.
- Find it in the table above and note the evidence level.
- Give the IEW placement guidance on a calm day, without helping. Follow the publisher's instructions for scores near a cutoff.
- Compare the IEW level's scope and sequence with what your child already covered.
- Use free samples or trial lessons for a week before buying the full level.
- Check the sale timing before you buy. When IEW usually goes on sale. When Memoria Press usually goes on sale.
Going the other way? See IEW to Memoria Press. Comparing more programs, or not sure a switch will help? The reading switch helper starts with that question.
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Questions parents ask
Does IEW have a placement test?
IEW guide: where to start in Structure and Style: https://iew.com/support/blog/how-to-progress-sss. IEW places by reading level and writing experience. If a student has struggled with writing or reads below grade level, IEW says to begin at a lower level, and it advises against skipping ahead in the sequence.
Is Fifth Grade in Memoria Press the same as SSS Year 1 Level B in IEW?
Not exactly. Programs teach topics in different orders. On our scale, a child who finished Fifth Grade in Memoria Press is at about the point where SSS Year 1 Level B in IEW begins, so that is the level to check first. Evidence level: Confirmed by publisher. No publisher publishes a crosswalk between these two programs.
Why might my child place differently in IEW?
How we placed Memoria Press: Memoria Press sells its core curriculum by grade and advises choosing literature by reading level. Its staff say a child starting First Grade should be fluent with short words. How we placed IEW: IEW places Structure and Style by reading level: Level A for grades 3 to 5, B for 6 to 8, C for 9 and up.
Should we switch at all?
Often a pacing change in the program you own works first: slow down, review, skip ahead or trim problems. A switch makes the most sense when the format or content does not fit your child or family. The switch helper walks through this first.
When does IEW usually go on sale?
No dated sale found. Standing offer: IEW says it does not run coupon codes or big sales and keeps prices steady instead. It has a clearance page. Details and sources: https://homeschoolhaul.com/sale-calendar/iew/
More switch guides
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