Humanities Courses

For Waldorf, Public, Private, and home schools

One of Waldorf education’s most distinctive features is its emphasis on storytelling. Nowhere is that role more evident than in humanities courses that explore the human condition through the various lenses of literature, history, philosophy, performing and visual arts.

Humanities classes are designed to engage the whole young person in a threefold manner: to develop creativity and inner mobility in their thinking, an appreciation for relationships of all kinds—between ideas, disciplines, historical eras, people—and a purposefulness born of a wish to make the world a better place. At the same time, the humanities can be instrumental in providing what popular culture refers to as “character education.” As important as critical reading and analytical writing skills are, the values embedded in the stories students read can have a character-shaping influence. The self-restraint that Odysseus must develop in the face of his many trials, the authenticity that Hamlet is desperate to realize in the face of pervasive treachery, the acceptance that Gilgamesh finally embraces when he recognizes he cannot bring Enkidu back to life—these qualities can all work deeply into young people’s souls, not just for a single course, but for a lifetime.

In the “stories of history”—through the lens of the evolution of human consciousness—we can revitalize our understanding of the past, engage effectively in the present, and build a future that meets humanity’s true need: to learn how to be fully human in all senses of the word.

Quick Look At Humanities

4-week intensive developmentally appropriate courses, or “main lessons”, and year-long Spanish Classes.
Click on the courses below to learn more.

Middle School Humanities Courses

Language Arts

Language Arts course will focus on fostering a love of language while gaining the knowledge and skills.

High School, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2024-25

7th and 8th Grade Class Play

Acting in a play can benefit students through developing communication skills, including public speaking, improving memory in an exciting way, and boosting confidence. We are excited to offer a 4-week play block for our 7th and 8th grade students. This course will consist of live Zoom sessions with the director during the first two weeks of the class and then a two week in person for the production at a theater in Paonia, CO.

7th Grade, 8th Grade

Academic year offered:

2024-25

World Geography

In this immersive journey, students will transcend the mere memorization of country borders and capital cities, delving instead into the intricate tapestry of human culture woven into the landscape. From the lush rainforests of the Amazon to the sprawling deserts of the Sahara, nature's diverse landscapes have not only shaped historical events but have also profoundly influenced the customs, beliefs, and lifestyles of communities around the globe.

8th Grade, 9th Grade, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2024-25

Spanish Classes

This course focuses on gaining skills through applying the language to daily tasks and students’ interests. We are not simply developing vocabulary, but are aiming for functional Spanish that the students will actually use.

High School, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2024-25

Age of Exploration

In our historical geography Main Lesson, we embark on a captivating expedition to understand how the maps of the Western Civilization expanded exponentially during just a few centuries.

7th Grade, 8th Grade, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2023-24

Revolutions: American, French, and Latin American Independence

“The Revolutions” is an iconic Waldorf main lesson for 8th and 9th grade students. We study what happens when change occurs in an abrupt way and the resulting historical consequences.

8th Grade, 9th Grade, High School, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2026-27