Join us for Coffee, Tea, and Tour on Wednesdays! 8:30-9:30am

PROGRAMS:
GRADES 6-8

Depth, Independence, & Personal Growth

Awakening Critical Thinking and Leadership

In the Middle School years, the Waldorf curriculum deepens to meet the student’s growing need for challenge, independence, and purpose.

Grades 6–8 focus on abstract thinking, research, critical inquiry, and leadership skills—all while nurturing the artistic and social dimensions that remain vital.

THE ROLE OF THE CLASS TEACHER

In Waldorf education, a Class Teacher ideally leads their class for multiple years—often from first through eighth grade. This long-term relationship allows teachers to:

  • Learn each child’s gifts, challenges, and growth journey
  • Unify the curriculum across subjects and years
  • Stretch and grow alongside their students, creating a living, dynamic learning environment

Each September brings new material—and students who are one year older and ready for new challenges.

Main Lesson: Deep, Immersive Learning

Each morning begins with a two-hour Main Lesson, focusing on one major subject (math, science, literature, geography, history, or the arts) for three- to four-week blocks.
Students bring subjects to life through:

  • Storytelling
  • Drama
  • Painting & Drawing
  • Poetry & Song
  • Hands-on projects and exploration

Main Lesson Books: A Living Record of Learning

Instead of relying on mass-produced textbooks, students create their own Main Lesson Books—beautiful, hand-illustrated journals that condense and amplify their studies. These personalized books deepen comprehension, spark creativity, and become treasured records of their academic journey.

Curriculum by Grade

Grades 6–8: Awakening Critical Thinking and Independence

GRADE SIX

  • Composition, grammar, arithmetic, geometry
  • South American geography, Roman and Medieval history
  • Physics (sound, light), earth sciences
  • German

GRADE SEVEN

  • Literature, geometry, algebra
  • European geography, Renaissance, Reformation
  • Astronomy, chemistry, physiology
  • Class trip to Camp Glenbrook
  • Spanish

GRADE EIGHT

  • World geography, American history
  • Algebra I, organic chemistry, physiology
  • Graduation project and class trip
  • Spanish

SUBJECTS ACROSS GRADES 6–8

  • Eurythmy
  • Handwork (knitting, sewing, embroidery)
  • Woodworking
  • Music
  • Movement & Games
  • Gardening

TEAMWORK & SPIRIT

All Middle School students are encouraged to participate in at least one season of after-school sports, promoting resilience, teamwork, and Bobcat spirit.

From outdoor exploration to integrated academics

Where Curriculum Meets Life

Festivals, Field Trips & 
Outdoor Learning

Festivals, Field Trips & 
Outdoor Learning

Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

Students explore the world around them through seasonal festivals, class trips, and nature-based learning.

Whether tapping trees for maple syrup, performing a play in the school meadow, or skiing on the fields in winter, students learn by living it.

FESTIVALS like Michaelmas, May Day, and Winter Spiral mark seasonal shifts and bring the community together.

FIELD TRIPS deepen curriculum themes and expand students’ awareness of the world.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION is integrated year-round, from garden planting to snowshoeing.

Academics, Arts, Movement, & Nature

Subjects That Shape the 
Whole Child

Academics, Arts, Movement, & Nature—Every Day

Waldorf education is built on the belief that learning should engage head, heart, and hands. At BWS, students enjoy a full spectrum of subjects that round out their education and enrich their everyday experience.

HANDWORK: Knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, felting, and weaving develop fine motor skills, focus, and artistry.

WOODWORK: Students work with hand tools to create functional and beautiful projects, building skill and confidence.

GAMES & MOVEMENT: Cooperative games and physical education nurture balance, coordination, and social development.

MUSIC: From choral singing to instrumental ensembles, students make music every day.

WORLD LANGUAGES: Taught through storytelling, conversation, and song to deepen cultural appreciation.

GARDENING & NATURE STUDY: Through biodynamic gardening and outdoor learning, students connect with the earth and seasonal rhythms.

Meet Our Grade Teachers

Safina Alessandra, 6th grade teacher

Christine Good, 7th grade teacher

Ariel Capasse, 8th grade Advisor

explore our education programs