An Elementary School for the Whole Child
Learning with the Head, Hands and Heart
▪ The Waldorf curriculum for grades 1 to 5 works to develop the intellect, a sense of wonder, and a joy of learning.
▪ Reading, writing, science, and math are accompanied by opportunities to play an instrument, knit, paint, carve wood, and perform in plays.
▪ Our technology-free classrooms allow the children to focus on hands-on learning, interacting with the teacher, and reading from books.
▪ The unfolding of each child’s unique abilities is the task of our experienced faculty who remain with the children for several years.
▪ Specialty teachers provide instruction in woodworking, Spanish, Mandarin, music, handwork, physical education, gardening, and more.
Academics Integrated with the Arts
Our Lower School, or Elementary School starts with first grade and goes to fifth grade. The student then continues to our Middle School which is sixth grade through eighth grade.
Self expression is an important part of a Waldorf education. As a record of their learning, students create their own “textbooks,” which include original compositions, illustrations, and diagrams.
Fine and practical arts, music, drama, and singing all awaken and hone the students' capacity for self-expression and build the confidence that allows students to thrive.
Experiential Learning
Curiosity and a love of learning are supported by a curriculum designed to offer the right challenge at the right time. Children become creative problem-solvers and are encouraged to use their imagination. Homework reinforces what is learned in class and is given in appropriate amounts beginning in 3rd grade.
In lieu of letter grades, teachers provide written feedback on students’ academic, artistic, and social progress, giving parents a picture of the whole child. We do not administer standardized tests in the lower school.
Academics in Waldorf Education are enlivened through the arts and hands-on learning. Reading, writing, history, math, and science are accompanied by the opportunity to play an instrument, work in the farm & garden, knit, carve wood, or perform in a play. These essential parts of the curriculum work together to develop the intellect, a sense of wonder, and a joy of learning.
Waldorf education believes that children develop a deeper understanding and retain more in a screen-free environment. Interaction with the teacher, reading from books, and handwriting develop concentration, memory, and critical thinking, all of which are essential to healthy neurological development.
Awakening Each Child's Capacity
The unfolding of each child’s unique capacities is the task of our experienced faculty who remain with the children for several years. In addition to the class teacher a number of specialty teachers provide instruction in Spanish, Mandarin, orchestra, handwork, physical education, woodworking, gardening and more. Together, the faculty work to develop the child’s emerging skills and potential.
A moral education is promoted in a learning environment where cooperation is valued over competition. Waldorf teachers consciously develop emotional intelligence through personal engagement with the social issues of the class. Children build the capacity to express and share their perspectives, listen to their peers, and respect individual differences.
Lower School Curriculum