English and Social Studies are integrated into a rich Humanities program in Middle School that immerses students in learning about themselves as citizens of their community, country and the world.
Students are engaged in a discussion-based and project-based curriculum that begins with the study of indigenous civilizations and the West African Kingdoms before embarking on the founding of Colonial America. Students explore diverse historical voices, including primary source documents and historical fiction.
Through a focus on the foundations of government and civic responsibility, students analyze and debate history and literature and discuss current political events and social issues. With a foundation in their own society and culture, students expand their worldview to the global regions in 7th and 8th grade, focusing on the cultures of each.
The Humanities program emphasizes the spiraling development of skills such as critical thinking, literary analysis and reading comprehension, independent research, analytical and creative writing, and public speaking.
Real-world connections are made through experiential learning trips to Williamsburg, Virginia, historic Annapolis, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the National Museum of African American History & Culture, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
