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HIGH SCHOOL 9-122023-09-07T11:13:12-07:00

At the Vancouver Waldorf High School, we offer a balanced and enriching education grounded in the classics and connected to the modern world. Our unique curriculum integrates rigorous academics, the beauty of the arts, and experiential learning to create more profound meaning. Our classes are small and personal and focus on supporting the development of confident and forward-thinking individuals.

Classical Education Meets the Modern World

We strive to meet students at their particular stage of development, both in the instructional approach and the curriculum, in order to assist students in developing their ability to think, create and do meaningful work in the world. Our students become active learners and creative, flexible thinkers with the confidence to face the challenges of our complex, interconnected world.

Our academic calendar is oriented around a rotating, main lesson block schedule. These intensive classes enable students to explore all elements of a particular topic or concept in the various academic disciplines. The main lesson blocks alternate every three to four weeks and allow students to engage and work deeply in one subject area.

Math, English, Science, French, and History follow a more typical track class schedule and continue all year. In addition to the core academics, all students participate in Technology, Drama, Choir, Music Ensemble (optional), Visual and Practical Arts, Movement, PE, and an alternating selection of “Options” classes.

A Supportive Atmosphere

Our Faculty2021-11-24T14:41:45-08:00

Students are taught by dynamic and engaging faculty members who are specialists in their areas of study. On top of their teaching certificate, our teachers complete an internationally recognized Waldorf teacher training and often hold advanced degrees. Each grade has two class advisors who are responsible for the social well-being of the class and who advocate for and support each student in both the academic and social realms.

Student Support2021-11-25T11:00:13-08:00

Teachers, advisors, and support staff develop strong relationships with students by creating safe and healthy learning environments. The school is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential by providing academic advising, learning support, and counselling.

Learning Support2022-03-10T14:36:11-08:00

The Learning Support Program helps students overcome hindrances to learning and become self-advocates over time. The program is overseen by the Learning Support and Therapeutic Care Group (LSTCG), which works closely with faculty, staff, specialists, and parents.

Counselling Services2021-11-25T11:03:07-08:00

The high school counsellor supports students’ emotional health and well-being and works collaboratively with the learning support teacher and student advisors. The counsellor educates students about healthy choices and proactive strategies to create opportunities for students to thrive.

“To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take real interest in the world.”

“To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take real interest in the world.”

~Rudolf Steiner

High School Curriculum

Grade 9

The Power of Observation

The critical question in grade 9 is, “What?” At this stage, students are challenged to observe, question, and imagine alternatives. Developmentally, the student is poised for analytical thinking and academic rigour, yet often sees the world in black and white. The grade 9 curriculum explores polarities and contrasts, mirroring the physical and emotional changes that occur at this stage of adolescence, and lays the foundation for nuanced and abstract thinking.

  • English: Literature, English skills, Grammar, Composition, Vocabulary, Speech
  • Second Language: French
  • Math: Permutations, Combinations & Numerations
  • Technology: Tech & Coding
  • Science: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology
  • History: Canadian History, Revolutions and Art History
  • Music: Choir, Ensemble
  • Art/Crafts: Black and White Drawing, Woodworking, Clay
  • Movement: P.E., Eurythmy, Dance, Sports Teams
  • Outdoor Education: Hiking, Skiing/Snow Shoeing, Fall Wilderness Trip, Farming Trip

Grade 10

The Power of Comparison

Students in grade 10 have a desire to know how things work. They seek to understand process, growth, and transformation as they experience it in themselves and in the world around them. The study of ancient cultures comes at a time when they have the capacity to look more deeply at the world and how it continues to evolve, and when students are able to think comparatively about religion, literature, geography, and philosophy.

  • English: Literature, Creative Writing, Grammar, Composition, Speech, Poetry
  • Second Language: French
  • Math: Trigonometry, Geometry and Surveying
  • Technology: Tech & Media
  • Science: Inorganic Chemistry, Physics: Kinematics, Biology: Human Physiology, Hydrology
  • History: Canadian Governance, Cultural Studies, History of Language
  • Music: Choir, Ensemble
  • Art/Crafts: Contemporary Visual Arts, Woodworking, Block-Printing, Weaving, Clay, Pottery, Drawing, Painting
  • Drama: Grade 10 Production
  • Movement: P.E., Eurythmy, Dance, Sports Teams
  • Outdoor Education: Hiking, Skiing/Snow Shoeing, Fall Wilderness Trip, Surfing and Whale Watching Trip

Grade 11

The Power of Analysis

Students in grade 11 have a growing capacity for self-reflection and begin to examine questions of identity as they consider why things are the way they are. Literature and humanities courses delve into the expression of great artists, the convictions of great leaders, and the pursuit of destiny through the classics.

  • English: Literature, Composition, Grammar, and Vocabulary
  • Second Language: French
  • Technology: Tech & Media
  • Math: Projective Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Precalculus
  • Science: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physics: Dynamics, Botany, Zoology & Evolution
  • History: World Religions, History Through Music, Social Studies
  • Music: Choir, Ensemble
  • Art/Crafts: Bookbinding, Clay, Life-Drawing, Woodcarving
  • Movement: P.E., Eurythmy, Dance, Sports Teams
  • Outdoor Education: Hiking, Skiing/Snow Shoeing, Fall Wilderness Trip, Cycling Trip

Grade 12

The Power of Synthesis

Students in grade 12 have reached new heights of analytical and imaginative thinking. They are developing a global consciousness and are challenged with questions of morality. The curriculum encourages their ability to assess multiple viewpoints, find common elements, and identify creative solutions. As they begin to see their emerging place in the world, central questions at this stage may be, “Who am I? How can I make a difference in the world? Why might I choose this path?”

  • Grade 12 Project: Independent Research Project
  • English: Literature, English skills, Grammar, Composition, Vocabulary, Speech
  • Second Language: French
  • Technology : Tech & Media
  • Math: Precalculus, Permutations, Combinations & Numerations
  • Science: Biology, Zoology & Evolution, Botany, Waves, Light and Modern Physics
  • History: Architecture, 20th Century History, Symptomatology
  • Music: Choir, Ensemble
  • Art/Crafts: Self-Portraiture, Clay Sculpture, Carpentry
  • Drama: Grade 12 Production
  • Movement: P.E., Eurythmy, Dance, Sports Teams
  • Outdoor Education: Hiking, Skiing/Snow Shoeing, Fall Wilderness Trip, Zoology Trip, International Service Trip

“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able, of themselves, to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”

“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able, of themselves, to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”

~Rudolf Steiner

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Accepting applications

Join an information session to learn more about the Vancouver Waldorf School. Take the first step and visit our Admissions page to learn how to apply.

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