Academics: 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 and writing skills on all levels, with a special emphasis on writing in the freshman year. Most Social Studies rooms are equipped with SmartBoards and the use of technology is integral to our teaching. Many teachers use Moodle (www.achs.net/moodle) to provide assignments and handouts to our students.

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, all of which consistently have a pass rate well above the national average (our 2009 pass rate was 87% with 43% of students earning the top grade of ‘5’).

Members of the department:

Mr. Ernest Ardolino- US History

Mrs. Michelle Barry- AP World History, World History I, World History II & Honors World History II

Sr. Connie Cuscianna- Psychology & World History II

Mr. Joseph Flaherty- AP US History, The US Since World War II & US History,

Mr. Michael Foley- American Law and Society & World History I

Mr. Nathaniel Naughton, ’90- chairperson- AP Psychology & Honors World History I

Mr. James Rabbitt, ’02- Economics, Honors US History & World History I