Cedarwood Waldorf School separates the curriculum between Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) and Grades 1-8. Our early childhood program creates the foundations for later academic striving through the protection of the young child's sense of creativity and resilience. In the grades, the arts, academics and movement are explored deeply and experientially.
September 29, MICHAELMAS DAY the story of the archangel Michael and the dragon he tamed, guiding the children to tame the earthly emotional forces of the unconscious will.
November 11, MARTINMAS DAY children walk through the dark woods with a candle lit lantern, singing songs, to awaken the light in ourselves and lead us through the cold, dark winter. The story of Saint Martin, who tore his cloak in two and shared it with a beggar, is told as encouragement to care for and be kind to others.
First week of December, WINTER SPIRAL students walk along a spiral of evergreens, carrying an apple with an unlit candle. When the student arrives at the center, a brightly shining candle awaits. Each student lights their candle as a symbolic receipt of the light of the world and watches the spiral illuminate with light.
May 1, MAY DAY everyone is invited to dance around the maypole with colorful ribbons, symbolizing rays of light from the sun. The children's dance steps create intricate weaving patterns with their ribbons, portraying harmonious relationships with one another, in an act of collaborative social art. May Day reinforces our need for community with one another.
The following is an abbreviated curriculum outline by grade.
Experiential: An overnight trip to work on a ranch, trips focusing on local history, potlatch.
History and geography: Revolutions (French, American, Russian, Industrial), U.S. history, modern history, World Wars I and II, world geography.
The start time for grades 1-8 is 8:15 a.m. and release is 3:15 p.m., with the exception of early release Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.
The first grade is released at 1:15 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Second grade is released at 1:15 p.m. on Fridays.
Cedarwood Waldorf School is a fully accredited member of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN).