What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently characterize The American Yawp as a rigorous, college-level resource that serves advanced high schoolers. PA Homeschoolers values the text's innovative and engaging approach, noting that it balances high-level academic content with accessible writing and perspectives from a range of historians. Freedom Homeschooling recommends the curriculum as a comprehensive option, highlighting the utility of its teaching supplements including quizzes, exams, and essay assignments. However, both sources emphasize that the material is originally designed for university courses, suggesting its intensity is a primary consideration for families. This academic demand acts as a trade-off, as the resource is best suited for students specifically ready for college-level work rather than those seeking a standard secondary curriculum. While the inclusion of rich primary sources is praised, the requirement for a high degree of student readiness remains a central point of evaluation.

How It Works

In a typical week, the student reads one chapter of the online or print text, which is divided into manageable topical sections. While reading, the student analyzes integrated primary source documents—such as letters, maps, and photographs—linked within the text. The parent selects specific discussion questions or essay prompts from the provided "Teaching Materials" to assign for midweek critical thinking work. At the end of the week, the student completes a quiz or exam from the provided test bank, which the parent grades using the provided keys. The student typically spends 5–7 hours per week on reading and assignments, while the parent spends roughly 30 minutes on facilitation and grading.

Switching to This?

Families can start The American YAWP at any point in the school year because its chronological structure allows for easy entry into specific historical eras. While there is no formal placement test, parents should note that a "Middle School Edition" is available; students who find the standard college-level text too dense should start there regardless of age. If switching from a standard high school text like United States History from BJU Press or Abeka, parents should expect a significant increase in the volume of primary source analysis and a shift from a providential to a secular, academic perspective.

Curriculum Details

Price

$0

Free, collaboratively-built open US-history textbook; suits advanced high school (teacher-facing — adapt for home).

Grades

6 - 12

Available As

Digital

Coverage

Supplement

Subjects

History/Social Studies

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

30-60 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Advanced

Worldview

Secular

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as the course administrator and facilitator. Because the resource is a textbook and a repository of materials rather than a guided course, the parent must use the provided syllabi to schedule readings, assign the discussion questions or essays, and use the provided test banks to conduct assessments.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: July 2026 by Claude (v2 research)

How This Compares

Notgrass History: Unlike the narrative, Christian-themed approach of Notgrass History, The American YAWP is a secular, peer-reviewed academic text. - Sonlight: While Sonlight uses various "living books" and historical fiction to teach history, The American YAWP relies on a single comprehensive, high-level text supplemented by primary documents. - BJU Press: BJU Press offers a traditional, often video-led, conservative Christian curriculum, whereas The American YAWP is a self-paced, parent-facilitated secular resource. - OER Project: Both are free digital resources, but The American YAWP focuses exclusively on U.S. History with a traditional textbook feel, whereas OER Project offers broader World and "Big History" frameworks.

Getting Started