Social Studies education in St. Paul public schools prepares students to think critically, analyze primary and secondary sources, communicate and display information and to write and speak effectively through a variety of subject areas. All district junior high Social Studies courses embed state standards and follow a common scope and sequence.

Students are required to take 7^th grade American History and 8^th grade World Geography at the regular or Pre-AP/IB Prep level. Students also have the opportunity to take elective courses such as American Indian History and Culture and Project Enrichment.

During the 2008-2009 school year, Pre-Advanced Placement and IB’s Middle Years Program, MYP, will be introduced at specific St. Paul junior high schools. Please contact the school to request program information. http://www.spps.org/Middle_and_Junior_High_Schools.html

Social Studies curriculum is developed to meet the needs of our student population, state standards, and district goals.  Teachers across school sites share common syllabi, create model lessons, work in teams, and teach anchor lessons across shared courses.

The St. Paul Public Schools Social Studies department works as partners with a variety of community organizations including The Minnesota Historical Society, Global Classrooms, Historians in the Schools, National Geographic, MAGE, and Kids Voting.  Through these relationships, students and staff participate in events including Model United Nations, History Day, Geography Bee, Geo Fest, school elections and guest speakers.