What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Notgrass History for its visual appeal, ease of use, and narrative 'living book' style. Sources like Cathy Duffy and The Homeschool Mom emphasize its parent-friendly 'open-and-go' nature, making it a favorite for families with multiple children. A major selling point is the high school level's ability to provide integrated credits for History, English, and Bible. However, trade-offs are noted in academic circles; some users on the Well-Trained Mind forums and Reddit suggest the history content is less rigorous or critically analytical than secular or more intensive programs. While the Christian Providential worldview is a highlight for many, it is a primary concern for those seeking a neutral or secular perspective. Overall, it is seen as a balanced, engaging curriculum that avoids the 'dryness' of traditional textbooks.

How It Works

A typical day begins with the student reading a single narrative lesson from the primary textbook, which is filled with large color photographs and written in an engaging, story-like tone. For elementary students, the parent usually reads aloud for 20 minutes, followed by a short activity like a map exercise or a workbook page. High schoolers work independently for 60 to 90 minutes, reading the main text plus additional primary source documents and assigned literature to earn integrated credits in History, English, and Bible. The weekly routine is structured into five lessons, with the final lesson often including a unit quiz or a hands-on project like cooking a period-appropriate meal or visiting a local site.

Switching to This?

Notgrass does not offer formal placement tests because the curriculum is organized by historical era and specific grade bands rather than sequential skill levels. Parents should simply select the era they wish to study—such as World or American history—within their child's current grade range: Elementary (1-4), Middle School (5-8), or High School (9-12). Families can easily start mid-year by beginning at the first unit of any volume, as the lessons are self-contained and do not require prior knowledge of earlier books. If you are switching from a traditional, fact-heavy textbook, expect a transition toward a 'living book' approach where history is learned through storytelling and classic literature rather than rote memorization of dates.

Curriculum Details

Price

$45 - $175

Individual textbooks and workbooks are available separately, while full curriculum bundles for middle and high school range from $110 to $175.

Grades

1 - 12

Available As

Print Digital Audiobook Video

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

History/Social Studies

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

15-45 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Christian

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to The Mystery of History, which is designed for families to teach all grade levels simultaneously using one text, Notgrass provides age-specific books that allow high schoolers to work at a much deeper academic level than their younger siblings. When weighed against Story of the World, Notgrass is explicitly Providential, meaning it interprets historical events through the lens of God's active involvement, whereas Story of the World is often used by secular families. Families choosing between Notgrass and Sonlight will find Notgrass more streamlined; it uses a core textbook for most instruction, while Sonlight requires managing a large 'book basket' of separate historical fiction titles. Unlike Veritas Press, which uses a strict classical approach with timeline cards and memory songs, Notgrass focuses on a gentle, narrative reading style that requires very little parent preparation. Finally, compared to rigorous secular options like OER Project, Notgrass is less focused on critical historiography and more focused on building a foundational, appreciative narrative of history from a conservative Christian perspective.

Getting Started