From Waldorf School to Public High School

Helen has begun her Sophomore year at our local public school. Three weeks into the semester, she is starting to find a routine to her days and weeks.

Many, many people have asked and continue to ask how Helen's transition from Waldorf school to public high school has gone. I'm not sure how Helen would answer, but I would say "quite smoothly." We struggled throughout her 7th and 8th grade years with which high school would be best for her. With no Waldorf high schools in the immediate area, our choices were the public schools or a small, private academy about 30 minutes away where many Waldorf students attend.

In the end, Helen (with our complete support), chose the public school. She was attracted to the wide variety of English classes and the massive art department. We were attracted to the fact that the school was in the Dartmouth community which would give her access to all sorts of opportunities. This has indeed been the case.

After just a few weeks of being unsure of where she stood academically with her classmates, Helen settled right in academically and maintained A's throughout the year. She joined crew and made some friends. For her, sports made all the difference in finding friends.

Helen would say that the classes and homework are more interesting than what she experienced in 8th grade. She appreciates the challenge. She misses the creative work and interconnection of content between classes. She misses the festivals and seasonal spirit of the school.

This year she's taking Algebra II, Biology, Chorus, Health, French III, American History, and Shakespeare. It's a challenging load, but she is up for it. My challenge? To learn to LET GO. She constantly proves to me that she doesn't need reminders about homework or looking over her shoulder. Let go. let go. let go. We'll both be better for it....soon I'll have no choice...she's driving.