The FCPS Social Studies program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be empowered, informed, and socially responsible participants in our nation’s democracy. Building on the foundations developed in elementary school, secondary social studies strengthens students’ ability to evaluate sources, assess credibility and corroboration, and use evidence to construct well-reasoned arguments. These disciplinary literacy skills are at the core of learning history, geography, economics, civics, and related fields.
Our program:
- Offers core courses in Ancient & Medieval World History, American Studies I and II, American Government, and Modern World History.
- Provides a wide range of electives such as Black & African American Studies, Economics, Geography, Law and Society, National and Global Issues, Psychology, Sociology, and World War II.
- Expands opportunities through Advanced Placement (AP) courses in United States History, Modern World History, European History, Psychology, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, United States Government and Politics, and Comparative Government and Politics.
- Includes International Baccalaureate (IB) options such as History of Europe, World History, Africa and the Middle East, Theory of Knowledge, and Economics.
- Encourages civic engagement and enrichment through extracurricular opportunities like National History Day, Mock Trial, Model U.N., Frederick County Association of Student Councils (FCASC), the Maryland General Assembly Page Program, and Law Day.
Through these experiences, FCPS students develop the knowledge, skills, and civic identity to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to their communities, both locally and globally.
Student Activities
Model UN - A simulation of the United Nations, an all-day event developed in partnership with Hood College for both middle and high school students. Registration opens in the fall with the program held in January.
Maryland General Assembly Page Program - Maryland General Assembly page program selection for Maryland State Senate. Open only to seniors. School nominations are accepted in early fall with county selection held in October.
FCASC (Frederick County Association of Student Councils) - FCASC, comprised of middle and high school student governments, meets four times each school year, conducts multiple activities, and attends a statewide convention - for middle and high school students.
Student Member of the Board - Each fall, high school students are invited to apply to run for the elected position of Student Member of the Board (SMOB) for the coming school year. Five candidates are selected to move forward to a general election with the winner determined by the electoral vote of the General Assembly of FCASC. Open to all 10th and 11th grade students. Applications open in early fall for the following school year.
National History Day (NHD)- NHD is a National program that is run at the local level in partnership with the Maryland Humanities Council and Rose Hill Manor. Middle and High School students have an opportunity to create a project based on the National chosen topic each year. Winners advance to the state competition with the opportunity to compete at Nationals. Open to all middle and high school students. Registration begins in the fall with the program held in March
Mock Trial - At the center of each year's competition is a new legal case - either civil or criminal in nature - that challenges students to think critically about timely issues. Acting as attorneys and witnesses, students portray defense or plaintiff/prosecution and are scored on their performances by judges or attorneys. The program is provided by the Maryland Youth and the Law (MyLaw) organization in cooperation with the Maryland State Bar Association. The program is supported at the local level by the Frederick County Bar Association. Open to all high school students. School based teams form in early fall and compete from January - March
Civics and Law Academy - Held each year in November, this program brings together the legal community to provide a half day of law related experiences for 8th grade-12th grade students. Registration opens in October.
Bicentennial of Lafayette's Farewell Tour - FCPS and the Lafayette 200 Committee are pleased to present educational materials in anticipation of the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Frederick, Maryland. The development of these materials was supported by the Delaplaine Foundation, Heritage Frederick, Visit Frederick, FCPS, and the Lafayette 200 Committee.
Lafayette Travel Guide