The Mystery of History vs Notgrass History
The sharpest difference is independence: The Mystery of History is guided, Notgrass History is mostly independent. Two others separate them as well.
At a glance
The Mystery of History
Grades K-12
Owners report it suits
Hands-on learnersNotgrass History
Grades 1-12
Owners report it suits
Independent workersBoth are reported to suit Multi-age families.
Skip to who fitsWhere they differ
| Attribute | The Mystery of History | Notgrass History |
|---|---|---|
Parent involvement
?How much the parent is present and teaching. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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Prep load
?How much the parent prepares before a lesson. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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Independence
?How much the child can do alone. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:
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| Best for Tags show where owners consistently report a good fit. They are not exclusions. | Multi-age familiesHands-on learners | Independent workersMulti-age families |
| Method | ClassicalCharlotte MasonEclectic | TraditionalCharlotte Mason |
| Grades | K-12 | 1-12 |
Solid tags are unique to that program. Muted tags are carried by both.
Where they match
- Rigorboth on grade
- Screen timeboth fully offline
- Time commitmentboth 25 to 40 min
- Faith contentboth Integrated
- Approachboth Mastery
- Formatboth Textbook
- Used asboth Spine
How each one plays by grade
The Mystery of History
Grades K-12
Four volumes, each about a year: Volume I Creation to the Resurrection (best K-6), II Early Church and Middle Ages, III Renaissance and Reformation (best grades 7-12), IV Wars of Independence to Modern Times (best high school). High schoolers still need a separate U.S. history course.
Notgrass History
Grades 1-12
Elementary covers US geography, world geography, and the early American story (grades 1-4). Middle school has America the Beautiful, From Adam to Us, and Uncle Sam and You (grades 5-8). High school has five Exploring courses: America and World History run a full year and earn history, English, and Bible credit; World Geography runs a full year and earns geography, English, and worldview; Government and Economics are one-semester courses earning half credits in the subject and English.
Cost
| Cost item | The Mystery of History | Notgrass History |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$50-135/volume | ~$75-275 |
| Consumable | Partial | Partial |
| Per child / year | ~$80-100 first child (one volume is a full year), near $0 for siblings since the Companion Guide prints for the whole family | ~$125 (curriculum package) up to ~$275 (full bundle), plus ~$20-40 consumables per added child |
What parents report
The Mystery of History
Consistently praised
- Engaging story-style writing kids remember
- Teaches several ages from one book
- Open-and-go compared to boxed programs
- Strong Bible-and-history integration
- Flexible three-level activities
Reported as challenges
- Activities need supply-gathering and a printer
- The Companion Guide is huge to sort through
- Later volumes get text-heavy for younger kids
- Not enough on its own for a high school history credit
Notgrass History
Consistently praised
- Reads like a story, not a dry textbook
- One course covers history, English, and Bible
- Older kids can run it independently
- Clear daily lesson layout
- Beautiful photos and primary sources
Reported as challenges
- Literature package is sold separately or borrowed
- Lots of daily reading, which some kids find heavy
- Elementary levels still need a parent alongside
- Distinctly Christian worldview won't suit secular families
Who The Mystery of History fits
Chronological, Bible-centered world history to read aloud and adapt, built for Christian families teaching multiple ages together. Families wanting a secular or hands-off, screen-based course, or a standalone high school credit, should keep looking.
Read the full The Mystery of History entry Check price Bright Ideas PressWho Notgrass History fits
Gentle but solid history that older students can carry themselves, folding in Bible and English for high school credit. Families wanting a hands-on, activity-driven, or secular program should look at Story of the World instead.
Read the full Notgrass History entry Check price Notgrass HistorySome links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes how a curriculum is described or scored.
Still deciding?
The Mystery of History compared with
Notgrass History compared with
Descriptions aggregate what homeschool parents consistently report across public community sources together with each publisher's own materials. Prices and editions change over time. Both entries last reviewed August 2026.