High School Political Science Homeschool Curriculum
Most high school government is idealized civics. Ours develops genuine political sophistication: understanding power, institutions, and how to be an effective political actor.
About high school learners
High school political science should produce sophisticated political analysts who understand systems, can evaluate arguments, and engage as effective citizens. From local government to international relations, students develop comprehensive political understanding.
- Can develop sophisticated analysis
- Approaching voting age
- College preparation value
- Lifelong civic engagement
Learning objectives
- Master political system analysis
- Understand international relations
- Evaluate policy arguments rigorously
- Succeed on AP Government exam
- Engage effectively as citizens
Before and after high school political science
Before starting:
- Basic government knowledge
- Reading comprehension
- Interest in current events
- Analytical mindset
Previous grade in this subject: 9th grade political science
Sample high school political science assignment
Student interest: policy analysis
Choose a current policy debate. Research the positions, analyze the evidence, evaluate the trade-offs, and write a policy brief recommending a position.
What good work shows: Student develops genuine policy analysis skills. Understands how evidence translates to policy. Can engage with political debates substantively.
Sample projects and deliverables
Policy Analysis
Good fit for: public policy
Conduct rigorous analysis of a current policy debate. Examine evidence, stakeholders, trade-offs, and likely outcomes. Professional-quality policy analysis.
Skills used: Policy analysis, Evidence evaluation, Stakeholder analysis, Trade-offs
Deliverable: Policy analysis paper + stakeholder map + recommendation + presentation
Campaign Simulation
Good fit for: campaigns and elections
Design and run a simulated campaign. Develop strategy, create messaging, respond to events. Experience political communication from inside.
Skills used: Campaign strategy, Political communication, Coalition building, Crisis response
Deliverable: Campaign plan + materials + simulation results + reflection
International Crisis Analysis
Good fit for: international relations
Analyze an international crisis using IR theory. Explain what happened, why it happened, and what the actors could have done differently.
Skills used: IR theory, Crisis analysis, State behavior, Historical analysis
Deliverable: Crisis analysis paper + timeline + counterfactual analysis
Same skills, different topics
Complete political understanding.
- International Relations: Global politics → great power competition → China-US relations → analyzing specific policy decisions through IR theory lenses
- Constitutional Law: Legal foundations → Supreme Court → key decisions → analyzing how specific cases transformed constitutional interpretation
- Political Economy: Politics and economics → trade policy → winners and losers → analyzing political economy of specific trade disputes
- Political Communication: Media and politics → campaign strategy → messaging and persuasion → analyzing specific campaigns' communication strategies
Where high school students get stuck
- Maintaining analytical distance
- Understanding complex systems
- Handling political disagreement
- Connecting theory to practice
Teaching Approach for High School
Progressive development from basic structures to advanced analysis. Include comparative and international perspectives. Prepare for AP Government while developing genuine analytical capability. Support informed engagement.