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
1st Grade Class Play
The Water of Life, is a play adaptation of a Grimms' fairy tale that was written by Shivani Burrows-Goodwill and edited by the teacher to fit her first grade class. It follows individual journeys of three royal brothers who long to cure their father with the "Water of Life." Along the way, three dwarves who know the path discover what lies within each of the brothers' hearts.
No Ordinary Class Trip
The eighth grade spent 5 days in Washington D.C. on their class trip. The students experienced the living history of the United States through visits to the monuments and sights in and around the Capitol Mall. The group went on a tour of the Capitol building and visited several Smithsonian Museum locations. Another excursion brought them to the reenactment town of Historic Williamsburg. It will be an experience that will stay with these students for a lifetime!
End-of-Year Assembly
The final assembly honored the seniors graduating that evening and had performances that included dancing, singing, recitation, flutes, and recorders. All grades participated with unique and beautiful contributions.
