Your Trusted Hillsdale Curriculum
You want your students to have a deep understanding of America’s founding principles, pivotal events, and enduring ideas. Few programs provide accurate, engaging K-12 lessons backed by trustworthy resources, and woven into one cohesive American story. Ours is provided to you at no cost. And in 2026, we’ve made it even better.
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’ve launched Hillsdale K-12 American History & Civics Curriculum in a refreshed format and with more resources to make your teaching easier and more effective!
Our Materials
Updated Curriculum
Complete lesson plans in a simple, easy-to-follow format. Clear connections between topics and assessments. PDF downloads plus optional bound copies you can purchase.
Searchable Database
Instant access to maps, images, primary sources, and expert lectures—everything you need to bring lessons to life.
Coming February-March 2026
Online Course
Watch master teachers deliver model lessons for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Get nearly 5 hours of professional development and guidance on everything from yearly to daily lesson planning.
Coming April-May 2026
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American History & Civics Curriculum and Resources
Unit 1 of theAmerican History andAmerican Civics curriculum are avaialable to preview without signing in to an account.
Curriculum Overview
Hillsdale College K-12American History
American History | Kindergarten - 5th Grade
American History | Middle School - High School
- Unit 1 |The British Colonies of North America (1492-1763)
- 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 (1974-Present)
Hillsdale College K-12Civics | The Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum
American Civics | Middle School
- Unit 1 |The Declaration of Independence
- Unit 2 |The United States Constitution
- Unit 3 |Politics and Policy
- Unit 4 |Challenging and Defending America's Principles
American Civics | High School
- Unit 1 |The Principles of America
- Unit 2 |A Constitution of Principles
- Unit 3 |Governing the Constitution
- Unit 4 |The American Civil War (1848-1877)
- Unit 5 |Equality in America
- Unit 6 |Progressivism and the State
- Unit 7 |Politics in Practice
- Unit 8 |Late 20th Century Government and Politics
- Optional Civics Activites |Fostering Civic Responsibility
For All Who Wish to Learn
The Hillsdale College K-12 History & Civics Curriculum is a no-cost, top-tier American history and civics curriculum.
…no other institution provides curriculum anywhere near Hillsdale’s level.