History

While gaining knowledge of the past is a fundamental step in the education of our future citizens, University Prep history teachers help students understand multiple perspectives about events and people from the past. We are committed to giving our students a broad world perspective and relating the past to the present. Students develop their skills in speaking, explaining complex ideas, using technology effectively, and writing through guided projects and assignments.


The end goal: students who think critically about complex problems and develop innovative solutions. The History Department uses formative assessment strategies including online exercises, in-class writing, student discussions, debates, peer editing, self-reflections, role playing, questioning and seminars to help students acquire a strong comprehension of the topics in each class. Students demonstrate through summative assessments, such as tests, papers, presentations and graded debates, a mastery of content. Our program works to inspire students to play a positive role in changing the world, to show compassion toward others, and to make responsible decisions in their own lives.


Our curriculum emphasizes geography and regional and local history in grades 6 and 7 to set the stage for a three-year core program of World History in grades 8, 9 and 10. Eleventh graders take one year of United States History and Upper School students take at least one, and often many more, of the History Department's more than twenty elective courses.


Faculty

Puma Pride:


“I always appreciated the challenges put forth at University Prep. There was always the expectation of success.”    Ben, Class of 2006