High School History
The study of history is a study of consequence — of choices made, battles fought, ideals tested, and civilizations built or broken. Our High School history curriculum is both sweeping and specific, inviting students to chart global transformations from antiquity to the modern day, while cultivating the skills of close reading, thoughtful analysis, and compelling written argument. Students explore primary sources, conduct independent research, and engage in Socratic dialogue as they grapple with the past.
Whether preparing for AP-level coursework or diving into a particular era of interest, GEO students come to see history not as a static record, but as an evolving conversation. With the guidance of our expert historians, they learn to situate themselves within that dialogue—with clarity, context, and conviction.
-
This course traces the earliest foundations of human society — from Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley to the city-states of Greece and the grandeur of Rome. Students will explore political systems, mythology, philosophy, and early law codes, gaining insight into how ancient civilizations laid the groundwork for modern government, literature, and ethics. Along the way, they’ll study the development of writing, the rise of empire, and the spiritual traditions that continue to shape the world today.
-
This course spans from the fall of Rome to the birth of the modern West, encompassing feudalism, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the seismic revolutions that followed. Students will study the interplay of ideas, institutions, and individuals that defined European society, including the Reformation, the rise of nationalism, and the world wars. Special attention is paid to art, political theory, and the shifting balance between reason and faith in shaping Europe’s identity.
-
Covering the Industrial Revolution to the present day, this course explores global interconnectedness and the ideological, political, and technological revolutions that transformed the modern world. Students examine colonialism and decolonization, global conflict, and the emergence of new powers in a rapidly changing international landscape. Through close study of primary and secondary sources, they learn to see today’s headlines as the latest chapter in a centuries-old narrative.
-
From the first encounters between Native peoples and European settlers to the modern-day challenges of American democracy, this course provides a sweeping yet detailed view of U.S. history. Students examine founding documents, civil rights movements, wars, economic upheavals, and the ongoing tension between liberty and equality. Emphasis is placed on regional diversity, social history, and the construction of American identity across time.
-
This course explores the philosophical foundations and practical structures of the U.S. government. Students examine the Constitution, landmark Supreme Court cases, political ideologies, and the functioning of Congress, the presidency, and the courts. By analyzing historical context and contemporary debates, students gain a nuanced understanding of democratic principles and the responsibilities of citizenship.
-
This college-level course invites students to think like historians as they explore the evolution of American society from 1491 to the present. With an emphasis on continuity and change, students engage with themes of identity, migration, politics, and the economy. Mastery of primary sources, historical argumentation, and long-form essays prepares students not only for the AP exam but for future collegiate study.
-
Spanning from the Renaissance to the modern era, AP European History challenges students to trace the intellectual, political, and cultural developments that shaped Europe. Students grapple with philosophical shifts, revolutions, wars, and social transformations, learning to connect disparate events and build compelling historical narratives. Analysis of documents and debates sharpens their skills in interpretation and critical thinking.
-
In this global survey course, students examine the development of human civilization from 1200 CE to the present, considering themes like empire-building, trade, technological advancement, and cultural diffusion. Comparative analysis and causal reasoning are emphasized as students develop a broad, interconnected view of world history. A strong foundation in historical writing and source analysis ensures they are ready for the AP exam and beyond.
-
This advanced course dives into the machinery of American government, its constitutional roots, and the real-world implications of public policy and political behavior. Students engage with contemporary issues through the lens of foundational documents and judicial decisions, learning to craft nuanced arguments and understand the forces shaping American civic life.