Parents like that Acellus's history courses are hands-off, self-paced video lessons that free them from daily teaching, and appreciate that U.S. History and World History are covered by 9th grade alongside a lighter social studies course in the early grades. Cathy Duffy's review is more cautious, noting content-quality issues that recur even after Acellus revises material, including complaints that some lessons don't reflect present-day attitudes about diversity. The 9th-grade U.S. History course also takes a topical rather than comprehensive approach, so it's less a full narrative spine than a set of themed lessons.
Parents love
Hands-off video lessons free up parent teaching time
Covers both U.S. History and World History by 9th grade
Secular: world religions presented neutrally, without dogma
9th-grade U.S. History is topical, not a full narrative sweep
Early grades cover only light, general social studies
Who it fits
Best for
No religious content. Official position is secular; world religions presented neutrally
Video or online lessons. Video lessons deliver the U.S. and World History content
World history, in order. 9th-grade World History I covers world religions and philosophies
American history. 9th-grade U.S. History spans Enlightenment through WWII
No, separate levels. Course/grade level set separately per child
Only one child. Built for one child working independently
Online. Runs online
Video lessons a big plus. Video lessons are the core way history/social studies is taught
Video lessons nice to have. Video lessons are the core way history/social studies is taught
Minimal: solo work. Student works mostly independently online
Less suited for
Christian, Bible-integrated. No Bible-based framing; religions are historical/cultural topics
Living books and read-alouds. Screen-based video lessons, not living books
Yes, siblings together. Each child works independently at their own grade level
Mostly offline. Screen-based
Plenty: I teach it. Not designed for parent-led teaching
These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.
Similar programs
MiacademyK-8 online social studies course: video lessons on U.S. history, world history, geography, civics
Time4LearningOnline social studies, light in grade 2-5, growing into Ancient History, Geography, U.S. History by grade 6
The Nomadic ProfessorSecular online high-school history: on-location video lectures plus document analysis and guided notes
Questions parents ask
How does Power Homeschool (Acellus) teach history?
Power Homeschool (Acellus) is described as online curriculum: short video lessons from acellus teachers with adaptive practice and quizzes. Parent prep: low (independent video lessons; parent is teacher of record and monitors dashboard).
What grades does Power Homeschool (Acellus) cover?
Power Homeschool (Acellus) covers grades 1st–12th.
How much does Power Homeschool (Acellus) cost?
$1,188: $99 a month per student (about $1,188 over 12 months; $79 a month with a scholarship) for up to 6 courses at once. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.
Is Power Homeschool (Acellus) Christian or secular?
No religious content.
What does Power Homeschool (Acellus) cover?
World history, American history.
Can siblings use Power Homeschool (Acellus) together?
Not easily. Each child works independently at their own grade level
Is Power Homeschool (Acellus) online?
Online. The program does the teaching.
Does Power Homeschool (Acellus) have a placement test?
We haven't found a placement test for Power Homeschool (Acellus). Most history programs are chosen by grade range or by the era you want to study.