By De’jah M. Johnson
Civic engagement is not just a buzzword; it is the backbone of a healthy democracy. Education helps students understand the world around them and the forces that shape it. The history rooted in their immediate environment is equally important. When students learn the stories of the land beneath their feet, social studies becomes a tool for self-awareness, belonging and empowerment.
Building connections to state and local history is central to the work of the New Jersey Historical Commission and Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, whose partnership forms RevolutionNJ, the organization leading New Jersey’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. In collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), they developed the Revolutionary Schools program to support educators in bringing local history, civics and inquiry-based learning into K-12 classrooms statewide.
“Inspiring students to explore what interests them and see themselves as future changemakers strengthens the democratic foundation that social studies education seeks to uphold,” said Lieutenant Governor Dale G. Caldwell, who oversees RevolutionNJ in his role as secretary of State.
What is a Revolutionary School?
The NJDOE and RevolutionNJ invite every K-12 school and districts to become a Revolutionary School, an official educational partner in the statewide commemoration. While aligned with the upcoming semiquincentennial, Revolutionary Schools is designed to extend throughout the 2026-27 school year, with programs and resources evolving into lasting curriculum staples. There are currently 135 districts and more than 300 schools participating in the Revolutionary Schools program.
All resources developed for this programming are aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Social Studies and designed to integrate into existing curricula. The initiative is delivered through two core programs that offer developmentally appropriate, classroom-ready approaches to civics and local history.
History Happened Here is a program for grades 5-12 that empowers students to investigate 250 years of local history within their communities. Students select a topic of interest and complete a research project in formats of their choosing, including exhibitions, videos or websites. Students are also encouraged to visit one historical site. This approach promotes student autonomy while reinforcing critical thinking and research skills. Educators receive a toolkit with implementation guidance and rubrics, while students are supported with research tools, participating site lists and resources that distinguish fact from opinion.
Foundations of Democracy, designed for grades K-5, builds on students’ curiosity about fairness, relationships and their surrounding environments. Democratic classrooms introduce young learners to civic values in age-appropriate ways. Classroom toolkits include instructional resources and civic inquiries that support participatory learning.
At its core, social studies is essential to helping students understand society and their place within it. This anniversary is not a distraction from this work. It is an opportunity to deepen it. Through Revolutionary Schools, educators are supported in transforming this historic moment into meaningful learning that connects the past to the civic responsibilities of the future.
To learn more about the Revolutionary Schools program, visit revnj.org/revolutionary-schools.