The Santa Cruz Waldorf High School was a private, non-denominational grade 9-12 educational institution. The school closed in 2009, due to a drop in enrollment.[1]
Like all Waldorf schools, the high school's curriculum followed the general outline that the founder of Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner, developed for the original Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany. However, in keeping with its mandate to prepare students for University of California (UC) admission, the Santa Cruz Waldorf High School integrated Waldorf curriculum with the course requirements of the UC system.
The school operated on a trimester system. In addition to the math, English, science, history, social studies, and foreign language core curriculum, the school provided specialty courses in art (painting, drawing, sculpture), practical arts (metalwork, woodwork, jewelry making, pottery, bookbinding), archery, chorus, drumming, chamber music and drama. In addition to the usual activities, the physical education program included surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, meditative motion, and hiking. Math courses were delivered at three skill levels: basic algebra, advanced algebra, and calculus.
In keeping with its Pacific Rim educational theme, the school's foreign language program included Mandarin Chinese[2] and Spanish, and the student body included a number of visiting students from the People's Republic of China. The school has also hosted visiting students from South America and Europe.
Sports teams included men's and women's basketball[3] and track.