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Two homeschool history programs, compared on what actually decides the fit: faith content, teaching style, what they cover, and how much you'll teach.
Updated September 2026 · based on parent reviews and publisher information
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Compare for my child| Story of the World | Notgrass History (Our Star-Spangled Story) | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 1st–8th | 1st–12th |
| Faith | Faith-neutral: little religious content | Christian, Bible-integrated: Bible events on the timeline |
| Covers | World history | American history |
| Approach | Storytelling spine: one narrative chapter read or listened to, then narration, maps and optional projects | Christian narrative history: read-aloud textbook plus literature, songs, timeline and workbook |
| Who teaches | The parent teaches from a scripted guide | The parent teaches from a scripted guide |
| Parent prep | Low to moderate (read the chapter aloud or play the audiobook; activity book projects need supplies) | Low to moderate (10-15 min daily reading; occasional craft/project supplies) |
| Screen time | Mostly offline (books and paper) | Mostly offline (books and paper) |
| Video lessons | None: print books with optional Jim Weiss audiobooks, no video lessons | None: print, read-aloud and audio-only program; no video lessons |
| Cost | $24: Volume 1 (Ancient Times) softcover text plus matching student activity book | $95: Our Star-Spangled Story Curriculum Package (Parts 1 & 2, rhythms/rhymes audio, timeline, workbook, answer key) |
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Parents consistently say the storytelling format hooks kids who otherwise find history dry, and the Jim Weiss audiobooks are a standout for car rides and reluctant readers. The activity books are praised but also called overwhelming, since few families finish every project offered. Some Christian parents dislike that Bible events are presented alongside mythology without a distinct faith framing, and a few reviewers note factual errors.
Parents describe Our Star-Spangled Story as beautifully made and genuinely engaging, with songs, a ready-made timeline, and companion literature that make American history memorable rather than a list of dates. The Christian, patriotic framing is a selling point for the families who want it, though a few reviewers found some units (like the Revolutionary War) too brief without extra supplementing, and the workbook leans toward coloring rather than writing practice.
Neither is better for every child. Story of the World is the stronger fit for no religious content; world history, in order. Notgrass History (Our Star-Spangled Story) is the stronger fit for christian, bible-integrated; textbook and workbook; american history.
Story of the World: faith-neutral: little religious content. Notgrass History (Our Star-Spangled Story): christian, Bible-integrated: Bible events on the timeline.
Story of the World: $24: Volume 1 (Ancient Times) softcover text plus matching student activity book. Notgrass History (Our Star-Spangled Story): $95: Our Star-Spangled Story Curriculum Package (Parts 1 & 2, rhythms/rhymes audio, timeline, workbook, answer key).
Summaries are in our own words.