Link to large format (11x17) Curriculum Overview

Like other Waldorf schools worldwide, Portland Waldorf School educates children using Rudolf Steiner's profound insights into the developmental phases of childhood.  For over 80 years, educators have demonstrated that Waldorf education is an "art of education."  Rather than merely imposing intellectual content on children, Waldorf teachers guide children through a culturally enriched program that is alive with music, movement, storytelling, and artistic activity that works to awaken each childs' innate capacities. 

Out of strong confidence in the innate power unfolding in each child, teachers cultivate three fundamental qualities that are sure bases for lifelong learning: reverence toward all that lives, gratitude and respect for the efforts and accomplishment of others, and responsibility for the childs' own free and self-disciplined action.  In this way, the Waldorf teacher strives to be a worthy guide to the unfolding powers of the child and a guardian of it.

At PWS we are proud to offer a complete Waldorf Curriculum including but not limited to: eurythmy, handwork, woodwork, metalsmithing, clay & pottery, library, movement, choir, instrumental music (band & orchestra), five music electives in HS, two foreign languages and fine arts in addition to our academic classes. 

Educational Goals

By the time students graduate from 12th grade, they should demonstrate that they:

1. Appreciate and incorporate many ways of learning and understand their weaknesses and strengths as life long learners.
2. Can think and express themselves clearly and effectively in written, verbal, and non-verbal ways.
3. Honor their responsibility for self, community, and nature, holding their relationships with society and the environment as purposeful and necessary.
4. Can work compassionately with a broad range of others in a wide variety of situations, including conflict-resolution.
5. Know how to realize their gifts by discovering, developing, and acting upon imagination, inspiration, and higher intuitions.