High School

Ninth grade asks, what is in front of me?

Students begin high school enveloped in an emotional soul life, yet seeing the world primarily in black and white. As they navigate this sea of uncertainty, we challenge them to examine the world around them and focus on the certain. What do I observe? How does this work? Our ninth grade students learn to assess the world objectively, beyond thoughts, feelings, and value judgments. Can they be present in the world on its own terms? The tension of this adolescent phase is mirrored in the study of polar opposites, from heat and cold (thermodynamics), to extremes of conservative and radical thought (modern history).

Tenth grade asks, how does the world fit together?

In tenth grade, students are more grounded and confidence grows. Ready to more deeply engage the objective world, they demand proof. Building connections, detecting processes, and tracing logic, they develop a clearer picture of how the world works. What are the processes that create a river, a work of art, or a mathematical proof? How did we get from woolly mammoths to the written word? Students perform an in-depth, scientific sleep study to objectively integrate concepts in human physiology, and replicate master painters to grasp the nuances of how their works of art were created.

Eleventh grade asks, why are these things important?

By eleventh grade, students have an increased potential for self-reflection, discerning motive, and taking responsibility for themselves within their community. Building on observation skills developed in the lower grades, they “come home” to their thoughts and feelings and begin objective observation of themselves. The curriculum weaves through the study of self, from a focus on the birth of individualism in the Renaissance to the study of the developing human being in embryology. Mirroring their own development, students dive into Parzival, a medieval classic about finding one’s destiny through failure and making amends. Finding their unique gifts, they ask: what am I called to do?

Twelfth grade asks, who am I, and what is the world asking of me?

Seniors are ready to ask big questions about who they are, and what they are meant to do in the world. Able to think both analytically and creatively, students draw back and seek a global perspective in modern philosophy, literature, and science. A capstone senior project involving research, creation, and community service gives students the opportunity to move from solving problems they are given, to identifying and studying problems they are passionate to address. Students emerge viewing themselves and others with equal measures of objectivity and compassion and are prepared to use their individual gifts to make an impact in the world.

Extracurriculars & Clubs

Our clubs are an opportunity for students to explore interests, nurture passions, and have fun. You can perfect your cooking skills and compete in the Junior Iron Chef, organize a project to restore the environment or help plan the ever-popular Spirit Week. If the club you want doesn’t exist, then you can create it.

Examples of Current Clubs:

• GSA
• Gardening Club
• Theater Club
• Yearbook Club
• Dungeons and Dragons Club
• Rock Climbing Club
• Junior Iron Chef

Athletics

At Lake Champlain Waldorf School, everyone makes the team. Cooperation, respect, and the joy of playing are fundamental values of our athletic program. Whether you want to play competitive soccer or basketball, chase plastic on our Ultimate Frisbee team, or increase your own fitness through triathlon training, we have the team for you. Our soccer and basketball teams compete against other private school teams, traveling in the greater Burlington area and around Vermont and New York for games. In addition, our basketball teams participate in an annual tournament with eight other Waldorf high schools in Pennsylvania. Students may also participate on other schools’ teams for sports not offered at our school, as permitted by the guidelines of the Vermont Principals’ Association.

College Acceptance List