The Social Science Department is a dynamic, student-centered community committed to academic excellence, critical inquiry, and active citizenship. Through a vertically aligned sequence of college-preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement courses, the department challenges students to think deeply about the past and present while preparing them to shape the future.

Vision and Mission

The department’s vision is to cultivate informed, ethical, and engaged citizens who understand complex social systems and can thoughtfully participate in a diverse, global society. Its mission is to develop students’ historical thinking, civic literacy, geographic awareness, economic reasoning, and sociocultural understanding through rigorous instruction and authentic learning experiences.

Academic Excellence and Rigor

The Social Science Department offers a rich array of courses, including core survey classes and an extensive menu of honors and AP options such as AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP Government and Politics, AP Microeconomics, and specialized electives in psychology, ethnic studies, and contemporary issues.

• Honors, AP courses, and dual credit courses feature college-level reading, writing, and research expectations.

• Students regularly engage with primary and secondary sources, data sets, maps, and case studies to build sophisticated analytical skills.

• Vertical alignment ensures that skills in argumentation, document analysis, and discussion deepen steadily from 9th through 12th grade.

Instructional Practices

Teachers in the department employ a wide range of evidence-based, student-centered strategies that promote engagement and mastery.

• Frequent use of Socratic seminars, structured academic debates, simulations, project-based learning, and inquiry-driven investigations.

• Emphasis on disciplinary literacy: students learn to “think like” historians, geographers, political scientists, economists, and social scientists.

• Differentiated instruction and formative assessment support diverse learners, including English learners and students with varied readiness levels, in accessing honors and AP content.

Diverse Perspectives

The department is committed to representing multiple voices and experiences in the curriculum, particularly those of historically marginalized communities.

• Courses intentionally incorporate diverse primary sources, perspectives, and case studies across race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, and global regions.

• Teachers foster respectful dialogue, encourage civil discourse on controversial issues, and help students practice empathy and perspective taking.

• Placement practices and support structures aim to expand access to honors and AP coursework for underrepresented students.

Student Leadership, Citizenship, and Real-World Connections

Students are encouraged to apply their learning beyond the classroom and exercise leadership in the school and broader community.

• Opportunities include courses or student programs in student government, service-learning projects, Model UN, mock trial, youth civic engagement initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations.

• Courses connect social science concepts to current events, public policy, and local issues, helping students see the relevance of their learning.

• Emphasis on ethical decision-making and responsible digital citizenship prepares students to navigate complex media and information environments.

Professional Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

The Social Science Department functions as a professional learning community focused on continuous growth.

• Teachers collaborate on common assessments, calibrate grading practices, and analyze student work to refine instruction.

• Department members engage in ongoing professional development on AP pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, and instructional technology.

• Data-informed decision making guides course offerings, interventions, and enrichment opportunities.

Outcomes

Graduates of the Social Science Department leave with:

• Strong content knowledge across history, government, geography, economics, and the social sciences.

• Advanced skills in critical thinking, research, writing, speaking, and collaboration aligned with honors and AP expectations.

• A sense of civic responsibility, global awareness, and confidence to participate thoughtfully in democratic and community life.