Rudolf Steiner School

Subject Classes

The Foreign Language program fosters understanding and an awareness of our world through the study of foreign languages and cultures. Children study both Spanish and German from grades one through eight, beginning with poetry, songs, drama, verses and games. By graduation, students can carry on basic conversation, read texts and write compositions in both languages.

Handwork is an essential element of Waldorf Education. While learning to make practical and beautiful things, from hand-knitted socks to outdoor vests, the children develop patience, persistence and creativity as well as manual dexterity and an appreciation for natural materials.

Woodwork begins in grade four and, like handwork, encourages an appreciation for hard work and for authentic handmade objects. The careful carving of a spoon or a bowl gives our students a sense of accomplishment and pride that stays with them throughout their lives.

Music is a part of every school day and it is not at all unusual to hear an exuberant group of students break into song on the bus or the playground. From grade one, all students sing and play the recorder; music and technique become more demanding as the years progress. In third grade children have the opportunity to join a beginner violin or cello group lesson and from fourth grade on children participate in a variety of orchestral and choral ensembles.

The Physical Education Program begins in the early grades with games that foster physical confidence and healthy play. As children mature, the focus shifts to team building and the improvement of individual skills, and eventually to competitive sports.

The After School Sports Program is generally available to students in grades six, seven and eight. It is geared toward competition against other public and independent schools. Soccer is offered in the fall; basketball in winter; and in the spring, lacrosse and baseball. Downhill skiing is offered in the winter to grades three through eight.

The school offers an Outdoor Education Program during the fall and spring, including rock-climbing and caving. Seventh graders attend the Camp Glenbrook in New Hampshire for a week of intensive outdoor challenge experiences. Read more about the seventh grade trip in Beyond The Classroom.

In Eurythmy, a unique art of movement, the inner structures of music and language are given expression. Children step and clap rhythms and move in geometric patterns as they explore tone, pitch, rhythm and the elements of grammar. The weaving together of stories, poetry and music with movement brings balance to the children's inner development and to their interactions with each other.

The School Library has a fine collection of books, including children's literature classsics, nonfiction and foreign language books. Children in grades three and up have a library class once a week and are required to present oral book reports as well as written reports. In the upper grades, students learn library systems and research skills. Care is taken by the teachers to cultivate a life-long enthusiasm for reading and studying.