Curated guide
Best Homeschool History Curriculum
3 curricula in this guide
History can be the most engaging subject in a homeschool day — or the driest. The difference usually comes down to delivery. Literature-based history programs use living books and storytelling to make events come alive. Textbook-based programs offer thorough coverage and structure. Our top picks balance engagement with academic rigor across multiple worldviews.
Story of the World is a near-universal homeschool spine for ancient through modern history. Sonlight and BookShark wrap history in a full literature-based curriculum (Christian and secular respectively). Pick based on whether you want a standalone history program or an integrated multi-subject approach.
Editor's selection
Our picks
Story of the World
Well-Trained Mind Press
Narrative world history told chronologically across four volumes, designed for read-aloud family learning. The standard elementary history spine for classical and literature-based homeschoolers.
Sonlight
Sonlight Curriculum
Literature-based Christian curriculum built around parent-led read-alouds and high-quality living books. All-Subjects Packages provide a full year of instruction across multiple subjects.
BookShark
BookShark
Secular literature-based curriculum adapted from the Sonlight model. One of the few non-religious, book-rich options for families who love reading together.
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Time4Learning
Time4Learning
Secular self-paced PreK-12 full curriculum with animated lessons, automated grading, and recordkeeping. Most popular secular all-subjects digital subscription.
Outschool
Outschool
Marketplace of independent teachers offering 140,000+ live small-group video classes, 1:1 tutoring, and self-paced courses for ages 3-18. Supplemental enrichment, not a full curriculum.
Schoolhouse Teachers
The Old Schoolhouse
Christian all-access homeschool curriculum platform with 400+ courses, lesson plans, recordkeeping, and transcripts. One flat fee per family covers unlimited students.
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