Santa Cruz Waldorf High School

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Please improve this article if you can. (April 2007)

The Santa Cruz Waldorf High School is a private, non-denominational grade 9-12 educational institution. It is one of two autonomous operating units of the nonprofit Santa Cruz Waldorf School Association, Inc., the second being the K-8 Santa Cruz Waldorf School. The K-8 and high schools occupy separate campuses.

Like all Waldorf schools, the high school's curriculum follows the general outline that the founder of Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner, developed for the original Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany. However, in keeping with its mandate to prepare students for University of California (UC) admission, the Santa Cruz Waldorf High School integrates the usual Waldorf curriculum with the course requirements of the UC system.

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[edit] Curriculum

The school operates on a trimester system. In addition to the math, English, science, history, social studies, and foreign language core curriculum, the school provides specialty courses in art (painting, drawing, sculpture), practical arts (metalwork, woodwork, jewelry making, pottery, bookbinding), archery, chorus, drumming, chamber music and drama. In addition to the usual activities, the physical education program includes surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, meditative motion, and hiking. Math courses are delivered at three skill levels: basic algebra, advanced algebra, and calculus.

In keeping with its Pacific Rim educational theme, the school's foreign language program includes Mandarin Chinese[1] and Spanish, and the student body includes a number of visiting students from the People's Republic of China, three of whom are expected to graduate in 2008. The school has also hosted visiting students from South America and Europe.

Sports teams include men's and women's basketball[2] and track. The school will add a women's volleyball team for the 2007-2008 term.

[edit] History of the school

The Santa Cruz Waldorf High School was created in 2004 with a 9th grade class of 11 students and will graduate its first 12th grade class in June, 2008. The school received dual accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Waldorf Schools in North America (AWSNA) in 2007.

[edit] Student activities

The school won first place for Best Formal Presentation and placed fourth overall[3] among 10 high schools[4] in the 2007 World Affairs Challenge,[5] a program and academic competition on international affairs for middle and high school students.

Santa Cruz Waldorf High School students are active in the Schools for Schools Campaign[6] to help rebuild schools in northern Uganda.[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Edith Yang, Importance of a Global Education news article, City on a Hill Press. Accessed 2008-04-15.
  2. ^ Santa Cruz Waldorf Boys High School Basketball, Winter 07-08. Accessed 2008-04-15.
  3. ^ 2007 World Affairs Challenge awards. Accessed 2008-04-15.
  4. ^ 2007 World Affairs Challenge competition. Accessed 2008-04-15.
  5. ^ World Affairs Challenge program. Accessed 2008-04-15.
  6. ^ 2008 Santa Cruz Human Race Santa Cruz Waldorf School team. Accessed 2008-04-15.
  7. ^ Invisible Children: Schools for Schools program. Accessed 2008-04-15.

[edit] External links