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

Art Class

This weekly online art class for Grades 6 and 7 takes students on a rich artistic journey through drawing, painting, calligraphy, clay, and collage. Through the careful study of light and shadow, color and form, perspective and composition, students will develop not only their technical skills but a deeper relationship with the world they observe and imagine.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2026-27

Medieval Times

This Grade 6/7 history block invites students into the world of the Middle Ages through a series of living questions: What held society together after the fall of Rome? How did Christianity and Islam shape the medieval world? How did feudal society actually work? What kinds of lives were considered noble, holy, or necessary in that time?

6th Grade, 7th Grade, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2026-27

Rome from Republic to Empire

This historical block takes us from myth to history and modern day connections as we study the myth, culture, maps and story of Ancient Rome. Students will learn about; the seven kings of Rome and the shaping of the republic, Rome's transformation from republic to empire, and finally, the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, Middle School

Academic year offered:

2026-27

History of Art

This immersive block engages students in art appreciation and cultural history, and explores the evolution of human expression. Students will study how humanity's inner life has transformed from the mythic, symbolic art of ancient civilizations to the perspective-driven, individualistic art of the High Renaissance. Viewing historical works of art are enhanced with artistic exercises.

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

Academic year offered:

2026-27

Idealism and Humanity

History shows us that being a human being is not so simple. For more than five millennia we have been trying to strike a balance between the singular needs of an individual, and hosts of other unique individuals that we meet on our life's journey.

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

Academic year offered:

2026-27

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:

2026-27

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:

2026-27

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:

2026-27

High School Humanities Courses

History Through Architecture

Architecture is more than a series of buildings – it is a living record of humanity’s changing life. In this four‑week Main Lesson, students follow a narrative journey from prehistoric megaliths and Egyptian pyramids to the soaring cathedrals of the Middle Ages, the harmony and proportion of the Renaissance, the daring innovations of the Industrial Revolution, and modern skyscrapers.

10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, High School

Academic year offered:

2026-27