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Social Studies

Welcome to Yorktown High School’s Social Studies Department!

The Social Studies Department at Yorktown High School centers on the belief that social studies education is fundamental to developing critical thinkers, effective writers, and adept problem-solvers. We aim to deepen students’ understanding of an ever-evolving world and the complexities of the global economy. We emphasize the vital role of social studies in fostering responsible citizenship. To achieve this, our courses prioritize not only the acquisition of content knowledge but also the development of essential skills that empower students for success in their post-high school endeavors.

Course Catalog

Course Offerings for 25-26 School Year:

  • African American Studies
  • Ancient Civ. WH I
  • AP African American Studies
  • AP Comp. Gov. AP
  • AP Economics
  • AP European History
  • AP Human Geography
  • AP Psychology
  • AP US Gov’t
  • AP US/VA Hist.
  • AP World History
  • Economics/Personal Finance
  • Int. Ancient Civ WH I
  • Intro to Law / World Affairs
  • Latin American Studies
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • US/VA Government
  • US/VA History

Graduation Requirements

Students need 4 credits of Social Studies to graduate which include:

  • Modern World History
  • Economics (Economics & Personal Finance or AP Macroeconomics / Microeconomics)
  • US / Virginia History (Regular, AP, or American Civilization)
  • US / Virginia Government (Regular or AP)

The Social Studies Department recommends that most students consider taking Economics & Personal Finance or AP Macroeconomics / Microeconomics (which counts for Economics & Personal Finance) in Grade 11 or 12, due to the concepts covered and nature of the course. All AP courses require a teacher signature on the CRF which serves as a recommendation. For additional information or questions you may have, consult:

  • APS Program of Studies
  • Electives flyer
  • Your counselor
  • Your current Social Studies teacher

Department Staff

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Diane Holland

Department Chair

[email protected]

AP Comparative Government and AP US/Virginia Government

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Kevin Bridwell

Economics/Personal Finance and AP US History

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Paige Hamrick

Intro to Law and AP VA/US Government

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Kenneth Mandel

World History and Economics/Personal Finance

Beau Obetts

World History

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Andrew Prantner

US/VA History and AP US History

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Jon Schildknecht

US/VA History and US/VA Government

Jennifer Shearin

US/VA Government and AP Human Geography

Christina Smith

World History/Geography 1500-Present and English Language for Social Studies

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Ryan Zito

AP Psychology and AP World History Modern