The Arts are one of the main focal points of Waldorf Education. Our comprehensive curriculum immerses students in a broad, multi-disciplinary, and personal artistic experience that nurtures imagination and fosters creativity. To read in-depth course descriptions for our arts classes at the Waldorf School of Garden City, please visit the curriculum pages in our academic life section.
Music
Music instruction begins in the Lower School, where children study the basics of music theory in the classroom and practice with their vocal chords and the recorder in the studio. They move on to semi-private violin and/or cello lessons with our orchestra director in the latter half of their Lower School experience through the Middle School, with the option of continuing in the High School. All students in our music program are expected to perform in the school chorus and orchestra.
Visual Arts
Students are introduced to sketching, painting, watercolor, and form-drawing in the Lower School, skills that are constantly reinforced and improved through studio sessions and artistic projects throughout their time here.
Fiber Arts
The Fiber Arts curriculum incorporates skills such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, stitching, and clay modeling. These lessons are meant to establish a foundation for dexterity and flexibility in the most formative years of our students' development.
Woodworking
The woodworking curriculum allows students to develop an intuition for space and three-dimensional design in addition to dexterity and aesthetic sensibility. Students work primarily with raw material from our extension campus in New Hampshire, Camp Glen Brook. Projects include trinkets, spoons, tables, and stools.
Theatre and Drama
Each grade presents an annual class play in which they contribute to all aspects of production, including set design, costume design, lighting and sound, and acting. This inclusive, cross-disciplinary exercise allows students to display the full depth of their artistic ability.
