Written By: Lillian Pereira

While still in the process of being confirmed by the greater Curriculum Council, it is in all likelihood that the Humanities department will be changing its name to the “History and Social Sciences” department. This change comes in response to the 2024-2025 Department Review, the school’s decade-annual review of each of its departments by a professional outside source, in which it was noted by the Humanities Department’s review that “The title Humanities does not accurately reflect the Social Sciences taught in the department…a change in name that more accurately reflects the history and social sciences taught in the department is recommended.” The new name, according to the head of the Humanities department, and future head of the History and Social Sciences department Ms. Everett, will better demonstrate the niche that the department adheres to. “While hiring it seems that ‘Humanities Teacher’ is often misunderstood by potential candidates,” Ms. Everett wrote in her proposal for the Departmental Name Change. “Along similar lines, prospective families sometimes seem confused by what ‘Humanities’ implies that we teach in the department.” So, to further clarify for anyone possibly confused by the name change, the Humanities department is not splitting up; it simply has a new name to make its purpose more clear for prospective teachers and families deciding if they wish to join the Upper School. However, this does not mean that the newly-named History and Social Sciences department is not considering adding any new classes in the following years. “Mr. Flynn proposed a course called New York State History Through Art and Architecture, which administrators also approved,” Ms. Everett commented. “And we have a number of other courses that we’re going to bring to the February Academic Affairs Meeting.” While there are no current major changes regarding the Humanities department, it’s clear some exciting things are on the horizon for the soon-to-be History and Social Sciences department.