HCPS Department of Social Sciences Vision:

The Harford County Public Schools Department of Social Sciences will build empowered and informed citizens who think critically, advocate locally, impact globally, and innovate by examining the lessons of the past and applying them to today.

HCPS Department of Social Sciences Mission Statement:

The Harford County Public Schools Department of Social Sciences coordinates the development and implementation of a highly-engaging and rigorous student-centered PreK-12 social sciences program; facilitates enrichment opportunities to grow the capacity of all students; provides meaningful research-based professional development and support for teachers and administrators; and collaborates with district and community partners to improve outcomes for all students.

Maryland Page Program

Since 1970, the Maryland Page Program provides an opportunity for high school seniors to serve alongside Maryland legislators during the annual session of the Maryland General Assembly. Each year, only 105 pages and 36 alternates are selected from across the State to represent their schools and counties in Annapolis. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a front-row seat to see government in action and to impact legislation that impacts all of Maryland!
Click here for the Application
Click here to Hear from MD Legislators and Past Student Pages

Selected pages serve two nonconsecutive weeks, during the thirteen weeks of session. During the 13 weeks of session, which runs from the second week in January to early April, each page serves one week during the first seven weeks and returns for a second week of service during the last six. The duties of the page revolve around the schedule of the chamber. Whenever the chamber is in session, pages must be present. Each page is paid a stipend of $55 per day worked to help defray expenses. Lodging and meals must be paid by the page. Lodging is arranged by the Page Office for pages outside Anne Arundel County who request housing.

Student interested in being considered to serve as a Page should complete this form by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023.

HCPS PreK-12 Curriculum Overview

The elementary social science program builds the foundation for students to use essential social science knowledge and skills to think critically, solve problems, and apply learnings to daily life. Students learn to use maps and other resources as they explore several major focus areas: the community, cultural heritage, and families; the importance of law and order; the history, economics, government, geography, and multiculturalism of Harford County; the Chesapeake Bay, the geography and history of Maryland, and the growth of Maryland's industries and economic role in a global marketplace; and, the history of the United States from pre-1492 to the establishment of the New Republic. Various resources and real-world applications combine to help students develop lifelong competencies.

The middle school program extends and enriches the foundation established in the elementary grades, and it builds the knowledge base necessary for high school courses. Sixth grade students explore global issues in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Japan, and Africa. Seventh grade students focus on ancient history, from the birth of civilization through the Middle Ages. Eighth grade students study United States history during the 1800's. Like the elementary program, the middle school program is guided by the essential learnings identified by the Maryland State Department of Education in the Maryland Content Standards and Frameworks.

The high school program identifies specific courses appropriate for each grade level. Courses for grades nine, ten, and eleven are aligned with the high school core learning goals defined by the Maryland State Department of Education. In the ninth grade, students explore United States Government to gain an understanding of the philosophies, principles, and processes of government and citizenship. Students in tenth grade extend the base established in middle school by studying world history from the Renaissance to the contemporary world. Eleventh grade students examine the post-Civil War period through the contemporary in Part Three of the History of the United States. Elective offerings available to high school students in grades ten, eleven, and twelve include Advanced Placement courses which cover a range of topics within the social sciences. Many of these offerings prepare students for the variety of college courses typically required of freshmen and sophomores.

Resources for Parents

• MSDE Department of Social Studies
• Helping Kids Understand Money
• Financial Literacy: Facts For Parents

How do I contact the Office of Social Sciences?