Download the Core Knowledge Sequence

The Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence   •   The Core Knowledge Sequence (K–8)

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content and skills to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and the fine arts.  It represents our best effort to identifty and describe the specific core of shared knowledge that all children should learn in U.S. schools.

Because we say so? 

No.  Because reading, listening, writing and speaking with understanding depends on a shared body of common knowledge. It’s part of the nature of language: speakers and writers assume their audience shares not just the same vocabulary, but the same context in which those words appear. Thus the Sequence is not an attempt to impose a canon.  It’s an attempt to curate the knowledge shared and assumed by all well-educated, literate Americans.

Since our founding over 25 years ago, the Sequence has served as our source document. All of the activities of the Foundation—books, CDs, curriculum materials and professional development--have been aimed at ensuring that all children have access to this rich collection of stories, poems, history, works of art and more.

In an open letter in March 2010, founder E.D. Hirsch announced that the entire Sequence would be made available for free for non-commercial use on the Foundation’s website. We are pleased and proud to be able to offer you this important education resource.