Homeschool History Curriculum and Social Studies
Updated · By Edulist · 6 sources
How to choose homeschool History Curriculum and Social Studies
- Chronological or topical
Classical programs move through world history in order, often in a four-year cycle repeated with more depth. Others start with U.S. history or a state study. Chronological history helps kids see how events connect; topical history follows interest.
- Worldview matters more in history than most subjects
The Mystery of History, Notgrass and Tapestry of Grace are written from a Christian view. Build Your Library and BookShark are secular. The Story of the World is classical and widely used by both.
- Count the read-aloud load
Literature-based history means reading aloud, often 30–60 minutes a day. That's a joy for some families and a burden for others. Be honest about your stamina.
- Teach siblings together
History is the easiest subject to teach to the whole family. Tapestry of Grace writes four learning levels for each week, so a 2nd grader and a 9th grader study the same era.
- Add maps and timelines
Geography sticks when it's tied to history. Look for programs with map work and a timeline, or add them yourself.
- Plan for high school credit
Notgrass high school courses can earn history, English and Bible credit in one course. Check how a program awards credit before 9th grade.
How homeschool history differs from school social studies
Public schools usually teach social studies by grade theme: community helpers, then state history, then U.S. history, then world history. Homeschool history programs tend to be more story-driven. They teach through narrative "spines," real books, biographies, maps and timelines, and they let siblings learn the same era together.
See grade guides for elementary history, middle school history and high school history.
Homeschool history curriculum compared
| Program | Approach | Grades | Worldview | Price (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Story of the World | Chronological narrative, four volumes | 1–6 | Classical | Text about $14–$25; guide $23–$26 |
| The Mystery of History | Chronological, four volumes | K–12 | Christian | Reader with guide $99.95 list |
| Notgrass History | Literature-rich, open-and-go | 1–12 | Christian | About $95–$141 per course on sale |
| Beautiful Feet Books | Literature-based packs | K–12 | Charlotte Mason style | $199.95–$299.95 per pack |
| Tapestry of Grace | Unit study, four levels | K–12 | Christian, classical | Year-Plan $249; books extra |
| Build Your Library | Literature-based, all subjects | K–12 | Secular | $29.95–$59.95 per level |
For extras, Curiosity Stream has history documentaries, and Little Passports mails a monthly world-culture kit for younger kids. Our ranked list is the best homeschool history curriculum.
A typical homeschool history week
- Elementary: Read a chapter together two or three times a week, narrate it back, color a map, and add a figure to the timeline.
- Middle school: Read on their own, outline, and write a short summary each week.
- High school: Primary sources, a research paper each semester, and tests or discussions.
Can scholarships or ESAs pay for history curriculum?
Curriculum and books are often allowed expenses in education savings account programs, though each program writes its own rules and some treat religious materials differently. See what ESA funds can be used for, then save your history picks to your wishlist so they're ready when you apply.
Featured homeschool History Curriculum and Social Studies
Hand-picked from the grid above because they fit this page well.
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Questions
Do homeschoolers have to teach history or social studies?
Many states list history, civics or social studies among required subjects, and some require U.S. history or the Constitution specifically. Others leave subjects to parents. Check your state's homeschool law before planning.
What is the four-year history cycle?
It's a classical plan that covers ancient, medieval, early modern and modern history over four years, then repeats in middle and high school with more reading and writing. The Story of the World and The Mystery of History are each four volumes for this reason.
Should we start with U.S. history or world history?
Either works. Classical families usually start with ancient world history. Others begin with American history because kids recognize the places and holidays. Notgrass and Beautiful Feet Books both offer an American history starting point for young kids.
Save it. Get it funded.
Save products free, then apply once for the scholarships that can pay.