What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Black History 365 (BH365) for its extraordinary depth and modern, tech-forward delivery. Professional evaluators from the Beaverton School District highlight the curriculum's strong focus on equity and its unique integration of music, which helps bring history to life for students. Theresa Venable echoes this sentiment, characterizing it as one of the most comprehensive resources available, specifically noting that the "integrated technology links really expand the book beyond its pages." By using over 500 QR codes, the curriculum transforms a traditional textbook into a multimedia experience. However, there are practical trade-offs: evaluators have flagged a lack of Lexile levels, which may make it difficult for parents to gauge reading difficulty for struggling readers, and a lack of Spanish translations. Despite these minor accessibility hurdles, the curriculum is highly regarded for its ability to move beyond "contributionist" history into a full, year-round narrative.

How It Works

A typical week involves the student reading daily selections from the core textbook (approx. 20–30 minutes) while the parent facilitates discussion using the provided prompts. As the student reads, they use a smartphone or tablet to scan embedded QR codes, which immediately play relevant songs or short video documentaries to reinforce the text. Twice a week, the student completes a lesson in the Activity Book to practice critical thinking and primary source analysis. On Fridays, the family often listens to the curated MP3 album together to review the cultural and musical history covered in that week’s units.

Switching to This?

BH365 does not provide a formal placement test; parents should generally purchase the material corresponding to their child's current grade level (Elementary, Middle, or High School). Families can easily start mid-year because the curriculum is organized chronologically and is self-paced. When switching from a standard US History textbook, parents should expect a much heavier emphasis on ancient African civilizations and a significantly higher volume of multimedia interaction than traditional programs.

Curriculum Details

Price

$29 - $195

High-school hardcover ~$175 (e-book $150); middle-school ~$109.99; elementary ~$99.99; K–2 books ~$29.99; MP3 album bundles add ~$20.

Grades

K - 12

Available As

Print Digital Video

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Reading/Language Arts Art Music History/Social Studies Logic & Critical Thinking

---

Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

30-60 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

---

Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as a facilitator and discussion leader. While the textbooks are robust, the parent helps guide the student through the digital QR code integrations and the supplemental activity books to ensure comprehension.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: June 2026 by Claude (v2 research)

How This Compares

The 1619 Project Education Materials: BH365 is a full, multi-grade textbook curriculum, whereas 1619 Project materials are generally supplemental modules and essays. - The Story of the World: BH365 focuses specifically on the African diaspora’s role in American and world history with a tech-heavy approach, while The Story of the World is a narrative, classical world history program. - Heritage Studies (BJU Press): BH365 offers a neutral, inclusive historical perspective, while Heritage Studies is written from a distinctively conservative Christian worldview. - Blossom and Root (A River of Voices): BH365 is a structured, textbook-and-app program, whereas A River of Voices is a literature-based program that relies on living books and library lists.

Getting Started