A free K–12 civics curriculum, built for classroom use and offered without cost to every teacher who requests it. Written in plain language, revised annually, and backed by forty years of Foundation experience.
The Civics Commons Curriculum is a complete, standards-aligned civic education program for grades K through 12. It does not favor any party, candidate, or ideology. It teaches the mechanics of self-governance: how a bill becomes law, how courts work, how citizens may make themselves heard, and what the Constitution actually says — in plain language, without apology.
Every teacher who completes a request receives a full printed unit guide, a classroom set of pocket Constitutions, and access to our instructor portal. We ask only that you teach it, and let us know how it goes.
An introduction to civic life — the flag, the vote, the courthouse, and the neighbor. Designed for young learners who are ready to understand that they live inside a system of agreements, and that those agreements matter.
A deeper look at the machinery of American governance — the Constitution as a working document, the separation of powers as a live negotiation, and the rights of citizens as something to be exercised, not merely memorized.
A serious, unhurried study of the founding documents and their living application. Students read primary sources, debate contested interpretations, and leave with a working knowledge of the document that governs them. The debate unit is optional; the reading is not.
Lesson plans, answer keys, slide decks, and assessment rubrics for every unit. Updated each fall. Free with any curriculum request.
Access the portal →One free pocket Constitution per student, shipped to your school at no charge. Reorder annually. 184,000 distributed to date.
Order for your class →Half-day professional development workshops offered in 14 cities each year. Free registration, lunch provided, no political content.
Find a workshop near you →A structured high-school debate curriculum — 240 schools, 9,600 students. No winners declared, on principle. Runs September through May.
Learn about debate →Every unit is aligned to CCSS, NCSS, and each participating state's social studies standards. Alignment maps downloadable as PDF.
Download alignment maps →Questions about the material, requests for adaptations, or feedback on what worked. Staffed by former teachers, Monday through Friday.
Contact an advisor →Fill in the form below and we will post you a full unit guide and a classroom set of pocket Constitutions within two weeks. No cost, no subscription, no follow-up solicitation.