I believe it says a great deal about a homeschool curriculum when we are doing night school on a Saturday night. In the summer. They ask, “Are we doing American History tonight?” That would be Compass Classroom American History. Dave Raymond’s American History!
We have already completed our ‘required’ American History course. However, my high schoolers love American History so much – and we are so impressed with Dave Raymond’s American History – we will be enjoying this course as a high school elective this year.
Compass Classroom Homeschool American History Review
We received these Compass Classroom American History resources in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own and we love this history study with our older children (even the younger ones are listening in). Please see our disclosure policy. The affiliate links included are for resources we absolutely love. If you purchase American History through our affiliate link, we will receive a percentage of the sale for no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Curriculum Choice!
This overview video will have you wanting to learn American History too:
Compass Classroom’s American History is a video based course with a wonderful, Biblical worldview, rich historical reading and projects that reinforce and enrich learning. We have learned so very much. “History is best understood through the dual lenses of dramatic story and godly wisdom. Veteran history teacher Dave Raymond gives a comprehensive history of the United States by applying a Christian worldview to the characters, events, theology, literature, art, and religious beliefs of the nation.”
What is Dave Raymond’s American History?
What ages?
American History is designed for ages 12 and up. This would include my middle schooler and two high schoolers.
Dave Raymond’s American History equals one (1) high school history/social studies credit.
What does Dave Raymond’s American History include?
What does Dave Raymond’s American History include?Compass Classroom’s American History is a one year course. Each DVD or download set includes:
- 26 video lessons (13 per semester)
- 4 projects
- Student reader (over 400 pages) – we view this on the family iPad as pictured, below
- Teacher’s guide – pictured on the family iPad, above
- weekly exams
- year-long portfolio work
- writing assignments
Episodes in Part 1 (1st semester):
Part 1:
1. Orientation
2. The Banner of the Sun: Meso-America
3. Brave New World: The Early Explorers
4. The Colossus of Empire: The Colonies
5. Stability and Change: The Reformational Colonies
6. A City Upon a Hill: The Puritans
7. A Foreign War at Home: Wars of Control
8. Grace, the Founder of Liberty: The Great Awakening
9. Fathers of Independence: Adams, Franklin, Witherspoon, and Henry
10. Liberty or Death: The Declaration of Independence
11. Awesome Providence I: The War of Independence
12. Awesome Providence II: The War of Independence
13. A More Perfect Union: The Constitution
Part 2:
14. Federal Headship: George Washington
15. How Good and Pleasant It Is: Adams and Jefferson
16. Manifest Destiny: Settlers, Explorers, and War
17. Word and Deed: JQ Adams and Andrew Jackson
18. The Original United Nations: The Expansion of the Early US
19. Idols of Mercy: Revival, Counterfeits, and Art
20. A House Divided I: The Age of Compromise and Divided Cultures
21. A House Divided II: Lincoln and Secession
22. The Second War for Independence: The War Between the States
23. Brother Against Brother: The War Between the States
24. The Lost Cause: Reconstruction
25. A New Normal: The West, Immigration, and Robber Barons
26. Theology as Biography: Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington
How American History Works
How American History WorksAnd my high school senior says, “It’s awesome because it always brings everything back to Jesus and is done with a Biblical perspective.”
A typical lesson goes this way – I think you will look forward to it too.
- Each lesson contains five video lessons (approximately 10 minutes). So one each week day.
- Take notes in your American History notebook. (There are several orientation videos which guide you through not only note taking but setting up a portfolio.)
- Take a weekly exam.
- Complete four semester projects.
- Work on your portfolio throughout the year.
Semester Projects
I want to highlight the project assignments in Compass Classroom’s American History. My eighth grader is very much a hands on learner. She thrives when she gets to make a scrapbook or present a speech while in costume.
Your student chooses the topic they are most interested in (from a long list of topic ideas) and makes the project as detailed as he or she would like to.
Even for my son who would rather type things out than create something, the projects have challenged him to stretch his skills and practice new ways of learning. And you know that any way we can enjoy history learning AND do an art project is always a winner for us.
But I thought you used Tapestry of Grace?
Yes, we love Tapestry of Grace! Guess what? We love the topic of American History SO much that we jumped at the chance to learn even more. Yes, my high schoolers are taking this course this year as an elective. How awesome is that?
And I have to mention that even Dad wants us to wait until evening to watch the lessons because he enjoys them so much. Yes, that is family learning, night school style! Love it.
FREE for You – Download Five Free Lessons
Try it! We know you’ll like it! FREE American History Lessons!
Compass Classroom Reviews!
We love all of Compass Classroom’s curriculum and resources for homeschool. So much so, I’ve shared reviews of all of these!
- Dave Raymond’s American History
- Grammar of Poetry
- Homeschool Made Simple
- WordUp! Vocabulary from Latin and Greek roots
- Economics for Everybody
- Great Books Video Courses
Homeschooling since 2000, Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos with five children. She shares a mixture of art lessons, recipes and helpful homeschool habits at Your Best Homeschool. She and her husband, Steve, are owners of The Curriculum Choice.
Hi Tricia!
I have this curriculum and plan to use it…in some way, shape, or form 🙂
We are trying to do a more interest-led program this year for high school…I found a fantastic curriculum called Far Above Rubies that gives the child an absolute TON of choices for completing coursework.
Anyway, I am thinking about using just the videos in this series. Will we get a lot out of just the videos? Or do we NEED the readings to fully understand what he’s talking about? I plan to supplement the videos with projects and other assignments that she gets to choose from, rather than giving her a list of readings/questions for each chapter or assigned projects throughout the course. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Hi Erin! Yes, I absolutely believe you will get so much out of this course by simply watching the videos. And if you have the reading and additional coursework covered then you can count it as full credit. Compass Classroom does do that for you in the resource guide and reader (which are excellent). But the beauty of homeschooling is that we can tailor these tools to our homeschool needs. Enjoy!
Hello! We are starting this curriculum with my 8th grader. I was wondering if you have examples of the portfolio? I’m not quite sure where to start with it. So far he really likes the videos, and I’m liking having someone else lecture on history. My favorite subject but so much to cover! Thank you!
I agree it is much to cover but such a delight to enjoy this way! It is such a great mix and meets the needs of my visual, auditory and hands on learners. Honestly, I think the portfolio is simply an extension of your learning. You can put it together and keep it in the way that is best for your family. We did not do every single project because – life! But they add such depth to the learning. Hope that helps and encourages you some.
Can you tell me more about the required reading? How much reading is there and what are they reading? I cannot find a book list or any information on how long they read. Thanks!
Hi Michele – There is a pdf reader that accompanies the lessons. It is a compilation of the assigned reading – all in one spot. Some weeks are lengthier than others. But it is very much doable for a high school schedule.
My 10 year old is very interested in American history and does well in school. I would like my 13 year old and 10 year old to do this together, so you think that would work?
Hi Angel – that is what have done in the past and we will do this year as well. Our 8th and 10th graders will enjoy this together (I join in too because it is that good). This will be our third time going through American History. It is designed for middle and high schoolers. So, be aware if you have a sensitive student. Some subjects are tough. But Mr. Raymond always presents topics on the backdrop of a Biblical worldview. I highly recommend this curriculum!