History
History at Portals tells the story of God’s work through people, nations, and cultures. Students learn historical events as part of a larger narrative that shapes civilization, ideas, and worldview. Rather than studying history as disconnected facts, we explore how beliefs, moral choices, and cultural movements influence the course of history.
History Through Stories - Not Just Textbooks
At Portals, primary sources, biographies, and narrative history books form the backbone of instruction. Students experience history through the voices and stories of people who lived during each era, rather than relying on textbooks alone. Whenever possible, history is explored through the eyes of real characters.
This means:
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Increased engagement with historical content
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Deeper empathy and connection with historical heroes
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Stronger understanding of events within their real-life context
Hands-On, Meaningful Projects That Bring History to Life
For every history reading, you’ll have ready-to-use project ideas designed to deepen understanding and spark creativity. Each project intentionally connects history to life skills, the arts, and personal interests, helping students apply what they learn in meaningful and memorable ways.
Students may:
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build maps
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historical simulations
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create museum-style exhibits
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develop research presentations
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complete cultural and artistic projects
Why Portals history?
History is taught through a biblical worldview, helping your children see God’s hand at work across time and understand how beliefs, choices, and ideas shape the world they live in.
A repeating three-year history cycle allows your children to revisit the same eras as they grow, gaining deeper understanding and maturity without starting over or missing key foundations.
Your children learn the same historical eras together, making it easier to teach multiple ages, enjoy meaningful family discussions, and build shared understanding year after year.
Portals uses a variety of trusted texts, such as Notgrass, Story of the World, Sonlight, novels, and Portals original content.
How We Teach History
Truthfully
You will have resources that tell the whole story without blackboxing faith and the impact of it in historical events.
Enthusiastically
Using projects your children can play with ideas and stories and characters and events throughout high school.
Patriotically
The American experiment is essentially a Christian idea, one that dignifies human life, liberty, and property.
