Our Approach to State History

Roots & Routes courses invite learners to investigate history through maps, primary sources, narrative storytelling, and hands-on exploration. Lessons emphasize inquiry, helping students examine how events unfolded in real places and communities.

By connecting historical developments to geography and lived experience, learners gain a deeper understanding of how the past shapes the world around them.

State History Courses

Courses are released state-by-state as they are completed.

Pennsylvania History I

LAUNCHING SOON

Explore Pennsylvania’s past from prehistory through the early republic. This 18-week course connects major events to the places and people that shaped the state.

Virginia History I

IN DEVELOPMENT

A place-based exploration of Virginia’s early history from prehistory through the eve of the Civil War.

North Carolina History I

IN DEVELOPMENT

A place-based exploration of North Carolina’s early history from prehistory through the early nineteenth century.

New York History I

IN DEVELOPMENT

A place-based exploration of New York’s early history from prehistory through the early republic.

FAQ section

Frequently asked questions

You've got questions. We've got answers.

What grade levels are these state history courses designed for?

Our state history courses are designed for grades 7–12, with flexible pacing and enrichment options to support different learning levels.

How long does a course take to complete?

Each state history course is structured as an 18-week program, but families and co-ops can adjust pacing as needed. Alternate pacing suggestions are included in the course materials.

What materials are included with the course?

The course includes the full learner curriculum, a student atlas, and a Parent Guide with teaching notes, pacing suggestions, and a geographically balanced selection of suggested historic sites and in-person experiences. Families also receive access to the R&R Recommends companion resource list with curated books, articles, and videos that extend the learning.

Can the course be used by homeschool co-ops or groups?

Yes. The flexible format works well for individual learners, homeschool families, and co-op classes.

Is travel required for the course?

No. The course includes a carefully curated list of 40 optional place-based activities and historic sites—ideal for field trips, day trips, or deeper exploration. However, all lessons can be completed at home.

Do we need to live in the state to use the course?

No. While each course focuses on the history of a particular state, it is designed for any learner interested in understanding how regional history connects to the broader story of American history. It can also help learners explore the regions where their ancestors once lived.

When will additional states be available?

Additional state history courses are currently in development. You can click “Notify Me” to receive updates when new courses are released.