History The history department at Lake Forest Academy firmly believes that students need a deep understanding of history if they are to make sense of today's world and have an impact in a global society. Through the study of history, students gain a base of knowledge that helps them make sense of how society functions, learn about individuals who worked to bring about change and are introduced to such disciplines as political science, economics, geography and anthropology. Perhaps the greatest value of studying history, however, is that it forces students to appreciate diverse perspectives and the tremendous variety of human experiences. Lake Forest Academy history courses encourage students to have respect for other people, including their classmates, to think independently, to acquire and evaluate information from a variety of sources, and to improve writing and speaking skills. These courses must include World History I or Advanced Placement Modern European History and United States History at the regular or Advanced Placement level.
Many students choose to take additional courses and are encouraged to do so.
Freshman enrollment is limited to World History I. History electives are usually limited to seniors, but able and interested sophomores and juniors should also consider enrolling. AP history courses are comparable to college survey courses. Students are expected to master large amounts of material independently and to analyze challenging primary and secondary courses. Very able students with a strong interest in history should consider taking these courses. Taking the appropriate AP examination in May is a requirement for all students enrolled in AP courses.