Ancient Civilizations
(Grades 6-8)
Subject Value: 1.0 History + 1.0 English (Writing & Logic)
The Course: A comprehensive study of the foundations of the ancient world. Topics include the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome, alongside the origins of Judaism and Christianity. Students analyze historical documents and debate the cultural, religious, and political contributions of these societies to understand their lasting impact on history.
Writing Focus: Application of a 6-step writing framework to determine historical contributions and identify the primary causes behind the rise of great civilizations and republics.
Primary Texts: Take a Stand! Ancient Civilizations (Classical Historian)
World History Detective: Ancient and Medieval Civilizations (Critical Thinking Co.)
Medieval Civilizations
(Grades 6-8)
Subject Value: 1.0 History + 1.0 English (Writing & Logic)
The Course: A global investigation of history from the Fall of Rome through the Age of Exploration. Key areas of study include the rise of Islamic Civilization, the medieval dynasties of China, Africa, and Japan, the civilizations of the Americas, and the transformative periods of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution. Students analyze complex historical shifts and the impact of medieval institutions through historical documents and class debate.
Writing Focus: Application of a 6-step writing framework to evaluate cultural contributions and research the purpose and long-term impact of medieval institutions.
Primary Texts: Take a Stand! Ancient Civilizations (Classical Historian)
World History Detective: Ancient and Medieval Civilizations (Critical Thinking Co.)
The Story of Liberty
(Grades 6-8)
Subject Value: 1.0 History + 1.0 English (Writing & Logic)
The Course: An investigation into the pursuit of liberty from its ancient and medieval roots through the American Civil War. The curriculum traces the development of Western Civilization and the emergence of American Exceptionalism, beginning with the heritages of Greece and Rome and moving through European colonization. Significant focus is placed on the founding of the United States, the principles of the Constitution, and the sectionalism leading to the Civil War.
Writing Focus: Comparative analysis and interpretation of foundational American documents using a 6-step writing framework. Students develop logical arguments regarding the individual rights and societal structures that shaped the nation.
Primary Texts: The Story of Liberty (Classical Historian)
The Story of Liberty, Student Workbook 1 & 2 (Classical Historian)
Texas History
(GRADES 6-8)
Subject Value: 0.5 History + 0.5 English (Writing & Logic)
Duration: 1 Semester
The Course: A narrative exploration of the pioneers, warriors, and legends who forged the Texas frontier. This course uses a Socratic approach to look at the “Six Flags” of Texas, moving beyond simple names and dates. Students analyze the character and convictions of the people who shaped the region—from the early Spanish missions to the birth of the Republic—to understand the unique identity of the Lone Star State.
Writing Focus: Application of a 6-step writing framework to bring the legends of the frontier to life. Students develop evidence-based positions on key turning points, such as the success of the Spanish Mission system, the grievances of the Texas Revolution, the convictions of the Alamo defenders, and the hurdles faced by the young Republic.
Note to Parents: Because our middle school courses prioritize intensive Socratic discussion and formal essay writing, most students do not require a separate English or Writing curriculum. These courses are designed to provide a complete humanities foundation for the year.
American History
(Grades 9-12)
Credits: 1.0 History + 1.0 English (Composition & Literature)
The Course: A comprehensive study of the American story from the Revolution through the modern era. Key units of study include the founding of the Republic, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, and the rise of the United States as a world power. Students examine the impact of major historical shifts such as Industrialization, the Great Depression, the World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement, alongside the ongoing role of religion and technology in American life.
Writing Focus: Development of college-prep skills through perspective-based and comparative analysis using the 6-step writing framework. Major assignments include evaluating the legacy of historical figures like Columbus, comparing the distinct societal structures of the Antebellum North and South, and analyzing the impact of technology in World War I on the future of global warfare.
Primary Texts: A Patriot’s History of the United States (Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen)
Take a Stand! American History (Classical Historian)
World History
(Grades 9-12)
Credits: 1.0 History + 1.0 English (Composition & Literature)
The Course: A comprehensive examination of global civilizations and major philosophical shifts. The curriculum spans from the earliest civilizations of Mesopotamia, India, and China through the Classical era, the Middle Ages, and the Enlightenment. Students analyze the transformative impact of the Industrial Revolution, the rise of Totalitarianism, and the World Wars, concluding with a study of the Cold War and the complexities of the modern post-Cold War world.
Writing Focus: Development of high-level composition skills through analytical writing and the 6-step writing framework. Major assignments include evaluating the lasting contributions of ancient civilizations like the Hebrews or Greeks, debating the global impact of Islamic advancements, and analyzing the geopolitical and cultural causes behind the Age of Exploration.
Primary Texts: Western Civilization (Marvin Perry)
Take a Stand! World History (Classical Historian)
Government & Economics
Prerequisite: Completion of a high school-level American History course.
Credits: 0.5 Government / 0.5 Economics + 1.0 English (Composition & Writing)
The Course: A rigorous investigation into the American Republic and economic theory. The curriculum covers the foundations of Western political thought, the U.S. Constitution, and the role of the Supreme Court. Students analyze modern complexities including globalization, the American electoral process, and the comparative study of free markets, socialism, and planned economies.
Writing Focus: The writing requirements for this course utilize discussion boards to practice scholarly communication. Students use these forums to debate historical and economic topics and engage in evidence-based discussion. This format is designed to help students develop the specific digital interaction skills used in university-level settings.
Primary Texts: Basic American Government (Clarence Carson)
Lessons for the Young Economist (Robert P. Murphy)
Texas History
(GRADES 9-12)
Subject Value: 0.5 History + 0.5 English (Writing & Logic)
Duration: 1 Semester
The Course: A rigorous survey of the major events and figures of the Lone Star State based on T.R. Fehrenbach’s classic narrative, Lone Star. The curriculum follows the framework of the “Six Flags” over Texas, analyzing the high-stakes decisions and turning points that defined each era. Students examine the Texas saga—from the Spanish missions and the birth of the Republic to the state’s modern development—with a focus on the people and convictions that shaped its unique history.
Writing Focus: This course transitions students from traditional essays to evidence-based digital discussion boards. Students practice crafting concise, logical arguments and engaging in peer-to-peer analysis. This format is designed to master the scholarly communication and professional interaction required in a university setting.
Note to Parents: Because our high school courses prioritize intensive Socratic discussion, primary-source reading, and formal composition, most students do not need a separate English or Writing curriculum. These courses are designed as a complete Humanities study, fulfilling both History and English requirements for the year.