Middle School
Waldorf schools are known for thoughtfully teaching students according to their developmental stage.
Middle school students are growing in their understanding of themselves as individuals and are beginning to see their role in the greater world. It is essential that middle school students feel seen and known by their teachers. This is not the time to get lost in the crowd.
We hear a lot of concern from parents about overcrowded classrooms and students being taught “to the test” in traditional schools. With the big changes that middle school students face - emotionally, intellectually, socially - they need to be recognized for their strengths and encouraged in their challenges and struggles.
At WWS, the number one thing our teachers express about why they love working at a small school is that they really get to know each of their students - they are champions of each student’s success.
Grade 6 is the final year in our Lower School and is a great time to join WWS as a bridge year before moving into the Upper School. Grades 7 & 8 are part of our Upper School where there are opportunities to connect with our High School students and learn from our outstanding Upper School teachers.
Parents are saying...
"I have been consistently impressed by the emphasis placed not only on academic growth but also on nurturing my child's social-emotional development. Seeing her flourish academically, socially, and emotionally has been incredibly rewarding as a parent."
- Nick H. (WWS Parent, Grade 7)
How is the Waldorf approach reflected in the curriculum?
View a detailed course listing for our Lower & Middle School classes.
Middle school is often a time of turbulent change and intense questioning for students. How does the WWS curriculum meet the students where they are amidst their personal challenges?
Throughout the middle school experience, students receive a broad education in science, humanities, math, handworking, woodworking, music, and physical education. A Hands-on, arts integrated curriculum deepens the students academic learning.
Social studies and history lessons intentionally resonate with the growth and change the students are experiencing in their early teens. Science classes connect students to a growing understanding of the natural world. The students create woodworking and handworking projects that broaden their self awareness and hone skills and perseverance.
What kind of support is there for a student transferring into WWS from a different type of school environment?
In the transient DC Metro area we often welcome students who are new to Waldorf Education throughout the grades. We work carefully with the parents to make transitions as smooth as possible.