Social Studies education is a key factor in preparing students for a future of active participation in our nation’s democratic government.  It not only promotes acceptance and understanding of America’s past and present, but also advances a global perspective.  Learners are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking capabilities necessary to assist in leading America forward in current and future issues.

Students are required by state law to successfully complete a minimum of three years of social studies.  This requirement is met by earning credit in each of the following courses:  World History, United States History I and United States History II.  In order to graduate from high school, students are also required to demonstrate mastery of the following Core Curriculum Standards during their course of study.  Students are also encouraged to explore the Social Studies electives to further complement their educational perspective.

Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies (2004, NJDOE)

• Standard 6.1 Social Studies Skills: All students will utilize historical thinking, problem solving, and research skills to maximize their understanding of civics, history, geography, and economics.
• Standard 6.2 Civics: All students will know, understand and appreciate the values and principles of American democracy and the rights, responsibilities, and roles of a citizen in the nation and the world.
• Standard 6.3 World History: All students will demonstrate knowledge of world history in order to understand life and events in the past, and how this relates to the present and the future.
• Standard 6.4 United States and New Jersey History: All students will demonstrate knowledge of the United States and New Jersey history in order to understand life and events in the past and how they relate to the present and future.
• Standard 6.5 Economics: All students will acquire and understanding of key economic principles.
• Standard 6.6 Geography: All students will apply knowledge of spatial relationships and other geographic skills to understand human behavior in relation to the physical and cultural environment.

Standard	Honors	Advanced Placement	Elective
US History I	US History I	European History	Crime & Punishment
US History II	US History II	Psychology	History through the Media
World Cultures	World Cultures	Macro Economics	Sociology
Issues of Conscience	US History A	US History	Psychology
	Philosophy	World History	Contemporary Issues
		United States Government and Politics	Economics
		Human Geography