While in some circles Social Studies are seen as "softer", that is not the case at Benedictine College Preparatory. We take pride in the rigor that we apply in pursuit of excellence in studying and understanding history, geography, government and economics.
Our goal is to teach our boys how to think, not what to think, and to do so with the mind of Christ.
We enable our students to place the people, principles and events that have shaped our nation and state in perspective by teaching history chronologically, not topically, and by reading original source documents such as the Constitution. We prepare students for informed and responsible citizenship by developing students’ skills in debate, discussion, reading and writing. This foundation serves our students well as they go on to military service or higher education in preparation for careers in education, law and law enforcement, politics, and international affairs.
Our geography course offerings ensure that our Cadets garner a greater appreciation for the world around them as well as why these places and the people that populate them matter.
- World Geography and Honors World Geography
- World History and Honors World History
- Honors World History II
- United States and Virginia History & Honors US VA History
- United States and Virginia Government
- AP Human Geography
- AP United States History
- AP United States Government & Politics
- AP Macroeconomics
YMCA Model General Assembly
This program brings youth from all over the state to Richmond for a three day simulation of the General Assembly. The participants are required to research topics, write bills and defend them both in committee and on the floor of the senate or house. Benedictine Cadets also compete in the annual Model Judiciary Program.
This program puts the students in the roles of attorneys and witnesses as they simulate the judicial process from the trial phase through appeals. The highlight of this program is the opportunity to argue with the best in the state before the real Virginia Supreme Court. Benedictine has competed at this level many times, winning the competition in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015.
We have sponsored cadet participation in the Richmond Mayoral Forum, Catholic Advocacy Day at the General Assembly and Model Government Day. In 2008, Cadets were among invited guests to see President George W. Bush when he visited Richmond.
Finally, each year in the spring the AP history and AP government classes sponsor a trip to Washington DC. The history students visit the American History Museum as review for their upcoming exam while the government class tours the US Capitol. While there, the Cadets enjoy the hospitality of Congressman Rob Wittman, the representative of the 1st District of Virginia and Benedictine Class of ’77.
WE BELIEVE THAT BOYS LEARN BEST IF THEY CAN “DO IT”, AND THE SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT PROVIDES SEVERAL EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR CADETS TO GO OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM FOR HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH GOVERNMENT, POLITICS AND THE LIKE.