Middle School
In middle school, the content and quality of subjects expand significantly to meet the needs of pre-adolescents. While deepening the work with previously encountered material, the curriculum introduces new subjects with the goal of helping students maintain a healthy interest in the world. The curriculum guides students to direct their gaze enthusiastically and sympathetically out into the world, thereby arriving at a deeper understanding of self.
Dramatic inner changes are set in motion during this period, so biographies of men and women who struggled with the challenges of their times provide the perspective from which history is viewed.
Healthy Interest in the World
Over the course of sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students survey the history of European and American civilization from ancient to modern times. In seventh grade, students see reflections of their own struggle for individual identity in the Renaissance — from Italian artists capturing their own visions to scientists and religious reformers grappling with confines of long-held beliefs, from bold explorers venturing into the unknown to indigenous peoples struggling to preserve their way of life and step into the future amidst colonization.
Unraveling Mysteries
Physics lessons support students in cultivating a new capacity for exact observation, moving them from the mystery of phenomena to its exact measurement. Inorganic chemistry is a highlight of seventh grade as is the chemistry of foods in eighth grade.
The physical changes of this age lead naturally to a study of human physiology, which is taught from the hygienic perspective of responsibility for the integrity and health of our bodies. Earth science supports the ever-expanding geographic studies of Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and the planet as a whole.
The history curriculum goes from Rome to medieval times, through the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution, all the way to modern times. Examining the science, technology, and engineering of this period provides inspiration for hands-on projects, which celebrate the polymathy of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
STEAM
Middle school students participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), an interdisciplinary, project-oriented program where they gain developmentally appropriate skills as they create beautiful, functional objects. They learn to use tools and materials precisely and imaginatively in labwork that coincides with the middle school main lesson sequence.
Sixth Grade
The spirit of conquest and the rule of law
Sixth grade marks the emergence of adolescence and the struggle between light and dark. Sixth graders take the first step toward critical thinking as they study Roman civilization and the Middle Ages, as well as astronomy, physics, and mineralogy — subjects met with discernment and insight to encourage a healthy interest in, and compassion for, the world.
CollaborationSelf-directionGroundingEmerging
Language Arts
- Advanced grammar
- Stylistic writing
Social Studies
- Age of empires (Rome, Axum, Byzantine, Abbasid, Incan)
- Middle Ages
Geography
- South America
Science
- Geology and mineralogy
- Astronomy
- Physics (optics, magnetism, acoustics, static electricity, heat)
Math
- Business math
- Constructive geometry
Spanish Language
- Verb conjugation of -ar, -er, and -ir verbs
- Written poetry
- Conversational skills
- Cultural focus on South America
Visual Arts
- Clay modeling
- Watercolor painting
Practical Arts
- Geometric drawing
- Woodworking
Theater
- Class play
Music
- Chorus
- Recorder
- Orchestra
Athletics and Movement
- Outdoor recesses (two per day)
- Social dance
- Physical education
Class Trip and Community Service
Curriculum Project on Topic of Interest
- Research, written report, artistic project, and community presentation
Sixth Grade In-Depth
Interested in learning more about our sixth grade curriculum? Complete the form and we'll email you our in-depth sixth grade brochure that offers expanded information on The Denver Waldorf education.
Seventh Grade
Questing into the unknown
Looking outward while feeling inward, seventh graders are expressive and forceful, challenging authority and exploring limits. They seek to assert independence and find their place, while remembering to provide light for those behind them. The Renaissance is explored, examining truth and beauty via scientists, religious reformers, and artists.
DiscoveryResistanceOptimismChaos & order
Language Arts
- Creative writing
- Shakespeare
- Poetic structure
Social Studies
- The Age of Exploration & Discovery
- Renaissance
- Reformation
Geography
- Africa
- Europe
Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Physiology
- Astronomy
- Health and nutrition
Math
- Algebra
- Euclidean geometry
Spanish Language
- Stem-changing verbs
- Present progressive tense
- Conversational skills
- Cultural focus of Caribbean and Santería, Afro-Cuban mythology
Visual Arts
- Perspective drawing
Practical Arts
- Handwork (felting)
- Woodworking
Theater
- Class play
Music
- Chorus
- Recorder
- Orchestra
Athletics and Movement
- Outdoor recesses (two per day)
- Social dance
- Physical education
- Circus skills
Class Trip and Community Service
Curriculum Project on Topic of Interest
- Research, written report, artistic project, and community presentation)
Seventh Grade In-Depth
Interested in learning more about our seventh grade curriculum? Complete the form and we'll email you our in-depth seventh grade brochure that offers expanded information on The Denver Waldorf education.
Eighth Grade
Extending one’s horizons
By eighth grade, students have gained a well-rounded general picture of humanity and the universe. The elementary education has engaged their hearts, wills, and minds, forming the basis for meaningful learning throughout their lives. The final year of elementary school brings previous experiences to a new peak, enabling students to enter fully and potently into their own time.
Self-confidenceInterest in the worldSelf-loveService to others
Language Arts
- Composition
- Reports
- Poetry
- Practical writing
Social Studies
- Age of Enlightenment
- Industrial revolutions
- Social and political revolutions
- Modern US history
Geography
- Asia
Science
- Meteorology
- Chemistry
- Physiology
Math
- Algebra
- Solid geometry (Platonic solids)
Spanish Language
- Reflexive verbs
- Conversational skills
- Translation
- Cultural focus on Spain and the Americas’ independence from Spain
- Biographies of Latin American revolutionaries
Visual Arts
- Watercolor painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture/modeling
Practical Arts
- Handwork
- Woodworking
Theater
- Class play
Music
- Choral music
- Orchestra
Athletics and Movement
- Outdoor recesses (two per day)
- Social dance
- Physical education
Class Trip and Community Service
Curriculum Project on Topic of Interest
- Research, written report, artistic project, and community presentation
Eighth Grade In-Depth
Interested in learning more about our eighth grade curriculum? Complete the form and we'll email you our in-depth eighth grade brochure that offers expanded information on The Denver Waldorf education.