Government plays a role in students’ everyday lives, shaping the rights they have, the opportunities available to them, and the decisions that impact their communities. At Valley Park High School, students are not just learning about government, they are learning how to actively participate in it.
In class, students step into the roles of decision-makers through hands-on experiences like mock Supreme Court cases, simulations and interactive activities that bring government systems to life. Rather than simply reading about how government works, students practice analyzing issues, debating perspectives and making informed decisions.
Current events are a regular part of learning, helping students connect what they study in class to what is happening in the world around them. These real-time connections make learning more meaningful and help students see how government impacts their daily lives.
Civic engagement is also a key focus. As students approach adulthood, they are encouraged to see themselves as active participants in their communities. When students turn 18, they have opportunities to register to vote, and some even serve as Student Election Judges through the St. Louis County Board of Elections.
“Very soon, our students will be voting and making decisions that impact their communities. My goal is to make sure they feel prepared and confident when that time comes,” said Emily Krumm, VPHS Social Studies teacher.
That impact is felt by students every day in the classroom.
“Mrs. Krumm is always willing to help and take the extra step to make sure we understand the material,” said junior Matthew Bell. “She makes class fun too. ‘Well, if you have to ask’ is probably my favorite quote because it always gets everyone laughing. She’s been my favorite teacher this year because she connects what we’re learning to real-world situations and talks about current events, which makes it really interesting.”
“Mrs. Krumm is always willing to help, even outside the classroom, making sure every student truly understands the material,” added junior Kate Wilson. “Her kindness and positive energy create a welcoming environment where learning feels easy. I especially love her fun, silly government videos. They actually help us remember so much. She makes government not only understandable, but enjoyable.”
The impact of these courses continue beyond the classroom as students reflect on their experience.
“AP Gov was one of my favorite classes of my high school career because it was consistently engaging and interesting,” said senior Jack Miller. “It felt like I was gaining a deeper understanding of the U.S. government, politics and the world every day. It also helped me build skills I’ll carry with me as an empathetic and active citizen.”
Throughout the course, students build important skills that extend beyond the classroom. They learn to evaluate multiple perspectives, analyze evidence and clearly communicate their ideas. These are skills they will carry with them into college, careers and civic life.
At its core, this work is about more than understanding government structures. It is about preparing students to be thoughtful, informed and engaged citizens who are ready to make a difference.
Check out some of the classroom learning below: