RHO KAPPA National Social Studies  Honor Society

    The purpose of Rho Kappa is to celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to a high level of performance in WJHS social studies and service to the WJHS community.
    Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. Any accredited public high school or non-secondary school can apply for a local chapter, through which individuals will be inducted into Rho Kappa Honor Society. Rho Kappa provides national recognition and opportunities for exploration in the the social studies. The National Council for the Social Studies hopes to encourage an interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies through the creation of Rho Kappa.
     
    Sponsors: 
    • Mrs. Geri Acquard
    • Mr. Mitch Joy
    Student Executive Board:
    • Reut Cohen Zamir
    • Summer De Jesus
    • Elijah Duncan
    • Reemey Ghermay
    In order to be eligible to join Rho Kappa you must:
    a) Have an overall UNWEIGHTED GPA of 3.0 or higher.
    b) Have taken 2 of the 3 Social Studies Core classes at the AP level ( 1 may be completed at the honors level) with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. Core classes are US History, US Government, and Modern World History - you may be currently enrolled in one or more of these classes to be eligible.
    c) Have taken or currently enrolled in 3 or more additional WJHS AP social studies electives with no quarter grade less than 80% and semester grade of A or B. The current course offerings that meet this requirement are AP European History, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Comparative Government, AP African American Studies, AP Human Geography. You may be currently enrolled in one or more of these classes to be eligible.
    d) Have earned a 3 or higher on the core social studies AP exams. Core classes are US History, US Government, and Modern World History
    e) Have earned a 3 or higher on the social studies AP exam for the social studies electives you are including in this application.  
    f) Be enrolled in a WJ Social Studies course each semester of their Junior and Senior year, even if all other academic requirements are met (these can be non-AP elective social studies courses).
    g) Uphold all aspects of personal integrity as stated in the MCPS and WJHS Student Codes of Conduct and Academic Integrity.
    h) Pay the required new membership fee (to be determined by MCPS; expected to be approximately $15 - no dues for returning members).

    In order to maintain your Rho Kappa membership you must:

    a) Be enrolled in a WJ Social Studies course each semester of their Junior and Senior year to maintain active membership, even if all other academic requirements are met (these can be non-AP elective social studies courses).
    b) Maintain a minimum of 80% in all SS courses.
    c) Uphold all aspects of personal integrity as stated in the MCPS and WJHS Student Codes of Conduct and Academic Integrity.
    d) Attend all Rho Kappa meetings and planned activities.
    e) Meet the service & club requirements by the established deadlines.

    Please note that Rho Kappa members must meet the above requirements in order to maintain active membership and receive recognition at graduation.
    Based on eligibility, invitations to join will be sent via your mcpsmd.net email. The induction ceremony will take place during the second quarter for those who meet the criteria.  

    If interested in applying, fill out the application which is open from Nov. 2 through Nov. 13, 2026