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Humanities


Rooted in values, inspired by humanity 

The Humanities Department is dedicated to cultivating minds and hearts through the lens of our values: excellence, compassion, justice, dignity, and integrity. We believe that the study of English, Social Studies, Religion and World Languages is not only an academic pursuit but a moral and spiritual journey that shapes students into thoughtful, ethical, and engaged citizens. 

Through the Humanities, we prepare students not only for college and career, but for a life of purpose, service, and faith-filled leadership. 

Department Overview


The Humanities Department brings together four distinct interconnected disciplines—English, Religious Studies, Social Studies, and World Languages—to provide students with a rich and holistic understanding of the human experience. Each discipline contributes uniquely to the development of critical thinking, ethical reflection, cultural awareness, and articulate communication.

Teacher and students in classroom
English

English empowers students to explore literature, language, writing and reading as tools for self-expression, empathy, and intellectual discovery and to engage with diverse voices and develop the skills to communicate with clarity and purpose.

Religious Studies

Religious Studies invites students to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, explore theological questions, and reflect on their spiritual journey. Grounded in the principles of social teaching, this discipline fosters moral reasoning, compassion, and commitment to service.

PHS Teacher interacting with student
Social Studies

Social Studies provides students with historical, political, and cultural frameworks to understand the complexities of society. By examining the past and present, students are equipped to become informed, responsible, and justice-oriented global citizens.

PHS Student in Economics Class
World Languages

World Languages open doors to new cultures and perspectives, promoting linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence. Through the study of language, students gain insight into global communities and develop the skills to connect across borders.

Department Experiences


 

academic excellence


95% passing rate in AP Spanish, consistently outperforming state and global averages.

100% native Spanish-speaking faculty.

Religious Studies boasts a new four-year update to their grade-level curriculum:

  • Providence’s history and heritage
  •  Different faith traditions
  •  Stronger focus on art and culture.
PHS Student in Costa Rica

global & civic engagement


Language & Cultural Immersion International Trips to Europe and Latin America offer immersive cultural experiences:

  • Costa Rica
  • Spain
  • Portugal

Close-Up Program: Students explore government in action during trips to Washington, D.C.

Award-Winning Mock Trial Team: Recognized for excellence in legal reasoning and public speaking.

honor societies & legacy


Honor Societies related to the Humanities Department:

  • California Scholarship Federation
  • English Honor Society
  • French Honor Society
  • National Honor Society
  • Spanish Honor Society

For over 30 years, the Spanish & French Honor Societies have been actively fostering leadership and academic achievement on campus.


From the Humanities Department Chair


 

"Watching our students thrive—in the classroom and beyond—is the most rewarding part of teaching."

Maribel Kuklish

Humanities Department Chair
World Languages Faculty, Spanish

Advanced Courses Offered


AP Courses


AP Economics
AP English Language & Composition 
AP English Literature & Composition 
AP French Language & Culture
AP Macroeconomics 
AP Psychology 
AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP U.S. Government & Politics 
AP U.S. History 
AP World History 

honors courses


English I Honors
English II Honors
English III Honors
English IV Honors
French II Honors
French III Honors
French IV Honors
Spanish I Honors
Spanish II Honors
Spanish III Honors
Spanish IV Honors


 

From Our Students & Alumni


The Humanities Department empowers students to explore their classes through personal experience. Whether traveling abroad, connecting with heritage, or engaging in meaningful dialogue, our students how learning at Providence opens minds—and opens doors.

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Roxie Kreamer '28

"What I enjoy most about Religious Studies is seeing how different religions connect. When I first came to this Catholic school, I didn’t know much about Catholicism, but learning about it helped me find meaningful links to Judaism. Now, I can relate better to the many Catholics in my life. Understanding their beliefs has made conversations—and life—more enjoyable." —Roxie Kreamer '28

Matthew Tatoussian '28

"I like learning about what different people believe, which helps me understand others better. This class helps me think more deeply, ask good questions, and share my ideas. I’m also learning to listen to and understand people who are different from me. You don’t have to be perfect—just open to learning and being kind." Matthew Tatoussian '28

Victoria Yakushi '25

"Beyond academics, I formed a meaningful and lasting bond with my teachers, and the AP Spanish class not only helped me connect more deeply with my Spanish-speaking relatives but also taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, responsibility, and commitment. Because of their impact, I’ve chosen Spanish as one of my majors at UC Berkeley. I’m incredibly grateful for everything the department has given me." — Victoria Yakushi '25

Bailey Barrows '25

From learning Spanish in the classroom to traveling abroad to Spain and Costa Rica, I’ve grown academically, culturally, and personally. Amazing Humanities teachers have reignited my passion for language learning and inspired me to stick with Spanish all four years. These classes didn’t just teach me a language—they opened the world." —Bailey Barrows '25

From Department Faculty


At Providence High School, we believe teaching is a calling and a joy. Our faculty bring passion and purpose to every lesson, guiding students to think critically, care deeply, and connect meaningfully with the world around them in and outside the classroom.

Karissa Caperina
Karissa Caperina, English

"It is a privilege to share literature that excites us. Literature enables students to cultivate their unique perspectives and allows them to experience perspectives beyond their own."

Maribel Kuklish, World Languages

"Watching our students thrive—in the classroom and beyond—is the most rewarding part of teaching.” 



Humanities Department Faculty



If you imagine a future of impacting the world,
yet remain grounded in the here and now,
you belong at Providence High School.