Grades 5 - 8: Igniting the Fires of Creativity and Courage

In a world of constant change and evolution, children must learn more than facts and theories. They must become critical thinkers who approach situations with creativity, flexibility and a sense of moral obligation to the world around them.

The Waldorf curriculum for grades 5-8 thoughtfully cultivates the skills of personal courage necessary to live in our often complicated world. A focused core of blocks in math, science, history and language are complemented and balanced with foreign language, physical education, and artistic endeavors including handwork, music, theater, painting, and woodworking.

History is approached from a global perspective and emphasis is placed on cultural understanding and biography, rather than rote memorization of dates and details which are soon forgotten.

Memory and neural capacities are strengthened through theater, poetry and music.

Mathematics is brought to life, in both historical and real-world settings, which nurtures natural curiosity and strengthens problem-solving skills.

Science is approached through observation and discovery. Students are actively involved in the process of inquiry and critical judgment, leading to a deeper understanding of scientific principles that promotes analytic thinking.

"Waldorf children graduate having embodied a strong foundation and enthusiasm for math and science that makes them measurably stand out in advanced high school mathematics and computer science courses."  -- MWS Parent and Mathematics Professor at Macalester College

Download a pdf outlining the Waldorf curriculum for grades 1-8