Social Studies

The Social Studies Department seeks, in accordance with the philosophy of Arlington Catholic High School, to prepare our students for active participation in lifelong learning; to use that knowledge to stimulate social awareness from a Christian perspective; and to provide a solid foundation for future learning.

The Department fosters the development of critical thinking, discussion and writing skills on all levels. The use of technology is integral to our teaching and we are constantly searching for new ways to add the use of technology to our lessons and assignments. The Social Studies Department also sponsors the school’s participation in National History Day.

Students are required to take World History in their freshman year and United States History in their junior year. With the variety of electives in the department (see course of studies for a complete description of all courses), many students take four years of Social Studies while at AC. The department offers Advanced Placement courses in World History, US History and Psychology. In the 2010-2011 academic year, 109 students were enrolled in an AP Social Studies course; 90% of them received a passing grade of 3 or better- well above the national average.

Members of the department:

Mr. Ernest Ardolino- US History
Mr. Stephen Barrett- World History II
Mr. Joseph Flaherty- AP US History, Honors US History & US History
Mr. Michael Foley- American Law and Society & Honors World History II
Mr. Nathaniel Naughton, ’90- chairperson- AP Psychology & Psychology
Mr. James Rabbitt, ’02- Economics, Honors World History I & Psychology
Mr. Robert Sarmiento- AP World History & World History I
Ms. Maggie Taverna- US History, World History I & World History II