High School

Through vibrant and engaging class discussions, students discern that education in its truest sense comes not from knowing the correct answers but from learning how to ask insightful questions. Our faculty are experts in their fields–innovative educators and lifelong learners who spend the time to truly see, hear, and educate the students in front of them.  Students are fully prepared for the rigors of higher education and the world beyond. We want our students to develop a keen sense of individuality while fostering an awareness of the consequences of their actions. Our education aims to nurture within students a respect for themselves, one another, and a healthy world community.

Main Lesson

The Main Lesson is central to the High School student’s experience. This 90-minute seminar-type class meets daily and focuses on nine specific topics in a defined sequence each year. Its extended length allows students to approach the topic through many modalities, adding depth and breadth to their understanding. With four weeks dedicated to each Main Lesson class, during a humanities Main Lesson, students learn to critically consider multiple viewpoints, question assumptions, and develop an empathetic understanding of others.  In the sciences, the emphasis is on observing phenomena, gathering information, and recording data to build concepts. 

 Through a primarily project-based and process-oriented approach to learning, High School students develop their perceptual and analytical capacities as a mode of learning about the world around them. Using primary source materials and first-person observation, students directly engage with humankind’s great and enduring ideas. Students create Main Lesson books, including research, essays, creative writing, scientific observations, charts, maps, and artistic work. These books are both a record and a culmination of their study; they become valuable resources and cherished creations, referenced by students for years to come.

Yearlong Core Academic Classes

After the 20-minute break, students have daily, year-long 40-minute classes in core academic subjects such as Math, Language Arts, Science, World Languages, and History. Many of the courses are split, creating small classes that allow extra focus on the breadth and depth of material while each student can build a relationship with the teacher and the subject matter.

The Arts, Music, and Theatre

All students practice Visual Arts, Woodworking, Fiber Arts, Music, and Theatre to build flexibility, creativity, and imagination. The scope and depth of the art offerings create new understandings of form and function, explore permutations and possibilities, and teach skill and precision. 

P.E., Clubs, and Electives

All High School students participate in Physical Education twice a week and may choose two electives ranging in topics from Horticulture to Model UN, Yearbook, Web Design, Song Writing, Chess, and SAT prep. Our electives seek to meet our students’ curiosity and burgeoning interests. WSGC students are interested in the world, and their lunchtime clubs reflect their diverse interests, ranging from allyship and affinity groups to student government and community service clubs. 

College Guidance & Acceptances

The College Guidance Office is committed to supporting students and parents alike with each important step on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery. From the introspective beginnings of the search, to collaborating as we identify appropriate college choices, to encouraging students as they put their best foot forward in their applications, and finally, to listening and counseling as they make their decisions on where to attend, we take pride in our attentiveness to the needs and care of each individual. Our greatest rewards come as we watch our students gain in self-awareness and confidence, knowing they are prepared to thrive as scholars, community members, and servant leaders in college and beyond.

Throughout the college admissions process, the chief concern is giving each student and family the tools they need to find the right match: that institution best suited to offer academic and personal challenges appropriate to each student’s abilities and interests following graduation from the Waldorf School of Garden City. The College Office provides support at this pivotal point in our students’ lives when they are asserting their independence, defining their dreams for the future, and preparing for the transition to college. Click below to see the full college profile including recent acceptances.