Class Description

Welcome to Class Eight!

Eighth grade is an exciting and transformative year on a Waldorf-inspired educational journey, marking the transition from elementary to high school. Students' intellectual capacities are expanding, allowing them to engage in deeper discussions, explore abstract concepts, and assert their individuality. With this growing sense of independence comes a readiness to examine revolutions in industry, thought, culture, and politics—historical moments that in many ways mirror the personal transformations they are experiencing at their age.

Science invites students through observations of phenomena and hands-on investigations in chemistry, physics, meteorology, and physiology fostering curiosity, independent inquiry, and critical thinking. Mathematics is explored in a way that emphasizes discovery and understanding in the areas of introductory algebra, geometry, and Platonic solids to strengthen problem-solving and abstract reasoning. Language arts invite students to practice finding and developing their unique voices through creative writing, journalism, poetry, and research projects, while in literature, students analyze classic works, to deepen comprehension, artistic appreciation, and self-expression.

Artistic and practical work remain at the heart of the curriculum, nurturing the emotional and creative development of students at this pivotal age. Teenagers often experience a heightened awareness of their inner world, making artistic expression more essential than ever. Through a variety of mediums—including charcoal, pastel, colored pencil, clay modeling, and watercolor— students further explore their self-expression while refining their artistic skills.

As students prepare to step into high school, they take on greater independence and responsibility through the hallmark of Waldorf education: the independent eighth-grade project. This culminating experience integrates research, hands-on work, and community engagement, allowing students to explore their passions while developing self-discipline and initiative. With a well- rounded school year that nurtures intellectual curiosity, artistic expression, and personal integrity, eighth graders transition into high school as capable, engaged learners, ready to take on new challenges with confidence and creativity.

I am so overjoyed that you are joining us on this special journey and feel excited to meet you very soon!

With joy and gratitude,
Ms. Daniela

Class 8 Steiner Pedagogy:

Language Arts: Short stories, Story elements, Shakespeare, Plays

Mathematics: Practical math, Equations, Algebra, Set theory, 3D geometry, Solid geometry

Science: Gardening. Plant chemistry, Human anatomy & Physiology, Thermal physics and Material properties.

Social Studies: In depth on revolutions and reform, Modern history, World geography, Art history

Sample Video from Ms. Daniela:

Handwork With Ms. Maggie

As class 8 students study the Industrial Revolution this year, handwork focuses on the use of the sewing machine. We will begin the year by studying the history of the sewing machine and the overall impact it has had on the textile industry. The students will learn several different quilting styles and techniques, learn how to mend and care for clothing, and sew an apron. All of our projects for the year can be sewn by machine and also by hand.

Eurythmy Inspired Movement With Ms. Tiffany

The theme of the eighth grade is FREEDOM. We work through questions like, “Am I deciding whether to move my bones and muscles or is something streaming into and through me?” We will use this as the guide to all the gestures and form walking we do this year, which is a deeper study of the gestures and form walking. For tone, we will work with intervals, harmonies, and tone gestures, as well as, gravity and levity through raying and streaming. For copper rods we will learn to master and properly execute advanced copper rod exercises as well as learn to form walk with these.

German with Mr. Dornemann

The aim of the course is to experience the German language, to get used to its sounds, acquire basic vocabulary and speaking skills. It is intended for beginners with no or little previous exposure to the German language.  

In the recorded part of the lessons there will be listening and speaking activities, poems, songs, stories and tongue twisters. Students will practice speaking by repeating what the teacher presents. In our live sessions we will engage in speaking and conversation as well as call and response.  

The vocabulary covered will include actions, counting, phrases, cultural references and many words describing aspects of everyday life.

Music with Mr. Mark

In Music Class 8 we use singing games, dancing games, and sing-alongs to create music together. We explore physically the steady beat, how the beat relates to rhythm, and how beat and rhythm relate to melody in a naturally organic progression. The material we use incorporates aspects of the students’ Main Lesson blocks. Emphasis is on creative expression and musical exploration, where everyone participates together in the creation of beautiful music. Rythmic and Melodic Notation are explored in a fun, organic way that relates to the Feeling Life of the music rather than the Intellectual, and we will compose our own songs. We incporporate Intermediate Recorder into our musical explorations (many students have already been playing recorder at this age, and I take that into account as I incorporate complete beginners with those who have some recorder skills, so that we can all progress together). We will also incorporate Beginning/Intermediate Ukelele!