Middle School

Step into the dynamic realm of Middle School, where the intellectual horizons of developing students unfurl and deepen.

These transformative years mark a significant expansion in both the depth and breadth of subjects, weaving a rich tapestry of knowledge that sparks new perceptions about the world. Our experimental, hands-on approach remains the bedrock of study, ensuring that each student actively engages with the learning process. Through this immersive methodology, students not only absorb information but also cultivate a deep appreciation for the art of discovery, the power of creative, divergent thinking, and the interconnectedness of knowledge.

A middle school student typing at a laptop in a classroom at Waldorf School of Baltimore

Curriculum At A Glance

We view curriculum as everything that happens during our time together with the children. We believe that each experience is an opportunity to learn, build relationships and foster a thriving community that nurtures children, teachers, and families.

Sixth Grade

Sixth grade is a transformative year in Waldorf education, marking a shift in students' perception of the world around them. As they move into the middle school classroom area, they are met with higher expectations and a curriculum that encourages more independent research and self-reflection. This is a time when students begin to evaluate their own work and behavior more objectively, with letter grades introduced alongside narrative reports to support their growth.

With the increasing structure in their daily routines, students become more interested in concepts of power, justice, and fairness. Discussions often arise around the rule of law, especially when students are involved in creating the classroom rules themselves, exploring how justice has evolved through history.

History comes alive in the sixth grade, where students delve into biographies and the fascinating cultures of Ancient Rome, Northern Africa, the Celts, and Islam. The study of the Middle Ages and Renaissance ignites curiosity, laying the foundation for future exploration into pre-Columbian, colonial American history, and beyond.

In science, students explore geology hands-on, working with rocks, gems, and minerals while learning about the environmental conditions that shape these natural wonders. Their study of physics also begins in this year, deepening their understanding of the world around them.

Economics becomes a vital part of the curriculum as students learn about money, budgeting, and its impact on individuals and communities. Through engaging projects like creating personal budgets or running a small business, they begin to understand how these skills affect both themselves and the world around them.

Seventh Grade

Seventh grade is a pivotal time at Waldorf, as students begin to see the world in terms of right and wrong, cause and effect.

This developmental shift makes it the ideal time to study subjects where these polarities come into play. Chemistry, Astronomy, and Physics give students the chance to objectively examine opposites, while history and social studies explore pivotal moments like the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the history of Islam. These subjects are brought to life through creative expression, including poetry, art, and inventions. Seventh graders also explore subjectivity through creative and research writing in both science and history.

One of the most exciting aspects of seventh grade is how academic learning is connected to hands-on experiences. Students gain a deeper understanding of the Renaissance by constructing a shirt using methods from the 1400s. They hand-dye their cloth using natural dyes exploring how art and history intersect and understanding the broader impacts of science on everyday life, like textile production.

In math, students receive more individualized attention, with small groups focused on their readiness to transition from concrete to abstract concepts. Algebra begins in seventh grade, and by the end of eighth grade, most students will have completed Algebra I.

The arts continue to play a significant role in seventh grade, with students learning to recreate famous works from the Renaissance, mastering human figure proportions, and exploring light and perspective.

Through these experiences, seventh graders are not only deepening their academic knowledge but also developing a sense of responsibility and self-awareness that will guide them into the next phase of their educational journey.

Eighth Grade

Eighth grade at Waldorf represents both a culmination of the middle school experience and a pivotal transition to high school and beyond. It is a time when students stand on the precipice of adolescence, where their questions become sharper, and the stakes feel higher. No longer just locating themselves on a map, they are now navigating the forces that have shaped the world.

This year is defined by revolutions—studied not only in history but also within the students themselves. As they explore revolutions in thought, science, politics, and mathematics, eighth graders learn that there is often more than one way to approach a problem. In mathematics, even algebra reveals a deeper truth: a single problem may have multiple solutions, reflecting the broader reality that different perspectives can coexist.

In preparation for the of high school, the scope and expectations of research projects intensify. Students write papers, both pen to paper and typed, or conduct research projects for every unit of study, learning to discern reliable sources, sharpen time management skills, and develop strong note-taking techniques to compose essays and prepare for tests.

Eighth grade science is deeply engaging, with students studying meteorology, hydrodynamics, and carbon chemistry—subjects that are both fast-moving and essential.

In the arts, eighth graders assume leadership roles in the orchestra, where music becomes a collaborative effort. Their visual art becomes more precise, with defined lines and modern self-image projects. Theater productions take center stage as students work on full-scale productions with multiple performances, inviting the broader community to experience their creativity.

A highlight of eighth grade is the week-long camping trip, where students bond, face challenges, and develop leadership and teamwork skills. This memorable adventure marks the end of their Waldorf journey, offering a meaningful connection to each other and the world around them.

Eighth grade is not just an academic year but a time when students embrace their roles as leaders, expanding their sense of responsibility and preparing to navigate the complexities of the world beyond Waldorf. It is a year of deep exploration, self-discovery, and readiness for the next chapter.

As the middle school years culminate, Waldorf students emerge as well-rounded individuals brimming with confidence and a genuine zest for learning. They carry a robust foundation that serves as a springboard for their educational journeys and future contributions to the broader community. The intellectual, emotional, and practical pillars upon which their education rests fortify them, enabling them not only to navigate the future but to actively shape it for themselves and their fellow human beings.

At Waldorf, education transcends mere academia—it cultivates individuals poised to make meaningful and positive impacts on the world.

I really enjoyed my time at Waldorf, but didn’t realize how special it was until I went to a different school. My Waldorf education taught me how to look at things from a different perspective and I will value it for the rest of my life.

– Lily, Class of 2021

A middle school student pours colorful liquid into a beaker at Waldorf School of Baltimore

INQUIRE

VISIT

APPLY

Two female students hold up their knitting at Waldorf School of Baltimore

Subject Classes Grades 6 - 8

Making Connections Across The Curriculum

In middle school, students continue to engage in a fully integrated learning experience that combines core academics with special subject classes led by qualified specialists and working artists. These diverse, hands-on classes deepen their understanding and build skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while reinforcing core subjects and introducing students to a broad range of human culture and capacity.

As students take on more responsibility, they develop essential life skills like time management, collaboration, and resilience. The chance to deepen talents and to explore new interests boosts their confidence and emotional growth, preparing them to meet the academic and social challenges of high school and beyond.

ENVIROMENTAL SCIENCE

As a USDE Green Ribbon School, recognized with the highest national honor for earth stewardship and environmental education, we take pride in offering a curriculum that integrates sustainability and a deep respect for the environment.

The Waldorf middle school curriculum that weaves together phenomenological science, environmental awareness, service learning opportunities and environmental justice principles.

Four students pour mulch into a large container at Waldorf School of Baltimore

APPLIED FIBER ARTS

In Middle School, applied fiber arts are all about honing skills while creating meaningful projects that connect students to both their craft and their community.

In 6th grade, students revisit hand-sewing skills and learn to create a doll, carefully molding the head and crafting a body pattern that’s proportional to the doll’s head. As they work, they not only sharpen their focus and fine motor skills but also develop patience and the ability to manage their own projects.

In 7th grade, the students work together to dye wool yarn for the entire school, learning about natural dyes and mordanting. They also make a lined bag with a hand-embroidered design they create themselves, refining their sewing skills and learning to manage a long-term project with care.

By 8th grade, students are introduced to the sewing machine, where they continue to improve their skills while making individual projects. Through these hands-on experiences, students not only build technical skills but also develop a strong sense of community, environmental awareness, and personal responsibility as they choose fabrics thoughtfully and reuse materials when possible.

A female student knits a sock at Waldorf School of Baltimore

FINE ARTS AND WOODSHOP

In the Waldorf middle school curriculum, the Fine Arts program offers students a rich and varied exploration of creativity through diverse mediums such as charcoal, colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, and clay. Students not only develop their artistic skills but also engage deeply with the principles of perspective drawing, master artist portraiture, and other sophisticated techniques that nurture both technical mastery and creative expression.

In the wood-shop, students gain invaluable hands-on experience by crafting functional and meaningful objects like wooden spoons, bowls, and stools. Working with foraged wood and hand tools, students learn the art of craftsmanship and develop a deep appreciation for the process of creation.

Woodworking is not just about creating tangible objects; it instills a range of important life skills—patience, focus, problem-solving, and an understanding of materials and their natural properties. In today’s increasingly digital world, the opportunity to work with one’s hands fosters mindfulness, fosters self-sufficiency, and connects students to their environment in a way that is deeply grounding.

A female elementary school student carves a wooden spoon at Waldorf School of Baltimore

CLASS PLAYS/DRAMA

At Waldorf, every class brings a story to life through an annual play, transforming tales into vibrant performances that blend movement, memorization, and character work.

The 8th grade play is a cornerstone moment, showcasing the creativity and teamwork of the students in a full-scale production open to the greater Baltimore community. It’s a beautiful celebration of their hard work, talent, and collaboration, inviting everyone to experience the magic they’ve created together.

Three seventh grade female students pose in costumes for the seventh grade play

WORLD LANGUAGE: SPANISH

Taught by an experienced native-speaking teacher, the Spanish curriculum is deeply connected to Main Lesson studies, enriching students’ understanding through cultural immersion. Alongside language skills, they explore the history, geography, and customs of Spanish-speaking countries.

Through reading and retelling stories, short plays, and articles, students strengthen their comprehension and expression while building a solid foundation in grammar. By Middle School, they develop a strong command of Spanish, allowing them to engage in complex conversations with confidence.

A male middle school student focuses on his lesson at Waldorf School of Baltimore

EURYTHMY

Eurythmy is a unique movement art practiced in Waldorf schools that brings language, music, and rhythm to life through gesture and form. It includes three key disciplines:

Speech Eurythmy: Gestures and movements corresponding to the sounds of spoken language.
Tone Eurythmy: Movements that align with the elements of a musical composition.
Copper Rod Exercises: Activities that help children develop balance, uprightness, and spatial awareness.

Eurythmy supports children's growth at various developmental stages, enhancing physical coordination, cognitive ability, and emotional expression. Through this practice, students learn to connect deeply with language, music, and the world around them, fostering creativity, balance, and a strong mind-body connection.

Through group movement exercises, students develop a sense of harmony, collaboration, and inner balance—skills that support their academic, artistic, and social growth.

The Waldorf School of Baltimore Eurythmy teacher instructs her students

GAMES AND PHYS ED

Middle school brings a shift toward more competitive sports and personal fitness goals. Students participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field, focusing on refining skills and understanding advanced game strategies. They set personal fitness goals, with training designed to build endurance, strength, and speed. Leadership and teamwork are central, with students stepping into roles like team captains and referees.

In addition to physical education classes, middle school students can compete in afterschool basketball, soccer, and track and field programs, facing off against other K-8 private schools. The curriculum also emphasizes injury prevention, proper warm-ups, and recovery techniques, preparing them for high school athletics while fostering lifelong fitness habits.

Middle school students play basketball at the Waldorf School of Baltimore

CHORAL/INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

In the sculptural and pictorial realm, we look at beauty, and we live it; in the musical realm we ourselves become beauty.
– Rudolf Steiner

Middle school students deepen their musical abilities through both chorus and instrumental ensembles, refining their technical skills and performance confidence. Students can continue their studies in cello or violin, explore their favorite instrument in jazz and mixed instrumental ensembles, or start learning guitar.

Rehearse and perform three-part and mixed ensemble repertoire in sectional rehearsals for the Middle School Chorus, which performs three times per year.
Practice scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions in their instrumental ensembles.
Gain familiarity with technical terms describing musical form, style, expressive markings, and various musical periods and genres.
Strengthen their choral and instrumental techniques, enhancing both rehearsal and performance skills.
Work rhythmically, melodically, and harmonically in a variety of keys and modes.

A group of students drumming in an ensemble at Waldorf School of Baltimore

RECESS

Yup that's right. We call recess a subject, because it is just as important as one!

Developmental science and neuroscience confirm that children of all ages need daily movement and recess to learn effectively—it is not optional. At Waldorf, this applies to every student, including middle schoolers, who enjoy two recess periods every day, no matter the weather. This essential time outdoors supports cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall academic success, ensuring students stay engaged, focused, and ready to learn.

Students play on a structure at Waldorf School of Baltimore

Middle School students sit talking on the grounds of Waldorf School of Baltimore

In This Section