The goals of the Middle School history program are to help students to understand their own culture and to broaden their understanding of other cultures; to clarify their beliefs and values; and to become aware, concerned and responsible citizens of the United States and of the world. Students are introduced to western and non-western cultures from ancient times through the Medieval Period, to the history of the United States and to social science concepts necessary for an understanding of twenty-first century developments. Sequential skill building and reinforcement are stressed at each grade level. In addition to specific social science techniques, the history program develops basic skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking which are applicable to many other disciplines. Many of the readings in English classes are coordinated with the history program.

Group V:
The Group V history program begins with the study of world civilization from prehistory, continues through ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and provides comparisons with life today. The role and methods of the archeologist receive special attention, as do the influences of geography, economics, politics, technology, social systems, the arts, education, and religion and philosophy upon the development of western civilization. The course seeks to foster an understanding of maps and note-taking, outlining, and research skills.

Group VI:
Group VI History is a cultural investigation into medieval societies: the influence of the Hebrew Civilization, Christianity in the Roman Empire, the rise of the Islamic Empire, Latin Christendom in Europe, and the African kingdom of Ghana. The main theme through the curriculum is an exploration of world religions, both monotheistic and polytheistic. This study of religion serves as the starting point for further discussions on the arts, politics, economics, and social structure of these civilizations. The course focuses on the development of the following skills: critical thinking, careful reading and note taking, analytical outlining, independent research, and the execution of both individual and group oral presentations.

Group VII:
The Group VII course presents a survey of United States History from the origins of the American Revolution to the origins of the Civil War. Class discussion focuses on political, economic, and social trends, the foundations of the Constitution and the government. Major areas of skill development included accurate and complete note-taking, analysis of primary sources, composition of the historical identification, historical writing skills, and independent research. Special emphasis is placed on writing, research, discussion and critical-thinking skills.

Group VIII:
Group VIII History is an examination of the forces that have changed the United States from an agrarian society to a super power of the atomic age, and how the changes have been experienced by different groups of Americans. The course approaches history as the living, breathing testament of the American people and examines the experiences of the myriad of groups, individuals, and political and social movements that have come to define the American nation. Emphasis is placed on such skills as map study and interpretation, primary source analysis, critical thinking, essay writing and more extensive independent research. The basic goals are threefold: 1) to cultivate in each student a respect for and understanding of the diversity of experiences, values and perspectives of others; 2) to understand the relevance of history in the students’ lives; and 3) to establish effective written and analytical skills.

Group VI/VII/VIII Current Events:
Beginning at the sixth-grade level, this three-year sequence introduces students to the geography, economy and political realities of today’s global society. A wide variety of study techniques such as note taking, listening skills, and the use of reference materials is incorporated into the curriculum.