Top Homeschool History Curriculum Picks (Secular & Christian Options)

Choosing a homeschool history curriculum that actually works at home can take trial and error.

Over seven years, we’ve tested literature-based programs, hands-on projects, and both secular and Christian options.

This guide pulls together the history resources we’ve found most effective for different ages, faith preferences, and learning styles.

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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 Non Religious Resources

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

• Beautiful Feet Books – This literature-based program brings history to life through well-chosen stories that sparked some of our best discussions. [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.

Christian 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.

• Fun 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 thanks to its rich stories and built-in discussion prompts. It sparked meaningful conversations and made each lesson feel more connected 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

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 a few unit studies that kept my son interested and worked well across different grade levels 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.
• Famous dictators in history worksheet – Printable resources designed to help students analyze leadership, power, and historical impact.

World History

• 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

• 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 have helped us explore history in a way that feels both meaningful and hands-on. By focusing on topics that spark interest, through research, videos, or creative activities, history becomes more relevant and easier to remember.

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!

History Books

No matter what curriculum you use, good books make all the difference. Whether it’s a reference guide, a fun read-aloud, or something visual, the right book can make history easier to understand and actually stick.

We’ve found that mixing encyclopedias, historical fiction, and timelines keeps things interesting and helps bring the past to life. These have been some of our favorite history books:

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 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.

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

• 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.

History Workbooks

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.

These homeschool workbooks are great for reinforcing key concepts, offering structure and variety alongside your main history curriculum.

U.S. History

• 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

• 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

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

We’ve found these workbooks especially helpful for reviewing key topics and keeping history interactive, whether we used them on their own or as a supplement.

History Documentaries & Video Resources

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

Short educational videos or full-length documentaries can help students see history in ways that textbooks often can’t.

YouTube Channels

• Crash Course – A fast-paced, high-energy video series that covers World, U.S., and European history. Best suited for middle and high school students who enjoy visual learning and quick explanations.
• 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.

Streaming 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.

They’ve added context to topics that once felt abstract, making history more relatable and easier to remember.

Last Updated on 15 May 2025 by Clare Brown