General Overview
The central mission for social studies is education for participatory citizenship for the common good that goes beyond the boundaries of the United States to include the global community. The goal of the State Social Studies program is to empower learners to be informed and reflective thinkers, responsible citizens, and productive members of society. Students must earn 4 credits in social studies to meet graduation requirements. The four credits shall include: United States History and Government, Ethnic Studies, Philosophy, World History and Government, Modern History of Hawaii, and Participation in Democracy. In addition to the general education program, social studies credit may also be earned through Special Education, ELL, PSSAS Programs and Electronic-School. An important component of the social studies program is student participation in community service. All students are required to participate in at least ten hours of community service per social studies course they are enrolled in. In addition, students will be required to participate in the school wide community service day in the spring. Students who relocate to Hawaii from overseas may request a course waiver for the required Modern History of Hawai’i course if the student already earned course credit for another state history.
Grade 9: Ethnic Studies/Philosophy
Grade 10: Participation in Democracy/ MHH
Participation in Democracy/ MHH (Honors)
Grade 11: United States History & Government
United States History & Government (Honors)
Economics/Psychology/Philosophical Inquiry
Advanced Placement World History (SY 2018-19)
Advanced Placement United States History (SY 2019-20)
Advanced Placement Psychology
Grade 12: World History & Culture
World History & Culture (Honors)
Economics/Psychology/Philosophical Inquiry
Advanced Placement World History (SY 2018-19)
Advanced Placement United States History (SY 2019-20)
Advanced Placement Psychology
Note: Grading for Advanced Placement courses are based on a 5-point scale. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam held in May. The exam fee is approximately $92.00, and a passing score of 3, 4, or 5 is accepted by many colleges and universities. A passing grade, therefore, translates to less tuition for undergraduates. Although it is true that some popular colleges do not accept AP courses for credit, admissions officers do assess student preparedness based on AP courses and AP exams. Transcripts revealing AP courses should also, in the eyes of admissions officers, include AP test scores.
Grade 9: Ethnic Studies/Philosophy
Grade 10: Participation in Democracy/ MHH
Participation in Democracy/ MHH (Honors)
Grade 11: United States History & Government
United States History & Government (Honors)
Economics/Psychology/Philosophical Inquiry
Advanced Placement World History (SY 2018-19)
Advanced Placement United States History (SY 2019-20)
Advanced Placement Psychology
Grade 12: World History & Culture
World History & Culture (Honors)
Economics/Psychology/Philosophical Inquiry
Advanced Placement World History (SY 2018-19)
Advanced Placement United States History (SY 2019-20)
Advanced Placement Psychology
Note: Grading for Advanced Placement courses are based on a 5-point scale. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam held in May. The exam fee is approximately $92.00, and a passing score of 3, 4, or 5 is accepted by many colleges and universities. A passing grade, therefore, translates to less tuition for undergraduates. Although it is true that some popular colleges do not accept AP courses for credit, admissions officers do assess student preparedness based on AP courses and AP exams. Transcripts revealing AP courses should also, in the eyes of admissions officers, include AP test scores.