Our School

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American History High School

Who We Are

American History High School is the Newark Public Schools’ 5th Magnet School.  Established in 2007, the school is a product of a unique collaboration between the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Rutgers University, and the New Jersey Historical Society.

American History High School is located on 74 Montgomery St. in the High Street Historical District.  Enrollment in the school is based on a competitive and rigorous admissions process.

With a mission that every student attends and graduates from college, American History High School offers a well-rounded, comprehensive, rigorous college preparatory curriculum in a small school environment that fosters a drive towards academic excellence.  The school capitalizes upon access to the unparalleled historical resources of the city, state, and nation to deliver an educational experience that emphasizes the study of all the social sciences through the lens of American History. History courses offer opportunities for students to embark on historical investigations, acting as detectives, examining history from multiple perspectives through the use of primary source documents.

As a school whose unifying theme is Social Justice and Democracy, American History High School has established two career and technical education academies focused on civic and law related occupations (Law and Public Health/Policy) and Video Production.  While American History and Social Justice remain the unifying themes, students are exposed to an array of courses and electives while having the opportunity to graduate high school with 16 College Credits in addition to taking Advanced Placement Courses.

Other features of the school that lend to its uniqueness are the vast electives students take in the Humanities.  The School without Walls Academic Trip Program, supported and partially funded by Gilder Lehrman extends learning beyond the classroom affording students opportunities to visit premier historical exhibits within the tri state area aligned to curricular themes students study throughout the year.  This springs history to life.

By using data to inform instruction, implementing researched based practices, and offering interdisciplinary learning experiences that extend beyond the walls of the school, American History High promises to exist as a community of learners that will produce the next generation of citizens who will advance our society.

The school has high expectations of its school community and ranks amongst the highest in improving student achievement.  The goal of American History High School is to prepare students, through a rigorous academic curricular, for higher education and the challenges and responsibilities of citizens in a diverse democracy.

Vision Statement

American History High School is an Institute of Social Justice and Democracy committed to ensuring all students gain social and academic skills needed to attend and graduate from an institution of higher learning. The shared efforts of students, parents, and staff will result in the development of life-long learners and productive citizens who advocate for social justice for ALL.

Core Beliefs

  • We believe that American History High School students are intellectually competent and will exceed the benchmark average on all standardized tests.
  • We believe that American History High School students are socially conscious citizens who will promote democracy for all.
  • We believe that American History High School Students are resilient risk takers who will learn from their mistakes.
  • We believe that American History High School students are leaders who will show respect, accept accountability, exhibit confidence in their abilities and invest in others.

Characteristics of AHHS Student

The A.H.H.S student is characterized by three C’s that define their roles as citizens of our school.

COURAGE: Means the student has developed the inner strength and resilience to resist any negative and/or counterproductive forces that will impact their ability to continue their education in their struggle for freedom, self-actualization, and self-reliance.

CONSCIOUSNESS: Means the student has developed an awareness of self that allows them to respect the rights and individual differences of all, practice compassion and kindness towards all, and adhere to school policies and procedures that create a safe and healthy academic environment.

COMMITMENT: Means the student has embraced the democratic values, principles, and beliefs that guide our community of learners and complement the vision and mission of American History High School. As such, the student is committed to maintaining an academic and social profile that will allow them to continue their education and become productive citizens who contribute to the vitality of their communities and the advancement of our democracy.

Standards of Excellence

  1. Abide by classroom rules and expectations defined in Teacher Course Syllabi.
  2. Adhere to school wide policies such as: Cafeteria, Auditorium, and Hallway Expectations, the Locker and Listening Device Policies, and NPS Discipline and Cell Phone Policies.
  3. Effectively communicates when speaking and writing always conscious of their voice and use of language.
  4. Dependable and Responsible always completing assignments and fulfilling obligations such as arriving to school and class on time.
  5. Practices honesty and truthfulness in all endeavors.
  6. Self –Reflects and adjusts on a consistent basis setting goals and practicing the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.
  7. Is actively engaged in co-curricular and school wide activities that foster social and academic development while enhancing their academic profile.