The Santa Cruz Waldorf High School curriculum focuses on developing the life of cognition through rigorous, challenging, inspiring work in academics, movement, fine arts, music and crafts. The curriculum continues to be consciously age-appropriate, either in the choice of subject or in the way a particular subject is taught to a class. The Morning Lesson block is the pillar of the school day. This daily double period of study on one subject for a period of three to four weeks gives students the opportunity to delve deeply into the subject matter and benefit from the expertise of the Morning Lesson block teacher. One difference between Waldorf high school and the elementary grades is the variation in main lesson teachers. While elementary students benefit from spending most of each day with one teacher, who is a skilled generalist, high school requires a new level of expertise in each subject taught.

Each school day begins with a morning lesson and moves on to include five more periods of study. These course periods continue on a weekly schedule for the school year and include: Foreign languages (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese), English, Math, Physical education, Eurythmy, Science lab, Visual and Performing Arts, Music and Life Skills. Numerous extra-curricular clubs, sports and activities are also offered to cater to the specific interests of the students.

The geographical, cultural and historical context in which a Waldorf high school lives has a tremendous influence upon the curriculum. The Santa Cruz Waldorf High School, situated on the California coast of the Pacific Ocean, pays particular attention to the Pacific Rim geography and culture. Geography, language and cultural studies play key roles in the curriculum throughout the high school grades, encouraging a cultural literacy that will lead to responsible global citizenship.

The aim of a Waldorf School is to crate an atmosphere and environment in which each phase of development is facilitated. Below is a brief outline of the curriculum in grades 9-12.

9th Grade

Ninth grade students live in a world of strong polarities. They are intensely aware of dramatic changes in their bodies and in their ability to think in new ways. The dynamics of these changes in body and mind can lead to an inner turbulence. The 9th grade curriculum supports the students by offering thermodynamics, tragedy and comedy, permutations and combinations, revolutions and art history. In sculpting, the coil technique is explored; in basketry class the suppleness of the material and the ability to interweave create an inner space; in copper beating, stamina, precision and the right amount of effort create forms. Other art blocks include black and white drawing, painting, drama and music. A practicum on a farm allows the students to develop a strong connection to the soil, the growth processes and the food cycle.

10th Grade

The tenth grader is trying a new role: that of the young adult. A new sense of confidence and security develops. Students are interested in their origins and how the world came to be the way it is. The curriculum meets this with subjects that compare and contrast phenomena: in chemistry, the study of acids and bases; in physics the principles of mechanics; in earth science, meteorology; in mathematics, trigonometry and geometry. In the poetry block, the students are able to understand and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of poets, and to create their own poems as pieces of art. The surveying/navigation practicum is an ideal opportunity to experience, on a very real basis, the questions, "How do I use my standpoint to relate to another standpoint? How do I work in a team?" The geography curriculum continues with the study of Central Asia and the theme of water. Art blocks include pottery, drama, carpentry, weaving and calligraphy.

11th Grade

Eleventh grade is the year of comprehension. Students are now ready to weave together the different threads from their experiences. The ability to view the world from another's perspective becomes fine-tuned in the eleventh grade year. In the sciences, the search for explanation of the unseen is met in the study of the atom in chemistry, in the invisible phenomena of electricity in physics and in projective geometry. In the Astronomy block, students study the constellations and movements of the planets – the harmonies of the universe in relation to the human being. The students' quest for ideals is also met in the literature studies of Parsifal. Geography continues in eleventh grade with the study of the Arab World. The students also have time to explore their own areas of interest with individual research assignments and projects. Art blocks include stained glass, bookbinding, watercolor painting, stagecraft and photography.

12th grade

In the twelfth grade, the students are presented with ideas from many different perspectives. This enables them to move through analysis to synthesis. Through the architecture block, they see that architecture is the synthesis of all the arts. In zoology, through an intense scientific study of animals and their environments, the students gain a sense of their own place as human beings in relation to all living beings. In geography, students study Africa. In the World Literature block, students explore how peoples around the world have made and are making sense of their lives. Through the curriculum, twelfth grade students come to know themselves in the context of the world in which they live. Students have the opportunity to look at themselves as individuals during the twelfth grade independent practicum. Art blocks include oil painting, stone sculpture, calligraphy, stagecraft, music and costuming.

Movement

Movement and physical education are important aspects of a Waldorf curriculum. A healthy rhythm in life requires a balance between thinking, feeling and moving or doing. Eurythmy, sports, dance, music and drama are offered to Waldorf High School students throughout the school year. Eurythmy is a form of movement, which is integral to all Waldorf education. It combines physical movement, music, poetry, speech and dance to create a sense of rhythm and balance for the students, which allows for a deeper understanding of all subject matter taught at the Waldorf School. A variety of sports and physical education classes are offered to students throughout the school year. Some examples are basketball, volleyball, tennis, fencing, boating, golf, water sports and dance. In addition to Eurythmy and physical education classes during the school day, a number of after school activities are available depending upon the level of student interest.

Practical Skills and Community Studies

Students at the Santa Cruz Waldorf High School will be offered a variety of practical skills courses throughout their studies. These include non-violent communication, study and social skills, life skills, practical home arts such as cooking, auto maintenance, plumbing, first aid/CPR, and working with the earth. Opportunities for community service are provided through two-week intensives and through independent study and service projects tailored to meet individual student interests.

Student Evaluations, Grades and Graduation Requirements

Students receive written evaluations for each class as well as letter grades. We offer a prescribed comprehensive curriculum using block scheduling combined with year-long courses. Many of our courses are offered in discrete course segments in each of the four high school years. In order to receive a graduation diploma from the Santa Cruz Waldorf High School, students must take and receive passing grades in all classes. Failed or missed classes must be made up either through working directly with the class instructor or at a local community college or summer school program.

College Preparedness

The Santa Cruz Waldorf High School provides a rigorous academic education that will, within the context of Waldorf education, prepare students to enter colleges and universities across the country. This includes satisfying the requirements for entrance into the University of California system. Recognizing the comprehensive needs of the developing human being, the Waldorf high school offers a balance between academic work and physical and artistic expression.

The Santa Cruz Waldorf High School is currently engaged in the application process for dual accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), of which the school is already a full member. The High School is at the same time seeking individual course approval through the University of California in order to ensure that students graduating from the Santa Cruz Waldorf High School have a full range of college and university choices.

In order to assure that students graduating from the Santa Cruz Waldorf School are prepared to enter college, the school offers individualized guidance counseling beginning in the 10th grade. Students are encouraged to reflect on their personal interests and goals and then guided in their choices of academic courses, extracurricular activities and college preparatory tests and research. Information on college and university programs and requirements, financial aid and scholarships, and study abroad programs are also made available through the guidance-counseling program.

Not every student will choose to enter college. Some will defer college entrance in order to travel, gain work and life experience and consider deeply which life path to embark upon. Some of these students may decide not to pursue further academic training. Others will enroll in college with renewed vigor for the challenges of academic life. The guidance-counseling program at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School will explore individual options with each student to ensure that both students and parents are informed and can make correct choices for their individual circumstances.