Academics
Program & Curriculum
Social Studies & History
Social Studies
Social Studies at Seven Hills is about more than dates and facts—it’s about understanding our place in the world. From our youngest learners to our Middle School scholars, students develop cultural awareness, historical knowledge, and critical thinking skills through immersive experiences that center storytelling, inquiry, and project-based learning.
Our approach begins with what children know best: themselves, their families, and their communities. By building on this foundation, we help students gradually widen their lens to include new people, places, and ideas. Lessons are rooted in developmentally appropriate, experiential learning that connects to the expanding circles of children’s lives.
Our approach begins with what children know best: themselves, their families, and their communities. By building on this foundation, we help students gradually widen their lens to include new people, places, and ideas. Lessons are rooted in developmentally appropriate, experiential learning that connects to the expanding circles of children’s lives.
Students explore multiple perspectives using age-appropriate sources and engage honestly with the full historical record. Thematic, interdisciplinary units often incorporate reflection on self and identity, social-emotional learning, geography, history, the arts, service learning, critical thinking, and perspective-taking. As students’ understanding of identity and relationships deepens, so does their ability to think critically and empathetically about the world. Our spiraling curriculum revisits big ideas from new angles and at increasing levels of depth, encouraging thoughtful reflection and engagement.
Curriculum by Grade
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Early Childhood
Social Studies is introduced through the lens of lived experience, relationships, and place. Learning begins with identity—children explore who they are, where they come from, and what makes their families and traditions unique. Through storytelling, group discussions, and collaborative projects, they begin to develop an understanding of empathy, perspective-taking, and the value of diverse voices.Read More -
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
In the early grades, Social Studies begins with self-discovery and grows into an exploration of community—both local and global. Kindergarteners explore their identities and their roles as kind, empathetic citizens with the help of Kimochi friends and social-emotional learning tools. As they grow, students examine the traditions, systems, and stories that shape communities.Read More -
3rd – 5th Grade
As students’ worlds expand, so does our curriculum. In upper elementary, history comes alive through research projects, debates, and hands‑on simulations. Students hone their skills in note-taking, analyzing cause and effect, and interpreting primary sources, all while engaging with current events. Weekly discussions encourage awareness of how history continues to shape the present.Read More -
6th – 8th Grade
Read MoreIn Middle School, Social Studies becomes a dynamic, discussion-driven journey into history, economics, government, and civics. Students analyze civilizations, investigate historical trends, and connect past events to today’s global issues. Through immersive trips, debates, and research projects, they explore complex narratives and develop their own informed perspectives.
975 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
The School admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.
