Honors Courses in Social Studies

What is the Difference Between Honors and Academic?

Honors courses reflect a greater level of rigor than academic-level classes. The students are held to higher expectations and the curriculum moves at a faster pace and goes more in-depth into topics. Students are also expected to read and analyze more difficult primary source documents and are expected to write more often and at a higher level.

How Do I Know If My Child Should Take Honors?

An Honors student would not be challenged in a regular academic course based on prior experiences and should possess the following traits:

  • Strong reading comprehension of text and primary source documents

  • Strong writing skills

  • Desire to be an active participator in class but also be an independent learner

  • Self-motivation and a strong work ethic

  • Strong organizational skills

  • Strong analytical skills

When Can My Child Take Honors?

A student can begin in honors classes in ninth grade for social studies with an intention to continue in honors if they are experiencing success. Likewise, students who are experiencing success at the academic level can move into honors classes in subsequent years. In addition, should a student struggle in an honors course, the student may move back down to the academic level the following year.