Social Studies
The Social Studies Department of St. Thomas Aquinas High School offers a curriculum that emphasizes the content, analytical and interpretive skills, and essential concepts necessary to thoroughly prepare our students for life in the 21st century. By emphasizing democratic values and the dignity of all people, our students are challenged to live productive and successful lives as good, involved citizens, moral and responsible leaders, and active and integrated Christians who will transform their own lives and the world around them. Through a prism of social justice, Christian ethics and Gospel values, students learn to evaluate decisions made in the past and present, by individuals and societies, fostering a realization that their own actions can make a positive difference in the world in which they live.
HONORS AND AP PROGRAM Students electing honors level courses are ready and eager to move at a fast pace. Students will have demonstrated the attributes of being independent, dependable, and organized, with strong reading and writing skills. They will have demonstrated high-quality in prior social studies courses. In addition, honor social studies students will be called upon to think critically and hypothetically about historical and contemporary issues in order to form persuasive arguments using historical evidence. Students are accepted into Honors and AP level courses upon the recommendation of their most recent social studies teacher and must have a minimum of a B in their current social studies class.