Academics
Social Studies
We believe students are ready for studying the world—locally and globally—at a much earlier age than is typical in elementary public schools. Our grades K-5 social studies curriculum is broken into three units: one of American history and two in-depth country studies. These units follow the following schedule:
September through November
American history
December through February
Kindergarten: México
First Grade: France
Second Grade: Chile
Third Grade: Russia
Fourth Grade: Japan
Fifth Grade: South Africa
March through June
Kindergarten: China
First Grade: Dominican Republic
Second Grade: India
Third Grade: Kenya
Fourth Grade: Ghana
Fifth Grade: Afghanistan
In grades 6-8, the focus shifts entirely to American and world history:
Gr. 6: The Ancient World
Gr. 7: The Medieval World and Beyond
Gr. 8: The U.S. and the Americas
Through the study of history, there is an ongoing integration of the study of people and cultures around the world that have been integral actors in history. For example, when studying the American Revolution, our students will also use the Cuban Revolution and the revolution in Chechnya to compare and contrast the ideas and events that precipitate revolt.
Civics
Sixth graders are also scheduled for civics, where they delve into studies about the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and city government.
Middle school social studies
Our middle school curriculum engages students not only in developing social studies and literacy skills, but also the big ideas of the past and the present. Students see themselves as decision makers and actors in the curriculum and in history. Students publicly demonstrate their ideas and skills through participation in the National History Day competition. History Day enables students to hone their research, reading, writing, and speaking skills while engaging in primary source-based research.
All grades use components of the History Alive! program; however, this program is supplemented by the curriculum written by an ICS parent, Donna Sharer. Donna holds National Board Certification in social studies, in addition to certification in English, English as a second language, and as a reading specialist.
The title of the 6th grade course is The Ancient World. The 7th grade course is The Medieval World and Beyond. These two multicultural curricula are chronological and global. They introduce students to the GREATS of civilizations—government, religion, economics, the arts, architecture, technology, society—as well as ethical decision making. Students have to grapple with the rise and fall of civilizations and consider the legacy of civilizations and the influence of civilizations on our values and understandings.
The 8th grade multicultural curriculum is thematic, while maintaining a chronology. It is unique because it places the study of U.S. history within the context of the western hemisphere. Each unit’s theme includes a “U.S. Connection,” “America’s (North, Central and South) Connection,” and a “Philadelphia/Pennsylvania Connection.” It focuses on social and political movements and how all people may bring about change. It also includes a service learning unit at the end of the year.
Each unit in the three curricula ends with “Real World Connection” ideas to help students relate what they’ve studied with current issues/ideas.
