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Best secular homeschool history curriculum

These programs teach history without religious content. Many of the newest and most-loved options are secular, from story-based world history to literature-rich American history with multiple viewpoints.

Updated September 2026 · 32 programs compared · rankings from our published scoring rules

Every child is different. Add your child's grade, your faith preference and what you want to study for a personal ranking.

Try it with secular families selected

What matters for secular families

Look for whose stories are told. Newer secular programs often include more voices and cultures than older textbooks.

Decide between a single story spine and a stack of living books. Both work; they feel very different day to day.

Check the reading level. Several of these read like chapter books, which is great for read-alouds and independent readers alike.

Our top 6 for secular families

  1. History Quest & History Odyssey (Pandia Press)

    Secular, story-driven world/US history: History Quest for elementary, History Odyssey for older students

    • Explicitly secular; avoids religious, cultural or political advocacy
    • Watch for: history quest series still has gaps (modern times not fully available)
    Grades 1st–12thNarrative chapter book plus a weekly study guide of activities; older levels shift to student-directed reading and writingCost: $72: History Quest Early Times chapter book ($22.99) plus the full-year study guide ($48.99)

  2. Curiosity Chronicles

    Secular, globally-inclusive history told through a dialogue-style "Snapshots" textbook, with audio and activity guides

    • Explicitly secular; teaches about religion without teaching from one
    • Watch for: optional workbook/notebook extensions feel like busywork to some families
    Grades 1st–8thDialogue-format narrative textbook (two characters explore each era) plus an instructor and student activity guideCost: $88 (regular $105.96): Ancient History mixed-format package - textbook, audiobook, instructor & student guides, timeline kit

  3. Build Your Library

    Secular, Charlotte Mason-style history curriculum built from a living-books list you mostly borrow

    • Explicitly secular; myths and Bible stories presented the same way
    • Watch for: composition/writing instruction is thin; needs a separate program
    Grades K–12thChronological living-books history: daily reading, narration and copywork drive the lesson, not a textbookCost: $39.95: Level 3 lesson-plan guide (36 weeks); book list is separate, most titles are available at the library

  4. Blossom & Root: A River of Voices

    Secular US history told through multiple perspectives, with gentle/standard/advanced pathways

    • No religious content; Christianity discussed only as historical context
    • Watch for: not independent work; needs real parent engagement, 4-5 days a week
    Grades K–8thMulti-perspective, literature-rich US history: living books, primary sources and discussion, with 3 difficulty pathwaysCost: $36: A River of Voices Vol. 1 (First European Colonies to 1791) - full parent guide, student notebook and links list

  5. BookShark History

    Secular, literature-based history: read-alouds and real books replace a textbook, 4 days a week

    • No religious content; drops Sonlight's Bible readings and missionary biographies
    • Watch for: a few titles carry content or themes some families want to preview first
    Grades PreK–12thLiterature-based: read-alouds, independent readers and a spine book teach history chronologicallyCost: $459.52: Reading with History D package (grades 3-5) — history, geography and literature read-alouds/readers, discounted price

  6. Moving Beyond the Page

    Secular literature-based unit studies that weave history/social studies into a bigger concept each unit

    • No religious content; treats all belief systems the same way
    • Watch for: reading and writing demands run above grade level for the age band
    Grades PreK–9thLiterature-based unit studies: real books anchor social-studies concepts, discussion and projectsCost: Unknown

Questions parents ask

What is the best secular history curriculum?

History Quest, Curiosity Chronicles, Build Your Library, Blossom & Root and BookShark are among the most recommended secular options, each with a different style.

Is Story of the World secular?

Mostly. It's written for a general audience, but it retells some Bible stories as part of ancient history. Many secular families use it and skip or discuss those chapters.

Are secular history programs harder to find than Christian ones?

Not anymore. There are now strong secular options at every level, though fewer full textbook series.

How this list is made: each program is scored against the needs above using features documented in parent reviews and publisher materials (sources are listed in each program's profile). It's a starting point, not medical or educational advice.