The uniqueness of the Waldorf curriculum lies primarily in how and when the children are taught, rather than in what is taught. In presenting material, first comes the encounter; then encounter becomes experience; and out of experience crystallizes the concept. Perception, feeling, idea: three steps in a genuine learning process that prepares the student for abstract and intellectual thinking.

Waldorf schools are organized to make the relationship between student and teacher as fruitful as possible. Each morning the children spend the first two hours of the day with their Class Teacher. During this time when young minds are freshest, they intensively study a block from one of the core subjects. The teacher has time to enter each subject in depth and to approach it in a variety of ways; time to enliven each topic with the arts. Thus, intellectual learning is always combined with artistic and practical work. After three or four weeks, when one topic has been fully explored, a new main lesson block is introduced. Please see our application packet for a summary of main lesson block curriculum.

Special subject classes and language arts or math practice periods are scheduled after the main lesson. Each subject class is held 2-3 times per week after lunch and recess, and is taught by a specialist. Most special subjects begin in 1st grade, with material and skill development appropriate for each grade. Subject classes include:
Spanish (Grades 1-8)
German (Grades 1-8)
Handwork (Grades 1-8)
Woodwork (Grades 4-8)
Choir (Grades 3-8)
String Ensemble taught by MacPhail Center for Music (Grades 3-8)
Recorder/Orff Ensemble (Grades 7-8)
Circus Arts (Grades 5-8)
Movement/Games (Grades 1-8)

City of Lakes Waldorf School Graduates
City of Lakes Waldorf School eighth graders take many paths after graduating. Some attend Watershed High School, a Waldorf-inspired public charter school. Recent CLWS graduates also attend the Blake School, St. Paul Academy, Benilde-St. Margaret, De La Salle, Minneapolis South and Minneapolis Southwest High Schools. Our students have gone on to many different colleges including Wellesley, Juilliard, MIT, Sarah Lawrence, Hampshire and Wesleyan, among others.

2344 Nicollet Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404

ph: 612-767-1550
fax: 612-874-0262

email: enrollment@clws.org

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