Social Studies at Saint Thomas Academy.

Our students experience the past and learn about the present in social studies classes. Courses focus on the importance of being a responsible, successful citizen in an ever-changing global society. 

Department Overview

The Social Studies Department at Saint Thomas Academy designs its courses to provide a challenging learning environment that promotes academic excellence and recognizes the unique abilities of each student. The Social Studies Department expects each student to:

• Develop the ability to connect the past and the present by applying methods of historical research; use a variety of sources to demonstrate cause and affect relationships in history.
• Acquire geographical skills and understand and apply the main themes of geographic analysis.
• Acquire economic literacy and apply it to U.S. and world economic institutions in order to be an effective citizen and to enhance personal economic decision-making.
• Acquire political literacy in order to be able to participate effectively in the U.S. democratic process.
• Be able to evaluate controversial issues and apply this knowledge through debates and other methods of presentation (both written and verbal).
• Develop a multicultural awareness and sensitivity, recognizing that judgments about people of different cultures are usually shaped and influenced by the standards and values of the culture in which one lives.
• Develop the competency to acquire, organize, evaluate, and report information for the purposes of solving problems and clarifying issues.

Dual Enrollment in Social Studies
Eligible juniors and seniors can earn college credit in select social studies courses through STA’s Dual Enrollment program, in partnership with Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Saint Louis University. These courses, taught by STA faculty, give students the opportunity to experience college-level classes while remaining fully immersed in Academy life. Dual Enrollment allows students to strengthen their transcripts, explore advanced topics in history, government, and economics, and get a head start on their college journey, all at a significantly reduced cost.

Leadership Pathways: Global Competency and Public Service 
Juniors and seniors at Saint Thomas Academy can expand their understanding of history, politics, and global affairs through the Leadership Pathways program, particularly in the Public Service and Global Competency tracks. These pathways provide students with opportunities to explore careers in law, government, and international relations while gaining hands-on experience through internships, mentorship, and a culminating capstone project. Leadership Pathways empowers students to become informed, responsible citizens prepared to navigate and impact an ever-changing global society.

Course Catalog