The primary goal is to gain understanding of people’s social, political and economic cultures through the use of the skills of exploration, analysis and discovery. Also, students learn and demonstrate citizenship and democratic values.

Following New York State Curriculum Standards, our students begin with study about themselves and their community, and progress to studying regions around the world. In fourth grade the emphasis is on local history. In fifth grade the curriculum emphasizes the regions of the Western Hemisphere, particularly Canada and Mexico, and in sixth grade Europe and the ancient civilizations of Greece, Egypt, and Rome are studied. At every grade level, the children are required to read and write about what they are studying.

Ongoing assessment occurs at the conclusion of units of study and projects. A New York State test is given at the beginning of grade five.