Preparing for high school

Are Waldorf students ready for public high school mathematics classes?

This is a common concern among the families of graduating Waldorf students, who may have appreciated the emphasis on creativity, the arts, and social awareness, but now wonder if students are ready for the "real" world.

The short answer: "Yes, with a few caveats, they are ready."

A longer answer: Mathematics is a core strand of the Waldorf curriculum. Each year, unique mathematics blocks are developed by the main lesson teacher that delve deeply into a specific topic. Such blocks intensively explore specific areas for several weeks at a time. This willingness to slow down and take the time to explore in detail and at greater depth distinguishes a quality Waldorf program from many mainstream alternatives, where each concept is taught in rushed isolation.

In Waldorf schools, students don't simply work to memorize a superficial list of disjointed facts and methods. They are afforded the time to discover the underlying patterns upon which such facts and methods are based. In other words, they are encouraged to see the laws of mathematics underlying the simple calculations. They explore the historical context, and struggle with the same questions and challenges that engaged the original creators of our mathematical heritage. Daily mental math practice is a standard part of all Waldorf main lessons. This helps students retain prior learning while developing increased flexibility and skill.

Beginning about sixth grade, some public Waldorf schools add full-year math classes that focus on Number Theory, Algebra and Geometry. These classes augment the work of the main lesson teacher rather than replacing it. This allows for the flexibility needed to meet both the Waldorf goal of depth and breadth of understanding and the State mandate to memorize specific sets of facts and methods.

Our Algebra I class meets the California State Standards for Algebra I. We use a state-approved high school textbook. Year after year, we achieve high STAR test scores. Additionally, we deepen the curriculum with Waldorf-inspired ideas that, although difficult to measure on simplistic, standardized tests, have proven themselves indirectly through the high success rate of our graduates.

Choosing an appropriate ninth grade math class

In most cases, it's easier to aim high and transfer to an easier class than it is to move up once a student discovers a class is too easy.

Advanced students can ask their high school to accept a complete eighth grade Algebra I course toward their high school graduation requirements. This enables them to enter Algebra II or other advanced math courses in ninth grade. Students with poor study skills should carefully consider whether or not they are ready for more advanced math.  Essential study skills include:

1. the ability to keep track of multiple assignment and due dates,
2. the ability to prioritize study time over play time,
3. the ability to complete all assignments on time,
4. the ability to learn independently from textbooks and other written resources,
5. and the ability to approach teachers for help.

Most students should take Algebra I in ninth grade whether or not they've studied Algebra before. This is not wasted time! Students will gain much more the second time around. Educators have learned that it usually takes two years for students to really understand Algebra I topics. Therefore, the study of Algebra I before ninth grade should be considered a preview for deeper topics to follow.

Because of the current mania imposed by state mandates to teach ever more at ever earlier grades, most students are forced to struggle through their first exposure to Algebra (symbolic logic) long before they have developed the capacity to learn at this level of abstraction. Dutiful students will cope by memorizing poorly understood facts and techniques, which are easily measured on standardized tests, but real understanding can not occur until the brain is developmentally ready. This has nothing to do with intelligence. Highly intelligent people also need time to mature.

Due to the above, many teachers of advanced math courses are forced to spend too much time reviewing Algebra I topics before they can move on.

Choose a high school

Some schools start all ninth graders in algebra, others start them in geometry, others offer multiple paths. In the end, it is the quality of teaching that matters more than the exact order in which the topics are taught. High school math entrance requirements also vary. A placement test is often administered, and some schools request recommendations from eighth grade teachers.

The following links provide more information on specific high schools:

1. Credo High School
2. Sonoma County High Schools
3. Napa County High Schools
4. Google Search: Waldorf High Schools in California

Planning a high school path toward college

The following links provide more information on California high school graduation requirements, as well as the UC and CSU systems requirements.

1. CA Department of Education: Graduation Requirements - High School
2. University of California: High School Subject Requirements
3. CA State University: Freshman Admissions Overview
4. CA State University: High School Subject Requirements