Social Studies
2025-2026 School Year
2025-2026 School Year
Students who are new to VAVA in Middle School may complete the Social Studies courses below in a different order based on course completion prior to enrollment with VAVA.
HST06A/B American History Since 1865
This course takes students from the westward movement of the late 1800s to the present. Students examine the impact of the settlement of the American West; investigate the social, political, and economic changes that resulted from industrialization; explore the changing role of the U.S. in international affairs from the late 19th century through the end of the Cold War. Students will complete a yearlong project to display their understanding of the course content.
Standards Covered: U.S. History 1865 to Present (All)
SOL Test: None
HST06A/B American History Since 1865
The American History Honors course covers everything included in American History, with additional written requirements, discussions, and higher level rigor assessments. This course takes students from the westward movement of the late 1800s to the present. Students examine the impact of the settlement of the American West; investigate the social, political, and economic changes that resulted from industrialization; explore the changing role of the U.S. in international affairs from the late 19th century through the end of the Cold War. Students will complete two projects including writing components to display their understanding of the course content.
Standards Covered: U.S. History 1865 to Present (All)
SOL Test: None
SOC07A/B Intermediate Civics and Economics
Civics provides students with a basic understanding of civic life, politics, and government, and a history of government’s foundation and development in this country. Students learn how power and responsibility are shared and limited by government, the impact American politics has on world affairs, the place of law in the American constitutional system, and which rights the American government guarantees its citizens. Students also examine the following aspects of economics: basic terminology, supply and demand, types of economic systems, career choice/financial responsibilities of citizens, and the impact of technology. The course goes into depth on the US economy, covering topics such as local/state taxes, printed currency, Federal Reserve, and government agencies that protect consumers, labor, the environment, and property rights.
Standards Covered: Civics & Economics (All)
SOL Test: Civics & Economics
SOC07A/B Intermediate Civics and Economics
The Civics and Economics Honors course will challenge students to apply higher-level thinking skills such as analyzing, evaluating, and creating. In addition to completing the same coursework covered in Civics and Economics, the Honors course will include opportunities for enrichment and more in-depth exploration of topics learned through writing assignments and projects. Students will also have more opportunities in live Class Connects to discuss, debate, research, and collaborate with classmates. The Honors course is designed to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge of citizenship, government, and economics to real-world situations.
Standards Covered: Civics & Economics (All)
SOL Test: Civics & Economics
SOC08A/B Intermediate Global Studies
In this course, students take a detailed look at the physical and cultural world around them. Beginning with the study of geographic themes that provide a framework to analyze different parts of the world, students turn their focus to each geographical region of the world—North America; South America; Europe; Asia; Africa; and Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. They learn more about the physical and cultural traits that makes each region unique and study their commonalities as well. Students also look at issues such as trade, globalization, the environment, conflict, and other topics that influence the world today. Students also learn and apply research skills as they undertake research projects that give them a more in-depth focus on specific regions of the globe.
Standards Covered: World Geography
SOL Test: None
SOC08A/B Intermediate Global Studies
In this course, students take a detailed look at the physical and cultural world around them. Beginning with the study of geographic themes that provide a framework to analyze different parts of the world, students turn their focus to each geographical region of the world—North America; South America; Europe; Asia; Africa; and Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. They learn more about the physical and cultural traits that makes each region unique and study their commonalities as well. Students also look at issues such as trade, globalization, the environment, conflict, and other topics that influence the world today. Students also learn and apply research skills as they undertake research projects that give them a more in-depth focus on specific regions of the globe.
Standards Covered: World Geography
SOL Test: None