Highland Hall Waldorf School Celebrates Its 70^th Anniversary - Article for 91302 Magazine Published in December 2024

Nestled among the rolling Northridge hills of the San Fernando Valley, Highland Hall Waldorf School is an oasis for joyful learning. The sights and sounds here are as timeless as the land beneath them: Honeybees buzzing, and violin strings finding their pitch. Chickens clucking about the biodynamic farm, and the artful clanging of the blacksmithing forge. Everything here is connected, whether the tethers are readily apparent or not.

You can see it when you walk into a classroom: These spaces are rich in their color and warmth. It’s evident in the thoughtfulness of the nurturing teachers. It’s clear in the eyes of the engaged students from Preschool through 12th Grade. It’s undeniable in the words of the parents sharing a knitting circle or educational forum.

So, why do students love learning at Highland Hall? Because Waldorf education acknowledges each distinct stage of child development, and tailors the subject matter and teaching methods to meet them. It transcends mere rote learning and engages the whole child in the educational process. Students build interdisciplinary problem-solving capacities, learn how to authentically express themselves, and develop a genuine life-long love for learning.

And why do parents seek out Highland Hall for their children? Some families begin attending Highland Hall in Parent and Child classes which empower newer parents with an arsenal of parenting approaches, help build community with other parents and allow children to socialize within age-appropriate playgroups.

For the Preschool and Kindergarten aged child, Highland Hall builds the foundations of literacy and social engagement, while fostering a child’s wonder and imagination.

In First through Eighth Grade, the students often enjoy the continuity of having the same class teacher for multiple years, which builds meaningful relationships over time, so teachers have a deep insight in to each student’s academic and emotional development. Our faculty integrates movement, music, rhythm, and storytelling into every subject, bringing the material to life, and fostering a true sense of wonder and joy. These class teachers are supported by special subject teachers who deliver the wide breadth of curriculum like Mandarin, Spanish, music, handwork, practical arts, and gardening. The multi-modal curriculum fosters curiosity and creativity, imbuing students with confidence in a way that is both engaging and fun.

Waldorf education at the High School level is college preparatory, and academic achievement is promoted through an intellectually challenging, interdisciplinary, and artistically integrated curriculum. Core subjects are explored through lecture, discussion, written and artistic projects that allow for deep immersion into the subject matter. Independent study, sports teams, clubs, study abroad exchange, and trips afford students an opportunity to further enrich their experience.

Alumni have recognized the value of a Highland Hall education throughout its 70-year history:

“What Highland Hall gave me was an enthusiasm and passion for learning and being creative. Those things are much more important to your success in college and beyond.”

~ David White, Attorney, Highland Hall Class of ‘81, Harvard Law School Class of 1993

70th Anniversary Spring Soiree

Celebrating 70 years of Waldorf Education at Highland Hall Waldorf School