Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the high school offer the full Waldorf curriculum?

A: Yes. We offer the full range of subjects traditionally taught in contemporary American Waldorf high schools, with specialists brought in to teach essential academic and artistic blocks that can’t be covered by our regular faculty. Like all independent educational institutions, individual Waldorf high schools may vary in some aspects.

Q: Is the curriculum academically demanding?

A: Yes.  Academic subjects are taught primarily in blocks over a concentrated three- or four-week period. These “main lessons” demand a high degree of creativity, organization and reflective thinking - culminating in a “main lesson book” at the end of each block. Traditional textbooks are not normally used in these classes. Beyond the main lessons, ongoing classes in English, Math, and Foreign Languages provide daily reinforcement and regular evaluations of student skill levels. Students also practice the building blocks of serious intellectual work in unexpected places. For example, practical arts require precise calculation skills in exacting wood joinery projects. Juniors and seniors are required to complete comprehensive projects to fulfill their curriculum requirements.

Q: What unique programs does the Waldorf High School offer?

A: Specialty courses include a wide range of Art courses that all students experience; including drawing, sculpture, and metal work. Our Nature and Technology program cultivates a practical idealism through opportunities to integrate art, science, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Curriculum Trips, Junior Internships, and Senior Projects offer special opportunities for students to work together in the community and to explore learning outside the classroom. All students participate in Music programs, which currently include Percussion and Chorus. And finally, we offer unique Physical Education programs ranging from Outdoor Education to Circus Skills. We add to our program offerings each year as new students, teachers, and parents come together to expand our inventory of interests and ideas.

Q: Do your graduation requirements meet North Carolina standards for admission to the state university system?

A: Yes. Our graduation requirements exceed North Carolina standards.

Q: What is the caliber of the faculty at the high school?

A: We have an outstanding faculty of highly professional and experienced individuals who have joined together in a commitment to the highest standards of Waldorf high school education. All teachers of academic subjects have at least a BA in their field, and several have PhDs.  More details can be found in the Faculty and Staff section of the website.

Q: Are Waldorf 8th graders automatically admitted to the high school?

A: No. All students are required to follow a standard admissions process to allow faculty, parents, and students to work together to ensure a good match to meet each student’s needs.

Q: How does the high school evaluate student performance?

A: Unlike lower grades, high school students receive grades and narrative reports for academic and artistic subjects, and a standard transcript for college admission. We do not assign class rankings to our students.

Q: The high school is small. Isn’t that a disadvantage for students?

A: Much research and our own experience confirm the many advantages of a small high school. We enjoy a strong sense of community and shared experience with individual attention and close relationships between faculty and students. Students in Waldorf high schools develop lifelong friendships and find many opportunities to participate in diverse social settings through special interests outside of school.

Q: How does the high school meet the needs of students with learning differences?

A: We guide potential applicants in determining whether our high school is a good match for them and offer student support services that can address some learning challenges. Each application is reviewed individually. Small classes and teaching styles that integrate an appreciation of different learning styles create an educational environment where many kinds of learners can be successful.  We also work closely with a pool of experienced tutors, and may refer a student needing extra help to one of these.

Q: What’s on the horizon for the high school?

A: We have several new initiatives in development:

• Student Foreign Exchange - through the international network of Waldorf schools
• Collaborations - with other American Waldorf high schools in academics, athletics and social events
• Community Connections - new ways to engage students in service to the community
• Outdoor Education - a foundation for Naturalist training where students learn skills like tracking and fire-building that are known to be outstanding paths to self confidence and competence
• Our young high school is in the midst of an exciting organic process of growing, and we are flexible and open to bringing new ideas and experiences to our students. Students, faculty, and parents all have a unique opportunity to participate in the formation of a contemporary learning center dedicated to providing the highest quality Waldorf education to adolescents.

Q: How do college admissions departments view student records?

A: Our students have official high school transcripts that reflect their grades and credits, similar to those of other independent schools. These transcripts are accompanied by a standard school profile that highlights important aspects of the Waldorf curriculum. Given the increasing number of Waldorf high schools in North America, colleges increasingly recognize the characteristics and value of Waldorf education. Our graduating seniors have met with great success in gaining admission to their colleges of choice.

Q: What colleges have accepted your students?

A: Visit the ‘College‘ section of our website for a list of some of the olleges and universities where our students have been accepted.

Q: Do you offer college preparatory assistance to students and families?

A: Yes. Our Beyond Waldorf program helps prepare students for getting into college and other post-high school learning opportunities. The program includes college counseling, informational visits from admissions officers, college visits, taking the PSAT, and guidance for SAT preparation.

Q: Do you have a sports program?

A: Yes. Even though we are a small school, athletics are important to us. Almost half of our student body participates in our successful basketball program. We offer  a variety of sports, depending on interest, including Co-ed Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Baseball, Ultimate Frisbee and Cross-Country. Each year, we develop the sports program to meet the interests of our students to play both competitively and recreationally.

Q: How can I get answers to other specific questions I have about the high school?

A: We’d love to talk with you. Please call the high school directly at 919-932-1195 and speak to the High School Faculty Chair or Administrative Assistant, or contact admissions@emersonwaldorf.org.