Best Social Studies Homeschool Curriculum For All Grades
Choosing the right social studies homeschool curriculum can shape how your child understands history, geography, civics, and economics.
Over the years, we’ve explored various programs, from literature-based approaches to interactive digital tools, each offering unique ways to make learning engaging.
What makes the best homeschooling resources stand out is their ability to bring lessons to life—whether through hands-on activities, thought-provoking discussions, or real-world applications.
By tailoring social studies to fit our homeschool, we’ve discovered curriculum options that not only cover essential topics but also spark curiosity and critical thinking.
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What Does Social Studies Cover in Homeschooling?
Social studies in homeschooling goes beyond memorizing dates and places—it helps students understand how societies function, how governments are formed, and how historical events shape the world today.
A well-rounded social studies curriculum typically includes:
- History – Past civilizations, key historical events, and cultural developments.
- Geography – Maps, world cultures, and physical landscapes.
- Civics & Government – Laws, government systems, and citizen responsibilities.
- Economics – Laws, government systems, and citizen responsibilities.
By customizing our homeschool approach, we’ve blended textbooks, interactive resources, and hands-on experiences like museum visits and historical fiction to make these subjects more engaging.
It’s also important to check state or local homeschooling guidelines to ensure your curriculum meets any requirements.
Homeschool History Curriculum
Choosing the right history program is key to building a well-rounded homeschool social studies curriculum.
A strong history curriculum does more than teach dates and events—it helps students see how past civilizations, political movements, and cultural changes shape the world today.
We’ve explored several history programs that make learning interactive, from literature-based studies to structured lesson plans.
These curricula cater to different learning styles, ensuring students not only absorb information but also develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for history.
Here are some of the best resources for history, each offering unique approaches to teaching this essential subject.
Pandia Press History Odyssey
We’ve had a great experience using History Odyssey by Pandia Press in our homeschool. This secular homeschool curriculum takes a literature-based approach that makes history more engaging and immersive.
What sets it apart is its emphasis on critical thinking and research skills.
Each level combines high-quality historical literature, writing assignments, and hands-on activities, allowing students to explore different time periods in depth.
The curriculum is designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy to adjust based on grade level and learning interests.
I also appreciate that it includes structured reading lists and activity guides, which help keep us organized without feeling rigid.
Since it’s a secular program, there’s no religious bias, making it a great fit for diverse homeschooling approaches.
Read more: [Our History Odyssey review.]
Beautiful Feet Books
Beautiful Feet Books has been another favorite in our homeschool, especially because of its literature-rich approach to history.
Rather than focusing on dry textbooks, this curriculum uses stories, biographies, and historical fiction to bring the past to life.
Through its themed literature packs, we’ve explored different historical periods in a way that feels immersive rather than just educational.
The included discussion questions and activities have led to some of our best homeschool conversations, making history a meaningful and personal subject rather than just a set of facts to memorize.
One thing I appreciate about Beautiful Feet Books is that it keeps discussions neutral, allowing families to incorporate their own perspectives as they see fit.
This makes it a flexible option for a wide range of homeschooling styles.
Read more: [Our Beautiful Feet Books review.]
Sonlight
For families looking for a Christian-based history curriculum, Sonlight is an excellent option. It blends historical fiction, non-fiction, and a biblical worldview, making history lessons engaging while tying in faith-based discussions.
One of the things I love most about Sonlight is its structured lesson plans and reading schedules.
With a strong emphasis on literature, it helps students engage with history in a way that feels more natural than traditional textbooks.
The combination of living books and guided discussions ensures that history isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about understanding how past events connect to the present.
Sonlight also integrates morality and faith-based discussions into history lessons, making it a great fit for families who want to explore historical events through a Christian lens.
Read more: [Our Sonlight curriculum reviews.]
Homeschool Geography Curriculum
Geography has been one of the most enjoyable subjects in our homeschool, offering endless opportunities to explore different places, cultures, and landscapes.
A strong geography curriculum does more than teach map skills—it helps children develop a global perspective by understanding how geography influences history, culture, and daily life.
We’ve found that the best resources include literature-rich programs, hands-on activities, and interactive lessons that make learning engaging at any grade level.
Whether you’re introducing basic geography concepts or diving into more advanced topics, these curriculum options provide an exciting and well-rounded approach to learning about the world.
Beautiful Feet Geography
Beautiful Feet Books offers a literature-based geography curriculum that has been a favorite in our homeschool. Instead of relying on traditional textbooks, this program brings geography to life through stories, historical narratives, and engaging activities.
Here’s how it progresses through different grade levels:
- U.S. Geography (Kindergarten – 3rd Grade): Introduces children to the states, landmarks, and cultures of the United States through beautifully written stories and hands-on activities.
- Around the World (1st – 4th Grade): Expands beyond the U.S. to explore continents like Africa, Asia, and Australia, providing a deeper understanding of different cultures and geographical features.
- 4th – 8th Grade Curriculum: Covers U.S. Geography and World Geography & Ecology, incorporating maps, literature, and environmental studies to help students understand the relationship between geography and ecosystems.
One of the reasons we love Beautiful Feet Books is how it integrates geography with storytelling, making the lessons memorable and engaging. Instead of simply memorizing locations, students connect with places through the experiences of people and cultures.
Let’s Go Geography
For a hands-on, activity-based approach, Let’s Go Geography has been a fantastic addition to our homeschool. This curriculum is structured to introduce children to different countries through interactive activities, maps, and creative projects.
Here’s what the curriculum includes by grade level:
- Grades K – 2: Young learners engage with geography through coloring maps, exploring flags, watching short videos, and creating geography-related crafts. Each lesson is designed to take about an hour per week, making it a simple but effective way to introduce global awareness.
- Grades 3 – 5: Older students dive deeper with map activities, country studies, and research-based projects. They also build a geography glossary, develop research skills using atlases and online resources, and explore different cultures through real-world connections.
One of the things we love about Let’s Go Geography is how it keeps learning interactive and exciting while reinforcing important geography skills.
To supplement the lessons, we also use free printable geography worksheets, which help reinforce key concepts and provide additional practice.
Homeschool Economics Curriculum
Economics is a critical part of a well-rounded social studies education, helping students understand how money, trade, and financial systems shape the world.
More importantly, a strong economics curriculum goes beyond theory—it equips students with the real-world financial skills they’ll need as they transition into adulthood.
One of the best resources we’ve found for teaching economics is Mr. D Math Economics, a self-paced course designed for middle and high school students.
Why We Chose Mr. D Math Economics
What makes Mr. D Math Economics stand out is its flexibility and real-world application. The program is divided into 16 lessons, structured like a semester course but adaptable to any homeschool schedule.
The curriculum covers foundational economic principles like supply and demand, producers and consumers, currency, credit, and taxes.
But what truly sets it apart is its emphasis on personal finance and practical life skills, ensuring students are prepared for financial independence.
Some of the real-world skills covered include:
- Managing a bank account – Understanding checkbooks, online banking, and financial transactions.
- Job applications and interview skills – Preparing students for the workforce.
- Understanding pay stubs and benefits – Learning how to evaluate salaries and compensation packages.
- Establishing credit and budgeting with credit – Teaching responsible credit use and debt management.
- Identity theft awareness – Recognizing financial security risks.
- Purchasing or leasing a vehicle and renting an apartment – Navigating major financial decisions.
We’ve found this economics homeschool curriculum to be both engaging and practical. It doesn’t just teach economic theories—it gives students the tools they need to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.
Homeschool Government Curriculum
Government education plays a crucial role in helping students understand how political systems function, how laws are made, and how citizens can actively participate in shaping society.
A strong government curriculum should go beyond textbooks, encouraging students to think critically about real-world issues, policies, and their role in civic life.
We’ve explored several government programs in our homeschool, and these two stand out as some of the best for teaching government at the high school level.
Principles and Precepts of Government
Designed for high school students, Principles and Precepts of Government provides a deep dive into the evolution of governance systems, from patriarchal rule to modern republics.
Rather than just outlining the basics, this curriculum helps students explore why governments function the way they do and how historical events have shaped political structures over time.
What makes this curriculum particularly valuable is its emphasis on the American Republic’s foundation and the role of citizen involvement. It encourages students to critically analyze governmental principles while fostering an appreciation for civic responsibility.
Key Features:
- Worth 0.5 high school transcript credit
- Includes texts, activity books, and a Teacher’s Resource Kit
- Covers various governmental structures and political ideologies
- Makes complex topics approachable and engaging
We’ve found it to be an excellent introduction to government, providing a balanced and structured approach that makes learning both relevant and practical.
Guest Hollow
For families looking for a broader approach that connects government, economics, and personal finance, Guest Hollow Government is a fantastic choice.
This curriculum helps students understand not just how government works, but also how economic policies and financial systems influence society.
Rather than relying on dry textbooks, Guest Hollow incorporates books, videos, and interactive activities, making learning more dynamic.
What we love most is how it promotes critical thinking and proactive citizenship, empowering students to apply government concepts to real-life situations.
Key Features:
- Combines government, economics, and personal finance for a well-rounded education
- Uses a variety of learning tools (books, videos, activities) to reinforce key concepts
- Encourages real-world application of government and financial principles
- Fosters critical thinking about laws, policies, and citizenship
This curriculum has been an engaging and practical way to help our homeschooler grasp the interconnection between government, economy, and daily life. It’s been a great tool for developing informed, responsible citizens.
Homeschool Civics Curriculum
For the best civics homeschool curriculum, iCivics has been our go-to resource.
Founded by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, this free online platform makes learning about government engaging through interactive games, structured lessons, and hands-on activities.
iCivics covers key civics topics, including:
- Branches of government – Legislative, executive, and judicial powers
- The U.S. Constitution – Fundamental rights and laws
- Elections and voting – Understanding the electoral process
- Citizenship and responsibilities – How individuals shape government
The platform turns complex topics into interactive, real-world scenarios, making civics more engaging than just reading from a textbook. As a homeschool parent, I appreciate its flexibility, allowing me to adapt lessons to fit our schedule while tracking my child’s progress.
The best part? It’s completely free, making it an invaluable tool for reinforcing real-world civic understanding in our homeschool.
Younger students can explore civics in an engaging way with our free Supreme Court worksheets, making complex topics more accessible and fun.
Free Social Studies Homeschool Curriculum
Finding a quality, free homeschool curriculum can make a huge difference, offering accessible and comprehensive learning without the financial burden.
These resources provide engaging lessons across history, civics, geography, and economics, making them valuable additions to any homeschool.
Here are two of the best free social studies resources we’ve used:
- Khan Academy – Offers a wide range of social studies lessons, from history to economics, in an easy-to-follow, self-paced format. It’s great for various grade levels and adapts well to different learning styles.
- OER Project’s World History – Provides a deep dive into historical events, encouraging critical thinking and exploration. Best suited for middle and high school students, it brings history to life through engaging content.
These free homeschool resources have been invaluable in our journey, offering flexibility and depth without compromising on quality.
What free social studies curriculum has worked best for your homeschool? Share your experience in the comments!
Last Updated on 4 March 2025 by Clare Brown