Haleakala Waldorf School

Academic Programs

Elementary & Middle School

Each elementary school child begins the school day with an individual greeting and a firm handshake from the Class Teacher. The classrooms are filled with light and color, and the grounds offer a garden and play area.

In a Waldorf school, the class teacher ideally stays with the class for the eight lower school years—leading his or her class through each day's morning lesson from first through eighth grade. This continuity enables a deep understanding of each student's strengths and challenges and supports the development of a rich social dynamic in the class. The class teacher is also able to bring continuity to the curriculum as well, unifying the various disciplines over the years. At the same time, working with new subject matter at every grade level inspires class teachers with enthusiasm.

The curriculum includes:

English and Language Arts based on world literature, myths, and legends

History that is chronological and inclusive of the world's great civilizations

Science that surveys geography, astronomy, meteorology, physical and life sciences

Mathematics that develops competence in arithmetic, geometry, and algebra

Foreign Languages; Grades 1-5 have Japanese and Spanish twice weekly, grades 6- 8 have a choice of Japanese or Spanish

Hawaiiana, including hula, chant, ethnobotany, culture, language and crafts

Physical Education three times weekly;

Gardening, Grades 1-5 spend several hours in the garden weekly

Music, Choral singing meets twice weekly. Recorder is played in each grade twice weekly. Ukulele is practiced twice weekly in the middle and upper grades.

Painting and Applied Art, Using the wet on wet technique, each class enjoys painting twice weekly. Additionally the students are exposed to sculpture, pencil sketching, chalk and charcoal media.

Drama, Each class performs at least one play per year for the student body. Students recite poetry and play recorder at student assemblies.

Crafts; This class meets twice per week. Students engage in handwork such as Knitting, Weaving, ceramics, printing, basket making and more.

Festival and Seasonal Celebrations