GRADES 6-8

The seeds of academic thoroughness begin to germinate in 6th, 7th and 8th grade Main Lessons.

The curriculum continues to broaden and deepen the knowledge and skills introduced in the lower grades. Technology is seamlessly and appropriately integrated throughout the curriculum. Additionally, students are introduced to computer programming in the eighth grade Introduction to Computer Science course. World language advances from conversational accomplishment in Spanish and German to encompass reading and writing. Orchestra, band, and chorus undertake more complex musical compositions and perform both at school and in major venues such as Carnegie Hall.

Team sports are introduced. Students learn more advanced skills and the emphasis is placed on participation, effort, technique, teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-improvement. Steiner is a founding member of the Independent Schools Athletic League (ISAL), engaging in interscholastic competitions with other independent schools in soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, softball, tennis, and track.

ADMISSIONS GUIDE

Grade 6

Students take on the study of economics, geometry, physics, and geology, incorporating their learnings in visual arts, handwork, and woodwork.

Grade 7

From self discovery to the Age of Discovery, the 7th grade curriculum takes the students on an exploration of major historical events that led to reformations, seeking to understand diverse people and cultures. They are introduced to more advanced topics in math and science, and are given new creative challenges in language, visual, and performing arts.

Grade 8

8th graders develop stronger critical thinking, a better understanding of the world, and newfound independence in their studies and projects.

A Typical Day at Steiner

*Schedule varies per grade 6-8

Deep study of an academic subject such as math, language arts, botany, science, history, or geography. The lesson comes alive through artistic, descriptive, and dramatic presentations, in three to four week blocks. Each student creates their own handwritten and illustrated Main Lesson book.
Rain or shine, students go to Central Park for free play or organized games.
All students at Rudolf Steiner School take two languages, Spanish and German, from first through eighth grades. Each language is taught in two 40-minute periods a week. The study of these two languages, from two different language groups, Romance and Germanic, allow students to absorb knowledge of language and etymology from two different points of view and to develop an understanding and appreciation for other cultures. In grades 6-8 the focus is mostly on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and written work. There are regular tests, and students practice conversational skills in class.
Locally sourced, organic ingredients are used to prepare lunches in our newly renovated Dining Hall.
In the elementary school, language skills are taught as an integral part of the work in all subjects, as well as in English classes and main lessons. Beginning in sixth grade, a specialized language arts teacher complements the ongoing work of the class teacher and focuses on grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and composition skills. In Language Arts class, students are required to complete book reports and should be able to introduce, discuss, and draw conclusions about character and plot. In the subsequent years, students are guided in their growing ability to read critically and improving their writing skills.
In grades six through eight, a mathematics teacher also works with the class to complement the work of the class teacher. Geometry in sixth grade, Algebra in seventh, and in eighth grade, the geometry work includes a special emphasis on solid geometry: The five Platonic solids. The purpose of our mathematics education is, ultimately, to bring the students to an experience of truth that lies beyond what is tangible to the senses.
At the core of the Visual Arts Program at Steiner is the firmly held belief that active participation in both fine arts and practical arts enhances the intellectual life of our students and engages their will forces in a profound way. By integrating the visual arts into the academic curriculum, through a thoughtful, organic process, students learn to become renaissance thinkers, equally at home with artistic endeavors as they are with academic scholarship.
The science curriculum begins with the animal kingdom and moves to the study of plant life and the earth itself in the fifth and sixth grades. Laboratory sciences are introduced in sixth grade when students are able to grasp causal relationships. In the upper elementary grades, the emphasis remains holistic and experiential, and avoids a reductionist or analytical approach.
In grades seven and eight, physical education classes encompass a wide range of sports, activities, and games, which are taught in four to six-week rotating units.
Students in grades 6-8 may join Clubs and middle school athletics teams. Participation in publications and clubs provide an important opportunity for students to develop their independent interests while connecting with like-minded peers across the grades. Some of them are: Drama club, the literary magazine The Key, and the Student's Union.
Rudolf Steiner School has at its core, as stated in the school’s mission statement that “Our graduates cultivate an appreciative regard for a world they seek to improve.” Throughout their years at Steiner, students participate in this shared ideal of service to others. As their capacities for meaningful work increase, so do the number of ways in which students can make contributions to their communities both within the school, to their local New York City neighborhoods, and eventually to other parts of the country and the world.
Rudolf Steiner School is delighted to provide students in grades 1 – 6 with an opportunity to participate in various extracurricular offerings before and after school. These programs are open to all Rudolf Steiner School students currently enrolled in the indicated grades listed for each course. These offerings are an extension of our regular school day programs and are designed to enhance the overall school and curricular experiences of every child.

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