Best Homeschool History Curriculum | Secular & Christian Options

Finding the right homeschool history curriculum can be challenging, especially if you want an engaging and well-structured program.

After homeschooling for over seven years, I’ve explored a variety of approaches, from literature-based programs to hands-on activities.

If you’re looking for a secular homeschool history curriculum, it can be tricky to find resources without religious bias—but they do exist!

In this guide, I’ll share the top history studies, books, and homeschooling materials that have worked well for us, making history both educational and exciting.

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Best Secular History Curriculum

Finding a history homeschool curriculum that is both engaging and free from religious bias can be challenging.

After years of homeschooling, I’ve explored a variety of secular options that make history both meaningful and enjoyable.

Pandia Press

One of our favorites, Pandia Press, offers two standout programs:

• History Quest – A great introduction for elementary students, covering Early Times, Middle Times, and U.S. History. Interactive activities and storytelling make history feel like an adventure.
• History Odyssey – Ideal for middle school and beyond, this curriculum focuses on historical analysis, primary sources, and critical thinking. It’s structured yet flexible, allowing students to develop independent learning skills.

Pandia Press also offers a try before you buy option, which helped us decide if it was the right fit.

Other Secular History Curriculum Options

If Pandia Press isn’t the right fit, here are other excellent secular programs:

• Beautiful Feet Books – A literature-based approach that brings history to life through engaging stories. [Read our full Beautiful Feet Books American History review for more details.]
• Curiosity Chronicles – Uses a storytelling format to keep kids engaged, making history feel more like an adventure than a lesson.
• Moving Beyond the Page – Integrates history with other subjects, helping kids see connections between historical events and broader themes.
• Blossom & Root: A River of Voices – An inclusive U.S. history curriculum that explores often-overlooked voices and perspectives, fostering meaningful discussions.

Each of these programs offers something unique, allowing you to tailor history education to your child’s learning style.

Best Christian Homeschool History Curriculum

While many homeschoolers look for secular options, Christian-based history curricula remain a popular choice for families who want to incorporate faith into their lessons.

These programs often present history through a biblical worldview while maintaining strong academic content.

Sonlight: A Literature-Based Approach to History

We personally loved Sonlight for its literature-rich approach to history. Rather than relying on traditional textbooks, Sonlight weaves together historical fiction, biographies, and primary sources to create an immersive learning experience.

• Engaging Read-Alouds – This curriculum encourages meaningful discussions through carefully selected books that bring history to life.
• Chronological Learning – Sonlight follows a four-year history cycle, covering world and U.S. history in depth.
• Faith-Based Perspective – The program integrates biblical history and values into its lessons, making it a great fit for Christian homeschoolers.

Sonlight worked well for us because of its engaging stories and discussion-based learning. It allowed for deep conversations about historical events while keeping lessons interesting and memorable.

Looking for more options? Explore our detailed reviews of other top-rated homeschool social studies programs to find the best fit for your family!

History Unit Studies for Homeschoolers

If you prefer a flexible, hands-on approach to teaching history, unit studies are a fantastic option.

Instead of following a year-long textbook curriculum, unit studies allow you to focus on specific historical events, figures, or time periods in depth.

They work especially well for multi-age homeschooling, encouraging discussions and interactive learning through research projects, activities, and creative assignments.

Here are some engaging unit studies that have worked well in our homeschool:

Famous Leaders & Their Impact

• Fidel Castro research project – Explore Castro’s rise to power and his influence on Cuban politics.
• Genghis Khan unit study – Learn about the Mongol Empire and its far-reaching impact on global history.
• Napoleon Bonaparte unit study – Examine Napoleon’s military campaigns and their effect on Europe.

World History Unit Studies

• The Middle Ages – Dive into medieval life, knights, castles, and the feudal system.
• Ancient Egypt – Study pharaohs, pyramids, and daily life in ancient civilizations.
• World War II – Analyze key events, battles, and figures that shaped the modern world.

U.S. History Unit Studies

• Presidents unit study – Research key leaders and their contributions to American history.
• The Civil War – Investigate the causes, key battles, and lasting impact of the war.
• The American Revolution – Discover the events that led to independence and how they shaped the nation.

Unit studies make history more engaging by allowing students to dive deep into topics that interest them while incorporating hands-on learning. Whether through research projects, documentaries, or interactive activities, they help history feel more relevant and exciting.

I’ve put together detailed homeschool curriculum reviews on each of these to help you find the best fit for your family. I hope my experiences and insights make your homeschooling journey a bit easier!

Best History Books for Homeschoolers

A great history curriculum isn’t complete without engaging books that bring the past to life. Whether you’re looking for reference books, read-alouds, or interactive history resources, the right books can make history more memorable and enjoyable.

We’ve found that mixing visual encyclopedias, historical fiction, and engaging timelines helps keep history fun and accessible. Here are some of our top history books:

Best History Reference Books

• The Big Fat Notebook For History – A fun, easy-to-follow guide that covers major historical events with summaries, diagrams, and helpful explanations.
• Kingfisher History Encyclopedia – A solid resource packed with timelines, images, and key historical facts for all ages.
• Timelines of Everything – A beautifully illustrated book that connects world events chronologically, making history easier to visualize.

Best History Books for Elementary & Middle School

• Horrible History Books – A hilarious take on history that keeps kids engaged while learning about different time periods.
• History the Past as You’ve Never Seen it Before – A visually rich book that makes history feel dynamic and exciting.
• 100 things to know about history – Bite-sized history facts that spark curiosity in young learners.

History Books for High School

• History’s Mysteries – Examines little-known historical events and unsolved mysteries throughout time.
• Mysteries in History – A critical-thinking book that challenges students to analyze history’s biggest unanswered questions.
• The Usborne History of Britain – A deep dive into British history, great for students studying European history.

Classic History Books for Homeschoolers

• Beowulf – An ancient epic that introduces students to early European literature and history.
• Castle by David Macaulay – A detailed look at medieval castle construction and life inside.
• Kings & Queens – A fascinating exploration of monarchs and their impact on history.

These books help make history more engaging by presenting it through visuals, stories, and timelines rather than just dry facts. Whether you’re building a homeschool library or borrowing from the library, they’re great additions to any history curriculum.

Best History Workbooks for Homeschoolers

Workbooks can be a great supplement to any history homeschool curriculum, offering structured lessons, review activities, and hands-on exercises that reinforce key historical concepts.

Whether you need a full curriculum or extra practice, these homeschool workbooks provide engaging ways to deepen historical understanding.

U.S. History Workbooks

• US History Workbook for Middle School (1865 to Present Day) – Covers major events from Reconstruction to modern times.
• Mark Twain History Workbook for Middle School (1607–1865) – Focuses on early colonization through the Civil War.
• Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction – Examines the causes and effects of these pivotal moments in American history.

World History Workbooks

• World War II History Book – A detailed look at the events, battles, and leaders of WWII.
• World Civilizations and Cultures – Explores the development of ancient and modern civilizations.
• World History Quick Stats – A concise guide offering key facts and summaries for quick reference.

Comprehensive Social Studies Workbooks

• 180 days of social studies – A daily practice workbook designed to build a deeper understanding of history and geography concepts.

These workbooks help reinforce history lessons through timelines, critical thinking exercises, and engaging activities. Whether used as a primary resource or a supplement to a broader curriculum, they can make learning history more interactive and enjoyable.

Best History Documentaries & Video Resources

Videos and documentaries can bring history to life, helping students visualize historical events and engage more deeply.

Whether you prefer short educational videos or full-length documentaries, these resources can bring history to life in a way that textbooks often can’t.

Best YouTube Channels for Homeschool History

• Crash Course – A fast-paced, engaging series covering World History, U.S. History, and European History. Great for middle and high school students.
• Horrible Histories – A humor-filled history series that makes learning fun. It’s been a favorite in our homeschool for years!
• History Channel (YouTube & Streaming) – Offers short video lessons and clips from full-length documentaries on historical events and figures.

Best Streaming History Documentaries

• Ken Burns’ Documentaries (PBS) – These in-depth historical series cover topics like the Civil War, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Excellent for high school students.
• Liberty’s Kids (YouTube) – A fantastic animated series introducing younger kids to the American Revolution.
• Empire of the Tsars (Netflix) – Explores the rise and fall of the Russian monarchy, ideal for older students.
• The Men Who Built America (History Channel) – A fascinating look at the industrial revolution and key historical figures in American business.

How to Use Documentaries in Your Homeschool

We often pair history documentaries with books and unit studies to reinforce key topics. Here are some ways to integrate them into your lessons:

• Watch CrashCourse World History alongside unit studies on Ancient Rome or the Middle Ages.
• Use Horrible Histories as a fun supplement to history readings.
• Assign a Ken Burns documentary and follow up with a discussion or writing assignment.
• Explore Liberty’s Kids when studying the American Revolution with younger learners.

Documentaries and educational videos can make history more engaging, helping students connect with historical events in a meaningful way. Whether you use them as a primary resource or a supplement, they’re an excellent addition to any homeschool history study.

Last Updated on 21 February 2025 by Clare Brown