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
Senior Class Field Trip
The Senior class went to the U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Students learned about the roles played in our federal justice system by U.S. judges, prosecuting and defense attorneys, probation officers, the U.S. Marshals Service, and other support staff. They also witnessed the beginning of a trial, including seating of the jury and […]
6th Grade Class Trip
Mineralogy and Astronomy are two of the main topics in the 6th grade curriculum. Their visit to Death Valley National Park offered examples of many landforms such as, mountains, sand dunes, salt flats, colorful rocks, smooth marble, and rough sandstone. At night, Death Valley’s dark skies at provided students with the opportunity to “map the […]
7th Grade Eurythmy Performance
The word eurythmy comes from the Greek and means beautiful or harmonious movement. It is an expressive art form, also called visible song and visible speech. This expressive movement art was originated by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. The seventh grade worked diligently perfecting the various copper rod exercises that they learned in Eurythmy […]
