Through a curriculum of ever-widening horizons, the social studies program introduces students to those forces that have shaped our world, including culture, politics, economics, and geography.  As they progress academically, students analyze local, national, and world history, gaining an increasingly sophisticated understanding of trends within and beyond the United States.  Cultivating an appreciation for the world’s myriad cultures is a prime objective of the social studies program.  Equally important is the honing of research, writing, and critical thinking skills, all of which allow our students to make a reasoned interpretation of both the past and the complex world around them.

Student Goals

Students will:

• Explore and learn to appreciate a range of cultures, both past and present
• Examine the evolution and impact of different political philosophies and economic systems
• Understand the relationship between people and their environments while acquiring a working knowledge of world geography
• Recognize cause, effect, and sequence in historical events
• Understand the role of science, technology, and individual initiative or genius in shaping the course of history
• Learn to gather and assess information, using it persuasively both orally and in writing
• Demonstrate through writing, either creative or expository, knowledge of people, places, and eras 
• Acquire a sense of civic responsibility and an understanding of our nation’s place in history