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
Under the Microscope
Backpacking Summit
10th Grade Watercolor Study
9th Grade Geology Main Lesson Book
High School Orchestra
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

2018-19 Applications Accepted as Space Permits

2019-20 Application Deadline: January 23, 2019

Apply for High School

Questions? Connie Vera

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

9th Grade Scholarship Application

Information about merit-based scholarships for the 2019-20 school year coming soon.

Meet last year’s recipients!

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

PWHS Delegation Attends Model UN Conference

For the first time PWHS was represented at the Model United Nations – Oregon’s oldest youth organization – on the University of Oregon and Northwest Christian University’s campus in Eugene this year. From Thursday, April 12 until Saturday, April 14, approximately...

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PWHS Class of 2022 Scholarship Recipients

PWHS Class of 2022 Scholarship Recipients

Every year, Portland Waldorf High School selects two rising 9th grade students for a merit-based scholarship, which will cover half of each student’s tuition for four years! This year’s scholarship applicants were asked to demonstrate a balance of...

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Ten Year Reunion: Class of 2007

Ten Year Reunion: Class of 2007

The Class of 2007 celebrated their Ten Year Reunion this month! A tremendous thank you to all who came out to celebrate — it was wonderful to see classmates, parents, and teachers all gathered together to catch up, share stories and memories, and pore over old...

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