A Middle School for Academic, Artistic & Emotional Intelligence
A Broad Academic Foundation that Develops Critical Thinking
In Waldorf education academic subjects such as science, English and history are enlivened by a hands-on, experiential approach to learning which engages students and caters to many different learning styles.
▪ Teachers present each day’s lesson in a creative format that requires students to think, ask questions, and explore the subject matter from a variety of perspectives.
▪ Artistic work hones students’ powers of perception and deepens their connection to their studies. Painting, drawing, drama and music are all required classes.
▪ The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to create a holistic understanding of the world.
▪ Social and emotional intelligence are nurtured by small class sizes, an age-appropriate SEL curriculum, and meaningful engagement between faculty and students.
▪ Week long class trips, festival celebrations, sports, and other group activities create a welcoming and integrated social experience.
▪ Two world languages (Mandarin and Spanish), instrumental music, choir, handwork, woodworking, and physical education are required classes for each grade and are taught by specialists.
A Healthy Approach to Adolescence
Waldorf education believes in limiting the use of technology in the lower grades allowing children to develop better concentration, critical thinking, and retention of the subject matter. Middle school students engage in the Cyber Civics curriculum which explores the social dynamics and privacy issues of the online arena.
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 middle school.
Students participate in a wide variety of activities, festivals, and annual events. Team sports include volleyball, basketball and archery. Students also participate in the Medieval Games, a ropes course, Rube Goldberg projects, and a track meet with students from other Waldorf Schools in Southern California.
Fostering Social and Emotional Intelligence
Social and emotional intelligence are nurtured by small class sizes and meaningful engagement between faculty and students. Our diverse student body provides an environment that is inclusive and respectful of individual differences. Children build the capacity to express and share their perspectives, listen to their peers, and respect individual differences with the use of restorative practices.
As a record of their learning, students create their own “textbooks,” which may include original compositions, illustrations, and diagrams. These highly personalized books allow students the possibility of greater exploration of the materials studied in class.
By connecting to the outer world through community service and field trips, students apply their studies to the greater community. Class camping trips and weekly gardening classes allow students to experience and appreciate the natural world.
Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology.
Middle School Curriculum