PWHS students spend four years immersed in a richly integrated academic, artistic, and social education. Guided by expert teachers, Waldorf high schoolers explore the sciences, arts, and humanities through experiential projects, language study and foreign exchange opportunities, and environmental and sustainability education.
Science

9th Grade: Anatomy, Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Geology

10th Grade: Mechanics, Acids & Bases, Meteorology, Physiology

11th Grade: Astronomy, Electricity & Magnetism, Botany, Chemistry

12th Grade: Zoology, Biochemistry, Optics, Science Elective (topics in Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Math

9th Grade: Algebra I or II, Combinations & Permutations

10th Grade: Geometry, Greek Geometry

11th Grade: Algebra II or Precalculus, Projective Geometry

12th Grade: Precalculus or Calculus

History

9th Grade: US Colonialism & US Revolution, World History through Revolutions, World History through Art

10th Grade: Africa, Ancient History, US History, Civics

11th Grade: Rome & the Middle Ages, The Age of Discovery, The Middle East, Music History

12th Grade: The Global Economy, History of Architecture, America in the Modern World

English

9th Grade: Comedy & Tragedy, Grammar, Short Stories, Biography, Literature of the Pacific Rim

10th Grade: The Odyssey, American Literature, Poetry, Creation Stories

11th Grade: Parzival, Romantic Poetry, Dante and the Romantics, Cultural Identities, Shakespeare

12th Grade: Transcendentalism, Russian Literature, Senior Essay

Arts

All Four Years: Music (choice of Choir, Orchestra, Guitar, African Drumming)

9th Grade: Basketry, Coppersmithing, Fine Arts

10th Grade: Spinning & Weaving, Woodworking & Marquetry, Fine Arts

11th Grade: Blacksmithing, Book Arts, Fine Arts

12th Grade: Painting, Sculpture, Book Arts, Fiber Arts, Auto Mechanics

Health & Wellness, College & Career, Internships

All Four Years: Health & Wellness Skills

11th grade: ACT preparation, Internship Elective, College & Career Counseling

12th Grade: Senior Project, Apprenticeships Elective, Internship Elective, College & Career Counseling

College & Career Success: PWHS prepares its graduates for a wide variety of prestigious colleges and rewarding careers. Click for a sampling of PWHS college acceptances, and read our High School Newsletter for alumni stories.

Technology

9th Grade: Typing, Word Processing, File Sharing

10th Grade: Photo Manipulation, Spreadsheets & Graphing, Publishing Software, Website Design & Coding

11th/12th Grade Elective: Computer & Robotics Lab, Game Creation, Basic Circuits, Circuit Boards

Foreign Language
Spanish, German
Outdoor Education

9th Grade 

10th Grade:

  • Outdoor Week: Camping, Tracking, Plant Identification

11th Grade:

  • Outdoor Week: Backpacking, Sustainable Practices
  • LivingLAB Elective

12th Grade:

  • Outdoor Week: Retreat & 48-Hour Solo Sit
  • LivingLAB Elective
Honors Curriculum
Unlike AP and IB classes which usually have a set curriculum preparing students for the big test, PWHS Honors curriculum allows Honors level work and credit to be made available in any course through an agreement between the student and teacher. Teachers encourage students to be curious and look for ways to challenge themselves and connect their personal interests to the curriculum. In any given class, students who are performing well with the regular curriculum can gain Honors by doing extra research in addition to the regular expectations of the class. They then work with the teacher to design a unique essay topic, presentation or tangible product that demonstrates what they’ve learned. This added work results in the course becoming an Honors course and provides a bump in the student’s GPA.
Drama & Movement
All Four Years: Drama (including games, skits & monologues, theatrical production), Eurythmy, Physical Education
Extracurricular Activities

Athletics: Cross Country, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Track & Field, or other sports through our OSAA membership

Leadership Opportunities: Student Council, Student Ambassador Program

Clubs (vary based on student interest): Speech and Debate, Jazz Band, Culture Club, Bowling, Yearbook, Chess Club, Literature Club, Math Club, Film Club

After high school, graduates go on to a wide variety of prestigious colleges and rewarding careers, pursuing such varied topics as: biological anthropology, teaching, neuroscience & technology, social science, political science, hospitality, chiropractic care, chemistry, writing, film, biology, music, organic farming, grant writing, art, wilderness education, architecture, community organizing, interior design, Peace Corps volunteerism, communications, clothing design, and more.
Melting aluminum for bell-casting at the forge
High School Orchestra
Backpacking Summit
9th Grade Geology Main Lesson Book
Under the Microscope
10th Grade Watercolor Study
COME VISIT

Shadow a Student
Discover a day in the life of a PWHS student – a chance to explore our curriculum and school culture from within. For prospective students in Grade 8 or above.

RSVP: Connie Vera

For more opportunities to learn about PWHS in person, check out How to Visit. 

HOW TO APPLY

Accepting Applications for Rolling Admissions*

*as space permits

Apply for High School

Questions? Connie Vera

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

9th Grade Scholarship Application
Due: Jan 19, 2018
Group Interview: Feb 3, 2018

Two merit-based scholarships are offered for applicants to the Class of 2022 for the 2018-19 school year.

Learn more and apply!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
For international students interested in attending PWHS for a year or more, click to learn more about our International Student Program.

High School News

9th Grade Farm Week

9th Grade Farm Week

Every year, PWHS 9th graders spend a week at different farms throughout Oregon. They get the experience of working on the farm alongside a small group of their classmates.  This year, we caught up with one group at Geercrest Farm– an incredibly beautiful farm...

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Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

It is with great pride that we send this class of wonderful seniors out into the world! More than half of this graduating class have been at PWS since early childhood, and they take their next steps to college, work, and travel with a combined 160+ years as students...

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It’s Senior Project Time at Portland Waldorf!

It’s Senior Project Time at Portland Waldorf!

Photo|Jesse Michener Each year, we are pleased to announce the presentation of senior projects. Based on their interests, each senior undertakes an independent research project that culminates in an essay, an activity (usually related), and an oral report. Seniors...

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