Teaching the American Story
You want your students to gain a deep understanding of America’s founding principles, pivotal events, and enduring ideas. Our primary-source driven American History & Civics Curriculum delivers accurate, engaging lessons woven into one cohesive American story—now available at no cost in a refreshed, beautifully redesigned format with additional resources to make teaching easier and more effective.
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the updated curriculum is ready for immediate download. Start using it today and bring the true story of America to your students this historic year.
Our Materials

American History Curriculum
The Hillsdale K-12 American History Curriculum provides complete lesson plans in a simple, easy-to-follow format, clear connections between topics and assessments, and PDF downloads plus optional bound copies you can purchase.
Each unit is supplemented with a carefully curated collection of primary sources, maps, images, and videos to help bring your lessons to life!

Online Course
What makes an excellent history or civics class? In this masterclass, learn from veteran teachers from across the nation as they use their knowledge and experience to bring Hillsdale's K-12 American History & Civics curriculum to life. Go beyond theory and into practice—covering everything from planning and storytelling to discussions, assessments, and classroom setup. Watch live model lessons unfold across all four grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) and leave with fresh ideas, practical tools you can use immediately, and nearly 5 hours of professional development.
Coming May 2026
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Civics Curriculum
The Hillsdale K-12 Government & Civics curriculum provides middle and high school teachers with complete courses, Hillsdale College-vetted book, an online course, and resource recommendations.
It also includes student-ready primary sources, sample assignments, activities, and assessments, a comprehensive introduction that outlines the curriculum’s principles, and offers pedagogical guidance and practical advice for adopting the program.
Coming Soon
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Hillsdale’s K-12 History & Civics Curriculum.
Unit 1 of the American History curriculum is available to preview without signing into an account.
Curriculum Overview
Hillsdale K-12 American History
K-2nd Grade American History Curriculum
3rd-5th Grade American History Curriculum
6th-8th Grade American History Curriculum
- Unit 1: The British Colonies of North America (1763-1789)
- Unit 2: The American Founding (1763-1789)
- Unit 3: The Early Republic (1789-1848)
- Unit 4: The American Civil War (1848-1877)
- Unit 5: The Turn of the Century (1877-1919)
- Unit 6: The Interwar Years and World War II (1919-1945)
- Unit 7: Post-War America (1945-1974)
- Unit 8: Recent American History
9th-12th Grade American History Curriculum
- Unit 1: The British Colonies of North America (1763-1789)
- Unit 2: The American Founding (1763-1789)
- Unit 3: The Early Republic (1789-1848)
- Unit 4: The American Civil War (1848-1877)
- Unit 5: The Turn of the Century (1877-1919)
- Unit 6: The Interwar Years and World War II (1919-1945)
- Unit 7: Post-War America (1945-1974)
- Unit 8: Recent American History