A Multidisciplinary Philosophy
Waldorf students can do anything because they’ve tried everything.
Our highly inquiry-based, cross-discipline school environment asks students to meet vulnerability and doubt as often as they do confidence and certainty.
As they navigate concept creation, problem solving, and art making, all students are tasked with applying themselves to the subjects they are good at and the ones that come less naturally, including different fine, performance, and applied arts.
This compulsory, multidisciplinary philosophy is intentional and by design in a Waldorf high school because it creates a community of students who possess a real willingness to try new things, discover talents they didn’t know they had, struggle in front of others, and celebrate successes together—all qualities needed to move through life with resilience and perseverance, allowing them to tackle complex real-world problems that require multifaceted solutions.
In addition, their understanding of their unique selves and others grows within this model. They learn to appreciate strengths and differences within a community of people at a much deeper level.
“Vulnerability is a superpower. We become community by being vulnerable together, whether through asking questions in calculus or singing on stage.”
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The purpose of our curriculum is to provide a foundation in knowledge, thinking and action that our students can continue to draw on as they go forward in their studies and their lives.
Students rotate through in-depth, multidisciplinary topics of study every few weeks in what is called their Morning Lesson. These lessons occur alongside classes in world language, math, humanities, science, movement, and the arts.
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Unique to a Waldorf high school education, every student at PWHS takes weaving, bookbinding, woodworking, blacksmithing, painting, drawing, sculpture, music, choir, and theater arts. The purpose of a robust compulsory arts education moves far beyond pragmatism, aesthetics, and entertainment at a Waldorf high school. The skills students learn through the arts are central to their experience here and are fundamental to their potential and growth.
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Eurythmy is Waldorf’s central movement practice and is foundational to the harmonious, whole-person experience of a Waldorf education. Based in music theory and poetic rhythm, artistry flows the movements as students articulate geometric forms, musical tones and intervals, colors, numbers and linguistic sounds expressed through intricate movements done in harmony as a group.
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The Outdoor Education Program at PWHS is an exciting and integral component of the curriculum. Facilitated by highly trained instructors, our four-year program challenges our students and expands their boundaries while fostering a sense of self-reliance and adventure.
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College & Career Guidance is seamlessly integrated into your time at PWHS. Beginning in 9th grade and building toward more targeted preparedness for life after high school, students receive regular support with transcripts, essays, admissions and financial aid support, standardized testing, early adult life-skills, and much more.
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Throughout their time at PWHS, students grow their inner knowing of who they are and empathy for the lived experiences of others. Our program prepares them to be healthy, compassionate humans in their own right and also to become future leaders committed to creating a healthier world. The Life Skills and Service Learning curricula are integral pieces of this program.
