A Message from our High School Chair
At The Waldorf School of San Diego we believe that every teenager deserves to be challenged and supported.
Consider the following reflections from Charles and Dori Kaufman, the owners of one of San Diego's premier local companies, Bread and Cie Bakery and Cafe. The Kaufman's daughter is a member of our tenth grade class.
Dear Parents,
When our daughter was in 8th grade, we scoured San Diego exploring high school options. We were not familiar with Waldorf schools but today, after a year as the "new family on the block," we have become passionate advocates and ambassadors on behalf of the WSSD’s High School.
What were our criteria for choosing a high school? We wanted a learning environment
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where E.Q. (emotional quotient) is as honored and nurtured as I.Q.;
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where practicing the values of a compassionate, respectful, inclusive community is a requirement not just an elective;
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where academic excellence is promoted by a substantive, engaging curriculum that inspires and stretches students;
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where individual voices are encouraged and valued, not dismissed;
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where faculty members’ passion and enthusiasm infuse the subject matter as well as their relationships with students;
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where "love of learning" is deepened by scholarly exploration, not dampened by rote memorization;
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where we, as parents, are encouraged, not marginalized, to work in partnership with teachers on behalf of our child;
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where anonymity and "falling through the cracks" simply are not options.
Sound impossible? It’s not. When we decided as a family that this high school would become the next stepping stone, we took a huge leap of faith. A year later, our expectations have not only been realized but exceeded: from Oedipus Rex to metalsmithing, from social justice to plate tectonics and linear equations, from Kendo martial arts, foreign languages and Latin dance to grammar, note taking and time management. This academic high school journey resembles an intellectual candy store. It’s dynamic, challenging, inspiring and intertwined with real-world experience.
As we speak to friends whose teenagers attend other high schools, we are always dumbfounded because in so many schools, the "why" in subject matter is sacrificed for the "what." The more facts/more tests/more homework methodology not only dampens and short-circuits many students’ enthusiasm, but also sacrifices meaningful discourse and scholarly understanding. At our high school, students are always given the opportunity to analyze, question, debate, and imagine. In our opinion, these skills provide the most meaningful springboard for future success both in academia and in life.
Perhaps most important is the fact that our daughter wakes up each morning eager to come to school. How many parents of a high school teenager are able to say that? We strongly encourage you to consider WSSD's high school for your own adolescent's journey. We are in the trenches and we see first-hand the amazing achievements that occur on a day-to-day basis.
Dori and Charles Kaufman
Please use the tabs on the left to find out more about our methods and goals in each area of our curriculum. You can view our ninth grade schedule and our tenth grade schedule for an introduction to our curriculum.
You may read a San Diego Union Tribune article about our students' work with Greg Mortenson, the renowned humanitarian and author of Three Cups of Tea, here: http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081023/news_1cz23pennies.html
Finally, if you wish to view an electronic version of the high school brochure, please use the following link: WSSD High School brochure.
Please contact me. I look forward to welcoming you to our school.
Sincerely,
Nathan Wilcox
High School Chair and Humanities Faculty Member, WSSD
619.287.3054 ext. 302