The Waldorf curriculum aims to meet the needs of the child at each stage of development. In the Waldorf high school, the student is met by teachers who understand that adolescence is a journey from childhood to adulthood. The curriculum nurtures the cognitive, emotional, and social development of teenagers.
Adolescence is a time of deepening intellectual thought, a time when students begin to discover the world of ideas. Adolescents begin to question all things: themselves, the world, the authority of parents and teachers, as well as ethical and moral values. Young people search the world around them for guidance, but too often, the world meets them with cynicism and materialism. Our goal is to help preserve the idealism that is the hallmark of this stage of life. Waldorf education balances individual development and social responsibility. Our program aims to instill clear, creative, critical thinking.
The school brings a curriculum that encompasses literature - both modern and classical, history, science, mathematics, languages, fine and practical arts, performing arts, and physical education.
Art is very important in the Waldorf curriculum. All students become proficient in many art forms by being given the time and direction that learning a medium requires. In addition to their academic studies, all students study ceramics, woodworking, drawing, and painting. Students benefit from dealing with aesthetic questions and striving for excellence in their creative process. The curriculum is described in greater detail in the Curriculum Overview section.
“I like the artistic emphasis in our curriculum; I think art is an important aspect in one’s education and so does Emerson Waldorf.” - EWHS Student
Small Classes Enhance Learning and Relationships
Mentoring relationships between teachers and students are the norm here. Teachers spend more time with each student than they can at larger schools and strive to understand each student’s background, strengths, and weaknesses. Teachers are sustained by students’ moments of growth and excellence.
Learning is enhanced by small class size. Research has shown that small classes are a strong predictor of student performance. Small classes allow teachers to better tailor the material to the learning styles and needs of the students. Our small size also allows numerous field trips, bringing the class out of the classroom and into the larger world.
Closeness among students can approach that of a family. High school students’ growth during these years leads them away from their families of origin and towards a new alliance with the world beyond the family. This is neither a gentle nor easy process, and the support of peers lends strength to this endeavor. In a small school, students cannot fade into the background. Faculty and students together create a sense of community by fostering healthy relationships which can become the basis for lifelong friendships.
“Waldorf-style education provides a nurturing environment where the student can develop a unique view of the world. This leads to more enlightened citizens and individuals, who are able to create, invent and prosper in society.” - EWHS Student
For additional information about the High School, please contact Nancy Balasubramanian at (919) 932-1195 or nlbowman89@hotmail.com.