American History

Get complete lesson plans, schedule and teaching notes for the entire year with this homeschool American History package. Package includes the Level 120 American History Parent Guide and accompanying American History Student Guide. Package also includes all of the American History books and Biblical Studies books scheduled in these guides.

Overview of the History

Instructor's Guides

We've formatted History 120 for independent study, if desired. Your History and Bible Parent Guide and separate History and Bible Student Guide weave materials together cohesively to direct your students with confidence each day.

The Parent Guide mirrors the Student Guide, but also includes answers and extra notes. So you can discuss their reading, check their progress, and bolster their academic and spiritual learning.

American History

Sonlight's 120 American History course offers a fascinating look at the ups and downs of the nation's past. As your children transition to independent learning, they will examine the events, people, and debates that molded the United States.

This course builds on the foundation of William J. Bennett's bestselling trilogy our nation's history—condensed into an epic one-volume edition America: The Last Best Hope. In this riveting volume, Bennett covers America’s greatest moments in breath-taking detail.

The spine of the course is stellar. But to expand on Bennett, the Instructor's Guide includes extensive notes and articles. With America: The Last Best Hope (One-Volume Edition) and the IG combined, you have an extraordinary tool to help your children think about, and understand, American History.

And there are 17 more history books to enjoy!

Some expand on a time: Before Columbus explores what America was like before Europeans arrived; The Yanks Are Coming offers wonderful details of WWI; Colonial America offers a closer look at how some of the major British colonies were formed.

Some are about specific people: Traitor: The Case of Benedict Arnold tells the story of the most famous turncoat in American history. The Lions of Little Rock tells the story of two girls willing to take on segregation and the dangers their friendship could bring in order to stay friends. David Wilkerson left a comfortable suburban pastorate to minister to gangs in New York. Cameron Townsend wondered how much more effective he would be as a missionary if the people had the Bible in their heart-language.

And some are about specific events: the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, life in a Pilgrim settlement at Plymouth; writing the Constitution, fighting the battle of Gettysburg, and building the Panama Canal.

This course offers a wide range of perspectives, nationalities, and locations.

After their children have worked through Sonlight's 120 course, some parents have their children take the CLEP exam (the College Level Examination Program test that counts for college credit at some schools). These students pass.

Even though many of the Sonlight books are not "challenging" in their reading level, the quantity of titles, the memorability of the books, and the incredible range of topics make the whole program a thorough, enjoyable study of American History.

Biblical Studies

Teach your children to live out their faith. The Bible 110 program includes Scripture reading and practical lessons in how to study, interpret and apply the Scriptures in everyday life. Help your students build their theological framework, explore the evidence for our faith and develop discipline in prayer. Help you raise children who love God and know what and why they believe.

Estimated daily time for American History: Student: 45min.

Our high school courses are separated by subject to allow customers maximum flexibility. Feel free to buy either the History or the Literature, or both, or to mix-and-match with the History and Literature of other Sonlight courses.