The first (1st) semester of the yearlong course of study begins with an intensive review of the major ideas, issues, and events that shaped the founding of the nation. In their study of this era, students will view American history through the lens of people who were trying—and are still trying—to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Throughout their eighth-grade United States history and geography course, students will confront the themes of freedom, equality, and liberty and their changing definitions over time. This course will explore the geography of place, movement, and region, starting with the Atlantic seaboard and then American westward expansion and economic development, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and finally, industrialization.

Covering parts of four (4) centuries, the historical content outlined is both substantial and substantive and in-depth study. Students will learn American history from the 17th century to present-day by developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills that will enhance their understanding of the content as an investigative discipline, one that is continually reshaped based on primary-source research and on new perspectives that can be uncovered.