Social Studies

Rich in historiography, primary sources, and economic and political theory, Pope John Paul II Preparatory School's Social Studies program challenges students to think like historians, political scientists, and economists. Students probe the past's meaning by answering open-ended questions that require them to reason with evidence and encourage them to develop critical thinking skills. We believe that tying social studies' study to disciplinary thinking invites students to understand a telos, a broader end to the course. This process produces deeper thinking about more significant issues of truth, justice, and the more general structures of society, rather than narrowly focusing on memorization. These narratives emerge out of the evidentiary record; they are, according to Vatican II, the medium through which "God…uninterruptedly converses" with humanity. With particular emphasis on analytical writing and public speaking, the Social Studies department's goal is to create thoughtful and informed citizens capable of using the past to solve tomorrow's problems.

Middle school students are required to take World Geography in the sixth grade, US History in the seventh, and Ancient World History in the eighth grade.  

High school students are required to take a minimum of three Social Studies classes to meet graduation requirements. Social Studies courses range from college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement and include World History, European History, United States History, and the United States Government and Economics. We also offer Advanced Placement Psychology as an elective.