Social Studies


Franky Maldonado Supervisor of Social Studies K-8 [email protected] 201-547-2227	John Emolo Supervisor of Social Studies 6-12 [email protected] 201-369-3720

Clerk l Aja Moore l [email protected] l 201-713-2107

Department Overview

The Jersey City Public Schools' Social Studies Program promotes student achievement through NJSLS-Social Studies aligned curricula implemented by highly qualified teachers who integrate instruction with assessment, education policies that enhance and support learning, and classrooms with ready access to technology. Jersey City Public Schools provides ALL students with access to high-quality, engaging social studies instruction.

K-5 Curriculum

Our K-5 curricula are carefully crafted to introduce young learners to foundational concepts in civics, geography, and history at developmentally appropriate levels. Throughout these formative years, students will explore the roles and responsibilities of citizens within their communities and at the local, state, and national levels. Students will differentiate between wants and needs, and begin to grasp the fundamental principles of money, trade, and economic systems. In addition, students will engage with core American values, gaining insights into the importance of environmental stewardship. Students will also develop an understanding of the rich history that has shaped New Jersey and the United States, including an exploration of Indigenous cultures, colonial history, and the American Revolution. Through this comprehensive curricula, students will build a strong foundation for their continued Social Studies study.

K-5 Curriculum

6-8 Curriculum

The social studies curricula for grades 6 - 8 are designed to help students develop a more sophisticated understanding of civics, economics, geography, and history appropriate to their grade level. In grade 6, students will learn about ancient world history from early civilizations through Greece and Rome. In grade 7, students focus on world history through the Middle Ages, then transition to an intensive half-year civics course of study. In grade 8, students will gain an understanding of early United States history from the American Revolution to the Reconstruction era.

6-8 Curriculum

High School Curriculum

The social studies program for grades 9-12 is an inquiry-based curricula that emphasizes historical thinking skills and analysis. Through the inquiry framework, students engage with primary and secondary sources to understand history from multiple perspectives. The social studies department aims to prepare students to be responsible and productive citizens in a democratic society and a globally interdependent world.

High School Curriculum

All course descriptions can be found in the district HS course catalog: HS Course Catalog

Core Courses	Electives	Advanced Placement Courses
United States History I	The Great Trials of History Honors	AP United States History I
United States History II	Contemporary Social Justice	AP United States History II
World History and Cultures	Black Voices and the American Story	AP Modern World History
Financial Literacy	Foundations of the Constitution	AP Microeconomics
	Introduction to International Relations	AP Macroeconomics
	Women's Studies	AP African American Studies
	Introduction to Law	AP U.S. Government and Politics
	Introduction to Human Behavior	AP Human Geography
		AP European History

District Approved Curriculum Resources

District Approved Curriculum Resources:

Website	Description
	Grades K-5: McGraw-Hill Impact Social Studies programs for grades K-5 offer a dynamic, standards-based curriculum that immerses students in exploring their communities, understanding culture, and learning about United States history. The programs are crafted to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills through activities such as document analysis, interactive simulations, and real-world applications. These experiences help connect classroom learning to future career possibilities. Students benefit from resources like digital textbooks, Explorer Magazine, Inquiry Journals, and adaptive assessments, all of which support their preparation for future academic challenges. Parents can also stay engaged in their child's education with progress reports, study guides, and online tools that reinforce social studies concepts at home.
	Grades 6-8: Savvas social studies program for grades 6-8 offer a robust, standards-aligned curriculum designed to deepen students’ understanding of key historical content. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from ancient world history to civics and American History and provide an inquiry-based learning experience that prepare students to be 21st century citizens. The curriculum includes multimedia resources, maps and adaptive learning tools that help students explore social studies concepts while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Parents can access resources, lesson summaries, and student progress tracking tools, making it easy to stay informed and support their child’s learning. For more information and resources for parents, visit the Savvas Parent Support Center.
	Grades 9-12: The HMH Ed Learning Program in Social Studies for grades 9-12 offers a comprehensive and interactive approach designed to engage high school students in the study of history, civics, and geography. For parents, this program presents an opportunity to support their child's academic growth with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, historical inquiry, and real-world connections. The HMH Ed Learning Program integrates a variety of resources, including digital textbooks, interactive activities, and multimedia content, to make learning both dynamic and accessible. Students are encouraged to analyze historical events, explore multiple perspectives, and apply their knowledge to contemporary issues, which helps them develop a nuanced understanding of social studies. Parents can take advantage of the program's features, such as progress tracking and detailed reports, to stay informed about their child's achievements and areas for improvement. The program's focus on fostering analytical skills and connecting classroom learning to real-life scenarios equips students with valuable competencies for future academic and career pursuits.
	Grades 9-12: Newsela is an online platform that transforms current events and social studies topics into engaging, standards-aligned articles tailored for different reading levels. In social studies classes, Newsela helps students explore informational texts while building critical reading and analytical skills. Each article is available in multiple reading levels, ensuring that all students can access challenging content while growing their literacy skills. With content covering all social studies disciplines Newsela connects classroom learning to relevant, real-world topics. For parents, Newsela offers resources such as parent guides, discussion prompts, and access to the articles their child is reading, making it easier to stay involved and support learning at home.
	Grades 6-12: The Choices Program from Brown University offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to social studies for students in grades 9-12. Designed to foster critical thinking and informed decision-making, the program provides students with a deep understanding of historical events, current issues, and global perspectives. The curriculum includes rich primary sources, interactive lessons, and a variety of multimedia resources that make learning both engaging and relevant. The program’s emphasis on developing analytical skills and understanding diverse perspectives equips students with valuable skills for both academic success and responsible citizenship. Parents can support their child's learning journey by accessing the program's resources, which include detailed lesson plans and student materials. These tools help parents stay informed about what their child is studying and provide opportunities for meaningful discussions at home.
	Grades 3-12: The DBQ Project offers a robust educational approach for students in grades 3-12, focusing on Document-Based Questions (DBQs) to enhance critical thinking and historical analysis skills. The DBQ Project is designed to engage students with primary sources and historical documents, encouraging them to analyze evidence, develop arguments, and make informed conclusions. This method helps students connect with historical content in a meaningful way, fostering skills that are essential for academic success and informed citizenship. Parents will find that the DBQ Project’s structured lessons and student-friendly materials make it easier to support their child's learning at home. The program includes clear instructions and resources that help students develop their analytical and writing skills.
	Grades 9-12 (AP Classes Only): Albert.io is an online platform that provides students enrolled in AP History with high-quality practice questions, detailed explanations, and targeted review materials designed to boost exam performance. Tailored specifically for AP courses like U.S. History, Government and Politics, and Economics Albert.io helps students master complex topics by offering standards-aligned practice questions that mirror the rigor and format of the actual AP exams. The platform includes immediate feedback and in-depth explanations that help students understand the reasoning behind each answer, supporting deeper learning and retention. With the flexibility to practice at their own pace and focus on areas where they need the most improvement, students gain confidence and build the skills necessary to excel on their AP exams. For parents, Albert.io offers progress tracking tools, insights into their child’s strengths and areas for growth, and resources to better understand the AP content, allowing them to support and encourage their child throughout the study process.

State Mandates

The Jersey City Public Schools are committed to providing an inclusive and equitable education for all students, in alignment with New Jersey’s mandates on the Amistad Commission, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Holocaust Education, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history, and LGBTQ+ rights. By following these mandates, we ensure that our curriculum reflects the diverse histories, cultures, and identities that make up our community. This approach fosters understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging, empowering students to become compassionate, informed, and engaged citizens in an increasingly diverse world.

State Mandates

NJ LGBTQ Curriculum Mandate


United States History I	JCPS United States History II	JCPS World Cultures

African American Studies Curriculum	Philosophy Curriculum