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Notgrass Uncle Sam and You

A full year of civics and government for grades 5–8, with two illustrated textbooks, primary readings and optional literature.

Updated September 2026 · 6 sources

Grades5th–8th
ViewpointPatriotic and politically neutral, with a short Bible-based activity in each lesson
ApproachDaily textbook lessons with a workbook (5th–6th) or written lesson review (7th–8th), plus optional literature
Who teachesThe program does the teaching
Parent prepLow (instructions are written to the student; a parent checks the workbook)
Screen timeMostly offline (books and paper)
Video lessonsNone: print books with no video lessons
Cost$110: curriculum package; the eight literature books are extra (or borrow them from a library) (source)
PlacementNotgrass: Uncle Sam and You
One level for grades 5–8: younger students use the workbook, 7th–8th graders the Lesson Review

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how Notgrass Uncle Sam and You ranks against 13 other programs.

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What parents say

Reviewers call it thorough and well laid out, with hundreds of pictures and a patriotic, optimistic tone that aims to stay politically neutral. Students can do most lessons on their own. The main complaint is the amount of text: Cathy Duffy notes there's still a lot of it, and one parent found it heavy for 5th and 6th graders. Each lesson includes a short Bible-based activity.

Parents love

  • A complete civics year built for grades 5–8
  • Hundreds of photos and a positive, patriotic tone
  • Students can work mostly on their own

Common complaints

  • A lot of reading, heavy for some 5th graders
  • Lessons take 45–90 minutes a day
  • Literature books cost extra (or borrow them)

Who it fits

Best for

  • Government and the Constitution. A full year of civics and government
  • Christian worldview. A "Thinking Biblically" activity in each lesson
  • Textbook and workbook. Textbook with a workbook
  • Books and discussion. Rich reading plus eight optional literature books
  • No, just learning. Built for grades 5–8
  • Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
  • Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
  • Minimal: solo work. Lessons are written to the student
  • Some: 20–30 min daily. Parent checks work and joins holiday activities

Less suited for

  • Yes, for the transcript. A middle school course, not a high school credit
  • Video lessons a big plus. Print books with no video lessons

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

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Comparisons

Questions parents ask

How does Notgrass Uncle Sam and You teach civics and economics?

Notgrass Uncle Sam and You is described as daily textbook lessons with a workbook (5th–6th) or written lesson review (7th–8th), plus optional literature. Parent prep: low (instructions are written to the student; a parent checks the workbook).

What grades does Notgrass Uncle Sam and You cover?

Notgrass Uncle Sam and You covers grades 5th–8th.

How much does Notgrass Uncle Sam and You cost?

$110: curriculum package; the eight literature books are extra (or borrow them from a library). Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.

What viewpoint does Notgrass Uncle Sam and You teach from?

Patriotic and politically neutral, with a short Bible-based activity in each lesson.

Does Notgrass Uncle Sam and You count for a high school credit?

No. A middle school course, not a high school credit

Is Notgrass Uncle Sam and You online?

Mostly offline (books and paper). The program does the teaching.

Does Notgrass Uncle Sam and You have a placement test?

Yes. Notgrass: Uncle Sam and You. One level for grades 5–8: younger students use the workbook, 7th–8th graders the Lesson Review

Sources (6)

Summaries are in our own words.