Waldorf High School is an academically in-depth experience that engages students in a comprehensive study of a variety of disciplines, including science, math, humanities, foreign language, music, drama and the arts. The curriculum is structured to not only foster knowledge needed to prepare for college admissions, but also to cultivate a deep understanding of subjects, independent thought, critical thinking skills, and a sense of ethical and moral responsibility. 

Learning to learn has been the goal through all the years of Waldorf education and high school is when students must prove that they are capable learners and not simply memorizers of material. The hands-on and relevant learning approach in these grades makes sure students are not simply striving for the right answer, but instead striving to understand and abstractly apply lesson material to their lives, to society at large, and to other subjects they’ve learned. 

The ultimate goal of the Waldorf high school experience is to give students a clear sense of who they are and give them the skills they need to achieve their goals and live meaningful lives.

Jack Petrash, summarizes the spirit of Waldorf high school education in his book, Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out:

“[Waldorf education] enables students to look closely at the world in which they live and at themselves. The ability to observe, compare, analyze and synthesize helps young people better understand the world they are inheriting and at the same time, prepares them for finding their place in the world. Because Waldorf education requires inner responsiveness on the part of the students, graduates leave school with a clearer sense of who they are and what they believe to be important, making it possible for them to give direction in their own lives.”

While these theories of mind and cultivation of habit are inspiring to consider, parents are often more interested in the facts: Where do Waldorf students go to college? What do they pursue as careers? How do they live their lives?

Waldorf education provides a well-rounded foundation as our students move out and about into the world to attend diverse colleges and universities and to work in many different professions. 

In a meta study, The Survey of Waldorf Graduates, conducted by David Mitchell and Douglas Gerwin, they found that 94% of Waldorf graduates attend college or university. Of those, 47% major in humanities or arts, 42% get a science or math degree, and perhaps, most importantly, 89% say they are “highly satisfied” with their choice of occupation.

Our alumni attend a myriad of colleges and universities — from Berkely and UCLA to Sonoma State University and colleges located both nationally and internationally. Student’s degrees reflect the meta study’s degree percentages, with about half our students pursuing undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degrees and the other half pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees. In our recent survey of our 2015 graduates, four of our students also immediately pursued graduate degrees, which is representative of other graduating classes as well. 

With a 6:1 student to faculty ratio, and 30 years experience educating adolescents, Summerfield Waldorf School is a unique and well-equipped environment for your High School student.

While the four years of high school together form an integrated whole, the rigorous curriculum of each grade is tailored to address key stages in adolescent and post-adolescent development. The content of the courses focuses on giving students an increasingly in-depth understanding of the subject at hand and provides them a context to work with the awakening questions of the emerging self.

Interested in learning more about Summerfield Waldorf High School? 

High school visit days are available for students throughout the year.

We also host High School Open Houses and welcome private tour requests. 

Contact Tracy Saucier for more information at tracy@summerfieldwaldorf.org.