Social Studies
The Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) are the state curriculum standards for Social Studies in grades K-12. A complete overview and explanation of the Social Studies GPS can be found at Georgia Department of Education's GPS website by clicking here.
Our students begin to study Social Studies in their kindergarten classrooms as they explore the foundations of history, geography, government, and economics. In first grade, students learn about heroes of American History and about basic economic concepts. Second graders study basic economic and government concepts. They learn about Georgia historical figures and are introduced to the Creek and Cherokee cultures in Georgia. American democracy is the focus in third grade classrooms. Fourth graders begin a formal study of United States History, beginning with the development of the Native American culture and ending in the year 1860. In fifth grade, students continue their formal study of United States History, beginning with the Civil War and ending in the present.
In the sixth grade, students learn about the history,geography, political structures, and economies of Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In seventh grade, students continue to learn about these concepts as they focus on Africa and Asia. Eighth grade Social Studies is devoted to the history, geography, political structures, and economy of Georgia.
Ninth grade students may choose to take Geography or AP Human Geography as an elective class. The sequence of courses for tenth through twelfth grades is World History, American History, and Economics/Government. A number of Advanced Placement Social Studies courses are offered at each high school. These may include classes in Government, United States History, World or European History, Economics, and Psychology. CLICK HERE for more information on Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
For information on Forsyth County Schools' Social Studies curriculum, contact Ann Reid (770.887.2461 ext. 202246).
