FAQS
Some Frequently Asked Questions
How large are your classes?
Classes vary from 6 – 17 students for a specialized elective, to 8 – 12 students in an arts class, to a maximum of 20 students in a main lesson course. Physical education, music, and dance classes sometimes have more than 20 students.
How much do students from various classes interact?
The closest relationships tend to be between students in each grade, but because we are a small school, students get to know everyone, and they form friendships with students from other grades. Athletics, plays, and other activities provide numerous opportunities for interaction across the grades.
How many students come from your elementary school and how many are new?
We typically have two to four newcomers in each grade, and each year we welcome about a half dozen international students. Our students are usually eager for newcomers to join their classes and welcome them warmly. It usually takes a few months for newcomers to feel fully at home, but then they find that they become part of a close-knit class and school community.
How is the high school different than the Hartsbrook elementary school?
Our approach to education is very different from the approach in the elementary school. Here are some of the differences:
ï The role of the class teacher is replaced by a large diversified faculty of experts in their fields.
ï The students are actively involved in shaping their own education in a manner that continually challenges them to be reflective, responsive, and responsible.
ï Students choose from a broad range of elective courses alongside a rich core curriculum.
ï Students pursue modes of learning that are much more varied and individualized.
ï Classes, projects, and social life bring students together from all grade levels.
ï Students, teachers, and parents are co-responsible for actively shaping the values of the high school community.
But one thing is not different: As a Waldorf school we continue to strive to develop our students’ fullest potential as human beings.
How involved are the parents in the high school?
We want parents to find their place in the high school. We encourage them to come to parent evenings, join in class and high school activities, share their expertise with the students through courses and workshops, and help with school events and fundraising activities.
Where do your students go to college?
We have graduated approximately 200 students from our elementary school and 51 from our first five senior classes, and almost all of them went to 4-year colleges and universities. Our alumni page includes the list of those college enrollments.
What is unique about the Waldorf philosophy, curriculum, and methods?
Waldorf education is based on the recognition that as human beings we are beings of spirit, soul, and body who come to earth to fulfill our destiny. The Waldorf curriculum addresses each developmental stage through appropriate subjects and activities. Waldorf methods help students to develop concepts from direct experience and to learn to express themselves fully through their academic, artistic, and social work.
What’s the point of the main lesson blocks?
Students learn best when they immerse themselves in a subject and experience it in many different ways. Because the main lesson subjects are developed over the span of four years, students are able to approach them with ever greater levels of maturity.
How much choice do students have in their courses?
All students take a required series of main lesson courses. During their first two years, while they are fulfilling their English, math, and language requirements, they have academic electives in science and literature. During their last two years, students may elect ongoing courses in literature, math, language, the sciences, and the social sciences. Almost all of the afternoon activities, such as art, practical arts, and physical education, are also electives.
If you have further questions…
Please feel free to phone us at Hartsbrook High School at 413-584-3198. |
Working with goats in animal husbandry class
Sailing during our high school end-of-year trip to Nantucket
Warming up for Ultimate Frisbee practice
†
|
