Elementary School
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
Waldorf Education cultivates a love for learning through a dynamic curriculum, fostering curiosity and creative problem-solving. Homework, introduced in 3rd grade, reinforces lessons.
Assessment eschews letter grades, opting for comprehensive written feedback. No standardized tests are administered in the lower school.
Academics integrate arts and hands-on learning, enhancing subjects like reading, writing, history, math, and science. This holistic approach develops intellect, wonder, and a joy for learning.
Embracing a screen-free environment, Waldorf Education emphasizes teacher interaction, book reading, and handwriting for optimal concentration, memory, and critical thinking, essential for healthy neurological development in children.
Awakening Each Child's Capacity
Fostering moral education in a cooperative, non-competitive environment, Waldorf teachers actively nurture emotional intelligence. Through personal engagement with class social issues, children develop the ability to express and share perspectives, listen to peers, and respect individual differences.
Highland Hall News
Strengthening Critical Thinking & Self Expression
At Highland Hall our high school curriculum fosters a love of learning, teaching students not what to think, but how to think. Hear about Highland Hall High School from our students by signing up for one of our school tours.
Finger Crocheting in the Kindergarten
In a Waldorf Kindergarten, the children enjoy learning the art of finger crocheting. At this young age, finger crocheting teaches dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and patience while training both the right side and left side of the brain to work together. And, then there’s the joy of accomplishing the project! In a Waldorf Kindergarten, the children […]
Why We Teach Music in Elementary School
Through music we refine the capacity to connect. To harmonize. To resolve dissonance. To heal. To think. To feel. To mature. To make sound judgement. To vibrate. To tune. To move about the world with wholeness. To develop and hold onto that sense that the world is good. The music curriculum in a Waldorf School […]
