History and Social Studies

As a core subject at Acaciawood School, history and social studies are taught at all grade levels. Our students are introduced to all the areas of world, U.S., and California history. The curriculum spans all major historical eras from pre-historical times to the present and covers all major areas of the world. Emphasis is given to methodology and historical research skills. In all areas of the subject, Acaciawood’s history curriculum meets or exceeds the California State Standards.

The upper division sequence is as follows:

• Students in Grades 7 and 8 take two years of US History; one covers the early period through the Civil War and the other covers from the Civil War until the present.
• Students in Grades 9 and 10 take World History. The first year covers through the first age of global exploration and the second year covers from the Enlightenment to the present.
• Grades 11 and 12 alternate between US History and Government/Economics. Students at this level cover US History in greater depth and with more analysis than in junior high.

All high school courses are offered at both Regular and Honors levels.

In addition to these courses, students take courses in Historical Methods at all levels of the Upper School except for Grade 12. In these courses, students learn all the steps of historical research by creating, developing, and producing a significant history project that meets the guidelines of the National History Day program. Additionally, students may be assigned smaller projects in areas such as oral history, library science, or term papers to reinforce historical and analytical skills.

Last modified: 2/3/06