DeKalb County School District

The primary purpose of social studies education is to help students become productive and responsible citizens. The social studies curriculum enables students to develop the ability to make informed decisions that balance concern for individual interests and the public good in a culturally diverse and interdependent world.

Elementary School

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students begin to understand the foundations of the social studies strands: history, geography, government, and economics. Students begin their introduction to United States history through the study of important American holidays and symbols. Basic concepts of cultural and physical geography are presented. The civics strand provides students with an introduction to rules and character traits of good citizens. Basic economic concepts are also introduced.

First Grade

First grade students continue their introduction to United States history through the study of selected historical figures. In the history strand, students study the important contributions each historical person made. In the geography strand, students learn about where these historical people lived and explore important basic geographic concepts. The civics strand provides a study of the positive character traits exhibited by these important historical figures. The economics strand continues the introduction of basic economic concepts.

Second Grade

In second grade, the various social studies strands become more woven around the historical strand. The history strand focuses on important historical figures in Georgia and the Creek and Cherokee cultures in Georgia. The geography strand emphasizes the geography of Georgia and relates that to the historical study. In addition to the positive character traits of the individuals and groups in the historical strand, the basic concept of government is also introduced. Basic economics concepts continue to be introduced and are related to the historical strand.

Third Grade

In third grade, students conclude their introduction to United States history by studying the origins of American democracy. The historical strand compares ancient Greek democracy in Athens, Greece with that of the United States and introduces selected Americans who have been important in ensuring our rights. The geography strand relates primarily to the people discussed in the history strand. In the government strand students begin the study of the foundations of a republican form of government. The economics strand continues the introduction of basic economics concepts.

Fourth Grade

In fourth grade, students begin the formal study of United States history. At this grade, the four strands of history, geography, civics, and economics are fully integrated. Students begin their study of United States history with the development of Native American cultures and conclude with the antebellum period ending in 1860. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on early United States history. The civics strand emphasizes concepts and rights development during the formation of our government. The economics strand uses material from the historical strand to further understanding of economic concepts.

Fifth Grade

In fifth grade, students continue their formal study of United States history. As with fourth grade, the strands of history, geography, civics, and economics are fully integrated. Students study United States history beginning with the Civil War and continue to the present. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on United States history. The civics strand emphasizes concepts and rights as outlined in amendments to the United States Constitution. The economics strand uses material from the historical strand to further understanding of economic concepts.

Middle School

Middle school social studies content is comprised of World Area Studies and Georgia Studies. The student course work is divided into four domains: geography, economics, history and government.

Sixth Grade

The sixth grade social studies course is a geography course. Students study the geography, government, economics, and history of the following regions: Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Australia. The geography domain includes both physical and human geography. The government/civics domain focuses on selected types of government found in the various areas so as to help students begin to understand the different types of governments in the world. The economics domain builds on the K–5 economics; however, the focus shifts from the United States to how other countries answer the basic questions of economics. The history domain focuses on major events in each region during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Seventh Grade

Seventh grade students study the geography, government, economics, and history of Africa and Asia. The geography domain includes both physical and human geography. The government/civics domain focuses on selected types of government found in the various areas in order to help students begin to understand the different types of governments in the world. The economics domain focuses on how countries in Africa and Asia answer the basic questions of economics. The history domain focuses primarily on significant events in each region from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Eighth Grade

In eighth grade, students study Georgia geography, history, government, and economics. While the four strands are interwoven, ample opportunity is also provided for in-depth study of the geography of Georgia and the government of Georgia. United States historical events are included, as appropriate, to ensure students understand Georgia's role in the history of the United States.

High School

High school social studies involve five core courses and several electives and advanced placement options. Ninth grade students study American Government and World Geography. Sophomores study World History. Juniors study United States History. Seniors study Economics. High school students may also choose electives as their schedule permits. All course descriptions are available on the Georgia Department of Education's website.

Electives and advanced placement (AP) courses are offered in each school based on available staff and student requests.