Waldorf Academy Toronto (https://waldorfacademy.org) is an alternative private school in Toronto Ontario with over 30 years of experience educating young minds from Pre-K to Grade 8. Part of the educational tradition of Waldorf schools, Waldorf Academy Toronto offers a stimulating, nurturing, and creative learning environment. Visit us at: 250 Madison Ave, Toronto, ON M4V 2W6 | (416) 962-6447 | https://goo.gl/maps/jTkqUYheaDu

1. Waldorf Middle School
Waldorf Academy
Grades 6-8

2. Typical day,
Seventh Grade
8:35 – 8:45 Welcome and movement
8:45 – 9:00 Music, Speech, Mental Math and Grammar
9:00 – 10:35 Main Lesson: Example: Physiology
• Review and practice from previous lessons. Students are asked to review
and explain the complex systems of the human body in their own words.
• New lesson
• Quiet working time. Writing (using notes from previous day and review
that morning) and illustrating systems in Main Lesson book.
• Historical stories from the Renaissance, these stories meet the “birth of
the individual” in 7th grade
Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8

3. Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8
Typical day,
Seventh Grade
10:35 – 11:15 Snack & Recess
11:15 – 11:55 Math*
11:55 – 12:35 French*
12:35 – 12:55 Lunch
12:55 – 1:35 Phys-ed*
1:35 – 1:55 DEAR
1:55 – 2:35 Handwork*
2:35 – 3:15 Cyber Civics
3:15 – 3:25 Chores / Closing of the Day
3:25 Dismissal
* indicates that class is taught by a special subjects teacher.

4. Overview Grade 6
Curriculum
• The sixth grade curriculum covers a range of ideas
and builds capacities in multiple areas. Having
developed strong writing skills in earlier years, sixth
graders focus on longer forms, such as essay writing.
Science lesson blocks cover earth science — complete
with an outdoor adventure — astronomy and physics.
Math blocks focus on business math, pre-algebra and
geometry.
• History lesson blocks are fascinating and sweeping.
We learn about the Roman Empire and medieval
history and delve into the cultural developments that
took place during these periods. We also build on the
concepts introduced the previous year with physical
and economic geography.
Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8

5. Overview of Grade 7
• In the seventh grade, history lessons cover the the
Renaissance, Reformation and Age of Discovery/Encounters.
Lessons are layered with science blocks in biology — human
physiology and health — physics and chemistry, all of which
have interesting links back to the time periods covered in
history blocks. Cultural geography is covered, and math lessons
include algebra and geometry. Throughout the year, students
also pursue their studies in art, music and writing. Creative
writing is a major focus this year, along with essay writing and
grammar.
• The seventh grade is also a year of expanding horizons. We
plan/fundraise trips that builds leadership skills, self-reliance
and teamwork.
Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8

6. Overview of Grade 8
• The eighth grade marks the final year in a student’s journey
through the Waldorf Academy. What began as a curriculum
steeped in fairy tales and legends, now moves to the lessons of the
French Revolution, the American Revolution, the Civil Rights
Movement and other watershed moments from 1600 to the
present day.
• Math lesson blocks covering algebra and geometry, and science
blocks continuing work in physics, chemistry and biology all help to
prepare our students for high school. Many students enter into
academic, AP, IB classes in their new school the following year.
Strong writing and presentation skills have been emphasized
throughout their time at Waldorf Academy. The students write
formal research papers and continue developing their expository
and creative writing skills as well as oral language skills. The Hero’s
Journey combines many of these threads.
Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8

7. Overview
of Grade 8
• The eighth grade culminates with trips to local historical sites,
cultural events and often a visit to another region in the country.
Eighth graders also design and carry out an intensive year-long
independent project and present their work at an all-school
community assembly in the spring.
Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8

8. Athletics
Waldorf Academy offers a variety of after
school team sports for our middle school
students. We believe that providing a
healthy balance between academics and
physical activity will greatly enrich our
students’ experience at school.
• Our athletes have the opportunity to learn team-building skills and
develop healthy bodies for life. Athletes learn the importance of discipline,
respect, and sportsmanship whatever the outcome of a game may be.
• Middle school students are encouraged to join the established girls or
boys volleyball team, and the boys or girls basketball teams.
• The schools with whom we compete are of similar size and have a range of
program experience and maturity. This allows for young and small schools
such as Waldorf Academy to play competitively. Because Waldorf Academy
is committed to inclusion and participation, all of our sports are open to any
student who commits to coming to practice and playing. We have no tryouts
or cuts for teams. Our coach places a heavy emphasis on sportsmanship.
Through the coach, our students are inspired to reach their athletic
potential and show outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field.
Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8

9. Middle School
Waldorf Academy
• “Cyber Civics” a curriculum for middle school on
“digital citizenship” and “digital literacy.”
• The curriculum is divided into three years, for sixth
grade (“Digital Citizenship”), seventh grade
(“Information Literacy”), and eighth grade (“Media
Literacy for Positive Participation”). Topics include a
basic understanding of digital technology, online
privacy and safety, digital drama and cyberbullying,
sexting, Internet research, stereotypes in media, what’s
“news,” and more. At the heart of the curriculum are
the social, behavioral, and critical thinking skills that
young people need to use technology with integrity,
safety, and self-awareness.
• Cyber Civics was recently honored with the 2017
Media Literacy Teacher Award from the National
Association of Media Literacy Education.
• SCOPE- service clubs
• HEALTH
• Rites of Passage: Grade 1 buddies, Rose Ceremony,
• Games to welcome grade 6 students
• Grade 8 graduation
• Student Assemblies
• Coffeehouse
• Parent Evenings, Parent Service
• PINE
• Class trips
Waldorf Academy Grades 6-8

10. Waldorf Middle School
Waldorf Academy
Grades 6-8