Social Studies Standards By Grade Level

Social studies standards are created by each state’s Department of Education to outline what students should learn about history, geography, government, and culture at every grade level. These standards are reviewed and approved by state education boards, often based on national frameworks like the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).

For homeschool families, the standards serve as a helpful roadmap—not a rulebook. They show what’s typically taught in public schools, but you have the freedom to teach these topics in a way that fits your child’s learning style and your family’s values.

Because each grade focuses on a theme (like family, community, or world history), the order isn’t always chronological. Homeschoolers can connect the topics in ways that make more sense—turning history and culture into one big, meaningful story rather than isolated lessons.

 

1st Grade — My Family and My Past

Theme: Understanding family, community, and how the past connects to the present.

  • Learn about your family history and how life changes over time.
  • Understand past, present, and future.
  • Explore holidays and traditions in different families.
  • Recognize rules and responsibilities in homes and communities.
  • Identify national symbols like the flag and bald eagle.
  • See how people help one another in communities.

2nd Grade — My Community and the World Around Me

Theme: Understanding how people live and work together.

  • Compare rural, suburban, and city communities.
  • Learn to use maps and directions.
  • Understand goods, services, needs, and wants.
  • Learn about local government and leaders.
  • Explore how families live around the world.
  • Appreciate community helpers and teamwork.

3rd Grade — Our World and Cultures

Theme: Exploring how geography and culture shape how people live.

  • Identify continents, oceans, and landforms.
  • Learn how climate and geography affect homes, food, and jobs.
  • Explore cultural traditions around the world.
  • Understand citizenship and respect for others.
  • Discover how trade and communication connect countries.
  • Use maps and globes to find places and features.

4th Grade — State History (Example: California History)

Theme: Discovering your state’s geography, people, and past.

  • Learn about Native peoples and early life in your state.
  • Explore exploration, missions, and settlement.
  • Study the Gold Rush, immigration, and statehood.
  • Discover how geography shaped communities.
  • Identify important leaders and landmarks.
  • Understand how your state grew and changed over time.

5th Grade — Building the United States

Theme: Understanding how America was founded and developed.

  • Explore exploration and colonization.
  • Learn about the American Revolution and independence.
  • Understand the Constitution and government.
  • Study westward expansion and frontier life.
  • Examine slavery and its impact on the nation.
  • Discover the Industrial Revolution and modernization.

6th Grade — Ancient Civilizations

Theme: Exploring how early civilizations shaped the world.

  • Study Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China.
  • Learn about inventions, writing, and trade.
  • Understand how rivers and geography affected life.
  • Explore religion, art, and architecture.
  • Compare how ancient ideas influence us today.

7th Grade — World History: Medieval to Early Modern Times

Theme: Exploring the Middle Ages through exploration and new ideas.

  • Learn about medieval Europe and feudalism.
  • Explore Africa, Asia, and the Islamic world.
  • Study the Renaissance and Reformation.
  • Discover how exploration and trade connected continents.
  • Learn how art, science, and technology spread worldwide.

8th Grade — U.S. History: The New Nation Through Reconstruction

Theme: Understanding how America grew, divided, and reunited.

  • Study the Constitution and early government.
  • Learn about westward expansion and industrialization.
  • Explore slavery and abolition.
  • Understand the Civil War and Reconstruction.
  • See how America rebuilt and changed after the war.

9th Grade — World Geography & Global Studies

Theme: Exploring geography, cultures, and global connections.

  • Study continents, regions, and physical features.
  • Learn how geography affects people and resources.
  • Explore cultures, religions, and world traditions.
  • Understand global issues like environment and population.
  • Analyze how countries interact through trade and politics.

10th Grade — Modern World History

Theme: Examining global change from the 1700s to today.

  • Study the Enlightenment and revolutions.
  • Learn about industrialization and imperialism.
  • Explore World Wars I and II.
  • Understand the Cold War and modern conflicts.
  • Discover human rights and globalization.
  • Reflect on technology and global cooperation.

11th Grade — U.S. History: Industrialization to the Present

Theme: Exploring how America became a modern nation.

  • Study industrial growth and immigration.
  • Learn about Progressive reform and women’s suffrage.
  • Understand World War I and II from the U.S. perspective.
  • Explore the Great Depression and New Deal.
  • Examine the Civil Rights Movement and social change.
  • Study modern America, including the Cold War, technology, and global leadership.

12th Grade — Government, Civics, and Economics

Theme: Understanding citizenship, government, and how the economy works.

  • Learn how the U.S. government is structured and functions.
  • Understand rights and responsibilities of citizens.
  • Explore how laws are made and upheld.
  • Study economic systems and personal finance basics.
  • Learn about political parties, elections, and media.
  • Practice critical thinking and civic engagement for real-world issues.