The Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies were designed to develop informed Georgia citizens who understand the history of the United States and our place in an ever increasing interconnected world. It is essential that students understand their past and how that past influences the present day and the future.

What are the guiding principles?

• Social studies prepares the nation’s young people for college, careers, and civic life.
• Inquiry is at the heart of social studies.
• Social studies involves interdisciplinary applications and welcomes integration of the arts and humanities.
• Social studies is composed of deep and enduring understandings, concepts, and skills from the disciplines. Social studies emphasizes skills and practices as preparation for democratic decision-making.
• Social studies education should have direct and explicit connections to the Georgia Standards of Excellence for English Language Arts.

Social Studies, at the most basic level, is the study of people. Through required courses that include content from history, geography, political science and economics, students are provided with a basic background and critical thinking skills necessary to become effective and productive citizens. The Georgia Social Studies curriculum also provides a variety of elective courses in  Current Events, History, the Behavioral Sciences, and Advanced Placement courses for those students who are interested in pursuing various disciplines of the Social Studies to a greater depth.

Links to the Georgia Standards of Excellence:

• K-5
• 6-8
• 9-12

Information on the GA Milestones End of Grade and End of Course Assessments

• 8th Grade End of Grade Assessment
• 11th Grade US History End of Course Assessment