History & Social Studies
Our history curriculum develops historical reasoning, the ability to analyze primary sources, and skills in writing from evidence. Students learn to think critically about the past and its connections to the present.
History Progression
Grade 6
Ancient Civilizations
Grade 7
World History
Grade 8
U.S. History
Course Descriptions
Ancient Civilizations
Grade 6
Students explore the foundations of human civilization, from early river valley cultures to classical Greece and Rome. The course emphasizes understanding how societies develop, how ideas spread, and how to analyze historical evidence.
Topics include:
Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, development of writing, government systems, cultural exchange, and primary source analysis
World History
Grade 7
Students examine major developments in world history from the medieval period through the modern era. The course develops skills in historical reasoning, comparative analysis, and understanding global connections.
Topics include:
Medieval Europe, Islamic civilization, Asian empires, Age of Exploration, colonialism, revolutions, industrialization, and global conflicts
U.S. History
Grade 8
Students study American history from colonial times through the present, with emphasis on understanding key themes, analyzing primary documents, and developing informed perspectives on American institutions and ideals.
Topics include:
Colonial America, founding documents, westward expansion, Civil War and Reconstruction, immigration, industrialization, civil rights, and contemporary issues
Skills Emphasized
Historical Reasoning
Understanding cause and effect, change over time, and multiple perspectives
Primary Source Analysis
Reading and interpreting historical documents, artifacts, and evidence
Writing from Evidence
Constructing arguments based on historical sources and data
Critical Analysis
Evaluating sources, recognizing bias, and forming reasoned conclusions