F.A.Q.
Answers to commonly asked questions
Whose side is the Nomadic Professor on?
The short answer is that Nomadic Courses actively avoid partisanship, ideology, and dogma. While we can’t (and don’t want to) escape the narrative we find most convincing, we are forthright with the students: we constantly remind them that they are reading an argument, not an authoritative, voiceless textbook, posing as The Final Answer. Further, we actively and rigorously train them in how to identify evidence and challenge conclusions, even our own evidence and conclusions, while avoiding the unnecessary headache of pretending that “all answers are equally valid.” If you’re interested in a longer answer, you can read our full blog post on this question.
Who is the target audience for the Nomadic Professor's courses?
The courses are designed to be accessible to a range of students. Dr. Jackson’s content is as rigorous as the college courses he teaches, which makes it appropriate for college students and adult learners.
But we also provide a unique level of support throughout each session and unit, which means our courses are a very good fit for high school students as well. (Families and classrooms will have to make case-by-case judgments about how well the content is suited for advanced middle school students.) Every session comes with clear expectations, guided notes (with an answer key), vocabulary, guidance in vocabulary retention, and quizzes (with feedback for nearly every question). Every unit also features a document lesson (with an answer key) that comes with video guidance from Nate, where he spends time in the sources with the student, modeling how to read like a historian.
Alternatively, our Personal Enrichment track allows casual learners to enjoy our core course content in streamlined fashion (minus the note-taking, assignments, grading, and document lessons).
Is your curriculum aligned with standardized tests?
Yes. Each unit plan shows how the content in that unit lines up with the CLEP and with Common Core State Standards.
For a sample daily schedule for our Basic, Standard and Advanced tracks, see this document.
Is your curriculum aligned with standardized tests?
Yes. Each unit plan shows how the content in that unit lines up with the CLEP and with Common Core State Standards.
For a sample daily schedule for our Basic, Standard and Advanced tracks, see this document.
What should these courses look like on my student's transcript?
In the full Course Handbook—which you will receive with any course purchase—this question is answered in more depth. The short answer is that each Nomadic Course (e.g., US1, US2, World 1, World 2, etc.) earns a student .5 history credits. When a set of courses is paired (e.g., US1-2, US3-4, etc.), students earn a full history credit as well as elective credits. The elective credits include .5 credits in subjects like historical methods, college writing, American literature, rhetoric and logic, and more. Full details on hours spent and content covered are included in each Course Handbook.
Can I get official high school credit?
The best way to get official high school credit is to take your courses through a charter or virtual school. Charter schools include groups like IDEA in Alaska, or the network of schools associated with APLUS+ in California.
If you would like your student to take a course from The Nomadic Professor but you would also like them to take it with instructor guidance, consider taking your course through one of our institutional partners, such as Aim Academy Online, Bridgeway Academy, or True North Homeschool Academy.
Absent the oversight of an institution like those listed above, the best way to earn transcript credit from a Nomadic Course is through a parent-generated transcript.
Where does the curriculum come from?
The text and on-location videos in each course were written by the Nomadic Professor. The scaffolding and guidance in each course were developed by Nate Noorlander.
Do you offer any regular promotions?
Yes! Our largest annual sale on both course purchases and subscriptions is held in the spring. Another marks the end of November (Black Friday). Subscribers to our monthly newsletter and followers of our Instagram account will be notified of one-time sales.
What is your policy on refunds and returns?
We accept returns within 30 days of purchase for a 100% refund. See more about our Refunds and Returns page here.
How much time will I need to spend teaching this course?
You can choose—our instructors/parents range from hands-on to hands-off. The Nomadic Professor courses are designed to be student-led, with clear instructions, guided notes, and step-by-step structure built into every lesson. Most parents act as overseers rather than instructors—checking progress, discussing ideas, and grading coursework (based on provided rubrics and answer keys).
Do I need to teach or lecture the material myself?
No. All core instruction is provided through readings (with audio versions), on-location video lectures, guided notes, and document lessons. Students are taught how to take notes, analyze sources, and complete assignments independently.
What if my student struggles or falls behind?
Guided notes that model good note-taking
Clear expectations for every session
Auto-graded quizzes for immediate feedback
Track options (basic, standard, advanced) that adjust for rigor and time
Remember our courses are all self-paced—none of them need to be completed within a fixed timeframe.
Do I need to grade everything?
No. All quizzes are auto-graded, and grading rubrics and answer keys are provided for assignments where manual grading is necessary. In general, the assignments that need manual grade input are the guided notes, document lessons, and vocabulary study.
What if I want to be more involved?
Discussing primary sources at the dinner table
Reviewing essays together
Listening to audio lessons alongside their students
What if I want minimal involvement?
That works too. Many families choose The Nomadic Professor precisely because it allows students to work independently, while still producing transcript-ready coursework. Whether you choose to be highly involved or minimally involved, your student(s) will need someone to grade their written work and enter scores, whether you do it, you assign it to an AI agent, or you train them to do it themselves.
Should I Subscribe or Purchase?
We offer two flexible ways to access The Nomadic Professor courses. The right option depends on how long you plan to use the course, how many students you have, and how you prefer to structure your homeschool.
This guide will help you decide quickly.
Quick Comparison
Choose a subscription if you want:
Short-term or exploratory use
Access to many courses at once
A lower upfront cost
Choose a purchase if you want:
Long-term or repeat use
A single course for multiple children over time
No ongoing payments
Detailed Comparison
Option 1: Subscription (Monthly Access)
Best for families who:
Want maximum flexibility
Are exploring multiple courses
Prefer a lower upfront cost
Aren’t sure yet how long they’ll use the program
How it works:
$30/month for access to all courses
Cancel anytime — no long-term commitment
Discounts available for two or more students
Ideal for:
Trying courses before committing
Families who rotate subjects
Students taking multiple history courses in the same year
Good to know:
As long as you’re subscribed, you keep access
You can “pause” and “restart” your subscription for free as often and for as long as you’d like. Very handy during sports seasons, summer vacations, or just during a month when its too busy to get to history.
If you cancel, access ends at the end of your billing cycle
Option 2: Purchase (Lifetime Ownership)
Best for families who:
Plan to use a course long-term
Have multiple children who will take the same course over time (one will age up later; non-simultaneous)
Want lifetime access with no recurring fees
How it works:
$249 per course (each course and course part is designed to be completed in 1 semester)
One-time purchase — you own it forever
Reuse the course for younger siblings as they reach the appropriate grade
Discounts available when purchasing the same course for multiple students at once
Good to know:
No expiration
No monthly payments
Great value if you know this is a course you’ll use again
A Common Approach Parents Use
Further Questions?
If you’re still unsure which option fits your family best, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help you choose the option that makes the most sense for your homeschool. Just email us at [email protected]
Ready to Begin?
Start with any course or use the full American or World History series. Questions? Contact us anytime at [email protected].
More About Us
Why Go Nomadic?
Besides granting you access to the NP’s courses, a subscription comes with plenty of perks. Find out here.
The Nomadic Team
Meet the globetrotting Dr. William K. Jackson and veteran High School teacher Nate Noorlander. Click here.
Nomadic Partners
Check out our growing list of fabulous partners, which include prominent leaders in the educational sphere. Click here.
In the Media
We've been grateful to amass acclaim for our courses from far and wide. Peruse our reviews by clicking here.
