History

7th and 8th Grade: Geography
This course develops students' geographic literacy by exploring how people, places, and environments are connected across the globe. Through the study of economic, cultural, political, and urban geography, students investigate contemporary global issues while thinking spatially and applying geographic concepts such as scale, region, diffusion, interdependence, and human-environment interaction.

Using maps, geospatial technologies, current events, data analysis, and case studies from around the world, students examine how geography shapes cultures, economies, political systems, and patterns of human settlement. Historical context will enrich their understanding of globalization, colonialism, migration, urbanization, and environmental change while emphasizing inquiry, critical thinking, and perspectives. The course prepares students to analyze complex global challenges and become informed, engaged, and responsible global citizens. 

9th and 10th Grade: World History
This course explores the development and evolution of world cultures and civilizations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Students explore how technological innovation, economic change, political movements, and cultural exchange transformed societies while considering both the achievements and costs of these global transformations. Students will think and work as historians through primary source analysis, collaborative discussion, independent research, and investigations of contemporary global issues. Rather than simply learning what happened, they will ask why historical changes occurred, how they affected different peoples and societies, and how their legacies continue to shape our world. By making connections across time, place, and culture, students will develop historical understanding, empathy, critical thinking, research, writing, communication, and media literacy skills while learning to consider multiple perspectives before developing their own evidence-based conclusions. Ultimately, the course seeks to prepare students to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged global citizens. 

11th and 12th Grade: US History
What is the American story? Can there even be just one? What does it mean to be American? These essential questions guide our study of the development of the United States. Rather than simply memorizing events and dates, students investigate the people, ideas, conflicts, and turning points that have shaped the nation while examining the diverse voices and experiences that make up the American story. By exploring multiple perspectives and connecting historical events to contemporary issues, students will develop a deeper understanding of both the past and the world they live in today.

Throughout the course, students will think and work as historians analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating evidence, conducting research, developing historical arguments, and communicating their ideas through writing, discussion, and presentations. Emphasizing critical thinking, media literacy, and respectful dialogue, students will learn to consider competing interpretations before forming their own evidence-based conclusions. By the end of the course, students will have built a strong foundation in U.S. history while developing the knowledge and habits of mind needed to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.