Why America Is Free

Why America Is Free

A history and civics curriculum for a new generation of engaged citizens

A Republic, if you can keep it.”

—Benjamin Franklin

American inventor, statesman, diplomat

A Republic, if you can keep it”
—Benjamin Franklin

Why America Is Free is a cross-disciplinary, hands-on curriculum for upper elementary school students that immerses them in the events of the Founding.  Free from rote learning, students experience the American Revolution as if they were there—a very different experience from viewing the events through a 21st-century lens.

Students don’t just study the ideas.  They live them.

They immerse themselves in the lives of the people, the ideas and events from different points of view.

They live a day and a night facing challenges in the midst of the war that won our independence.

They challenge the status quo, ask “why”, and explore the civic ideals that inspired a new type of government.

As they progress to victory, they discover the ideas that unify us as Americans.

Child In Costume
Child In Costume
Child In Costume
Child In Costume

They immerse themselves in the lives of the people, the ideas and events from different points of view.

They live a day and a night facing challenges in the midst of the war that won our independence.

They challenge the status quo, ask “why”, and explore the civic ideals that became the foundation of a new type of government.

They discover the ideas, and civic values and principles that unify us as Americans.

Before, the children were [learning] as if they were wearing raincoats, information shed off of them quickly. Now what they are learning goes in deeply.”

—Social Studies Specialist for a school district

Ships in the sea

The American Revolution changed the world.  Centuries later, we are still a nation bound together by shared civic values, laws, and the history of that time.  Preserving this legacy, however, is not automatic.  It requires each generation—and every citizen—to understand how we came to be and who we are as a nation.

George Washington

Fewer than one in ten high school graduating seniors can pass the United States naturalization test, which assesses basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.

A knowledge of our history strengthens character. As students travel back in time, they adopt the behaviors of the day and make decisions guided by principles and respect for others.

Civic principles foster ethical behavior.
Experiential learning inspires good citizenship.
Every child can grow into a person of great character.

Lasting Change

Why America Is Free has been tested from coast to coast, in both public and private schools, and with diverse populations, and the results show that it profoundly changes students. Teachers, principals, parents, and volunteers notice the change in the students not just in elementary school where it is taught, but also in middle school because the results are lasting.

Why America Is Free instills respect for self and others, a sense of community, a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of citizens of our country, and an enthusiasm for learning. It is like no other program we have seen. It is truly “revolutionary.”

—Dorothy Menzies, Headmistress (ret.), Carlthorp School, Santa Monica, California

“The parents are still talking about what a difference they saw in their children. My colleagues have eagerly embraced the program. I can’t wait to begin again this year!”

—Teacher, Private School