Program Focus:

At the elementary level, the Social Studies program provides students with a foundational understanding of communities, citizenship, geography, and history. Instruction encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and connections to real-world experiences.

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Exploration of local, national, and global communities
• Study of historical events and their impact on society
• Introduction to economic and governmental systems
• Inquiry-based learning and project-based activities
• Integration of literacy skills through nonfiction reading and writing assignments
• Grades 3-5 utilize the BOCES 3-5 Curriculum as well as Studies Weekly to support instruction

Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

• Classroom-based assessments and projects
• Performance-based evaluations through presentations and discussions

Enrichment & Special Programs:

• Field trips to historical sites and museums, as well as onsite visits from the Boots & Saddles Program
• Special events recognizing historical figures and civic engagement

Program Focus:

Middle school Social Studies deepens students’ understanding of historical and global perspectives while strengthening critical thinking and analytical skills.

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Grade 6: Focuses on Ancient Civilizations and World History, examining the development of societies, cultures, and governments from early human history to the fall of the Roman Empire.
• Grade 7: Begins a two-year chronological study of United States and New York State History, covering early civilizations in the Americas, European exploration and colonization, the formation of the nation, and the foundations of government.
• Grade 8: Continues the study of U.S. and New York State History, focusing on key historical developments from the Reconstruction period to the present, including industrialization, global conflicts, and modern American society.
• Grade 8 Honors: Offers an enriched and accelerated study of U.S. History, incorporating advanced reading, writing, and research opportunities. Designed for students with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, this course prepares students for AP World History in Grade 9.
• Emphasis on primary and secondary source analysis
• Development of argumentative and research-based writing
• Integration of geography, economics, and civic understanding

Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

• Classroom-based exams and essays
• Inquiry-based projects and presentations
• NYS Social Studies Framework-based assessments

Enrichment & Special Programs:

• Local Veteran’s Day project
• Service-learning projects related to civic engagement

Please refer to the Mount Sinai Middle School Course Guide for a detailed description of specific middle school Social Studies courses, including prerequisites and course content.

Program Focus:

The high school Social Studies program prepares students for college, careers, and active citizenship through a rigorous curriculum emphasizing historical analysis, research, and critical thinking.

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Global History 9 Regents: Covers world history from ancient times to 1750, emphasizing civilizations, belief systems, and political developments.
• Global History 10 Regents: Continues the study of world history from 1750 to modern times, culminating in the NYS Global History and Geography Regents Exam.
• Advanced Placement World History I (Grade 9): First year of a two-year AP sequence focusing on global processes and cultural interactions.
• Advanced Placement World History Modern (Grade 10): In the second year of the AP sequence, students take the AP World History exam and the Global History Regents.
• U.S. History and Government 11 Regents: A chronological study of U.S. history, leading to the NYS U.S. History and Government Regents Exam.
• Advanced Placement U.S. History (Grade 11): College-level study of U.S. history with an emphasis on research and analysis; students take the AP and Regents exams.
• Criminal Justice (Grade 12): A one-semester course focuses on law-related topics, debates, and mock trials.
• Economics (Grade 12): A one-semester course covering fundamental economic principles and decision-making.
• Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics (Grade 12): Rigorous study of government structures and policies; fulfills Economics and Government requirements.
• Electives: Courses such as Impact of Sports in America, Introduction to Psychology, AP Psychology, Humanities, and AP Microeconomics provide additional avenues for specialized study.

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Assessment & Progress Monitoring:

• NYS Global History and Geography Regents Exam (Grade 10)
• NYS U.S. History and Government Regents Exam (Grade 11)
• AP exams for students enrolled in AP courses
• Research-based projects and presentations

Enrichment & Special Programs:

• Model United Nations club
• Guest speakers and civic engagement opportunities
• Summer reading and research assignments for AP courses

Graduation Requirements:

• Students must complete 4 credits of Social Studies coursework:
  • Global History & Geography – 2 Units
  • U.S. History & Government – 1 Unit
  • Government through our Criminal Justice course – . 5 Unit
  • Economics – . 5 Unit
• Passing scores of 65 on NYS Global History and U.S. History Regents exams are required.

Please refer to the Mount Sinai High School Course Guide for a detailed description of specific high school Social Studies courses, including prerequisites and course content.