Notgrass History

Notgrass History Grades 1-12 Varies by course Updated August 2026

Who it 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.

How it scores

Rigor
?

How demanding the material is versus grade level. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1gentle, below grade
  2. 2relaxed
  3. 3on grade
  4. 4demanding
  5. 5advanced
Read the rigor guide
Parent involvement
?

How much the parent is present and teaching. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1hands-off
  2. 2light
  3. 3shared
  4. 4leading
  5. 5parent-taught
Read the parent involvement guide
Prep load
?

How much the parent prepares before a lesson. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1open-and-go
  2. 2minimal
  3. 3moderate
  4. 4involved
  5. 5heavy
Read the prep load guide
Screen time
?

How much daily work is on a device. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1fully offline
  2. 2mostly offline
  3. 3blended
  4. 4mostly digital
  5. 5fully digital
Read the screen time guide
Independence
?

How much the child can do alone. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1adult-led
  2. 2guided
  3. 3semi-independent
  4. 4mostly independent
  5. 5fully independent
Read the independence guide
Time commitment
?

How long a daily lesson takes the child. Where a program lands on the 1 to 5 scale:

  1. 1under 15 min
  2. 215 to 25 min
  3. 325 to 40 min
  4. 440 to 60 min
  5. 560+ min
Read the time commitment guide

At a glance

Faith content Integrated
Approach Mastery
Format Textbook Narrative, richly illustrated lesson texts, usually two volumes per course, that read like a blend of textbook and living book, with daily lessons, maps, primary-source and literature readings, and a workbook. Optional audio and a mobile web app exist, but the core work is print reading and writing.
Used as Spine
Philosophy TraditionalCharlotte Mason
Best for Independent workersMulti-age families

What parents consistently praise

  • 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

What parents report 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

How it shifts by grade

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.

Additional notes

By Ray and Charlene Notgrass. Bible reading and a Christian worldview run through every course, though only Exploring America and Exploring World History grant a separate Bible credit. A free trial is available.

Cost

Price~$75-275
ConsumablePartial
Per child / year~$125 (curriculum package) up to ~$275 (full bundle), plus ~$20-40 consumables per added child
Check price Notgrass History

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Compare head to head

Descriptions aggregate what homeschool parents consistently report across public community sources (forums, Facebook groups, Reddit, and long-form reviews) together with the publisher's own materials. Prices and editions change over time.

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