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8th Grade

Welcome to 8th Grade!

Rising to the Challenges Ahead

Eighth grade at Nevada Sage Waldorf School is a defining year that encapsulates the essence of the students' journey through primary education. As they transition fully into adolescence, students engage with complex ideas and ideals, navigating the nuances of their emotions and beliefs. This year is characterized by a rich exploration of both personal and academic revolutions, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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The curriculum is designed to resonate with the energy and curiosity of this transformative stage, offering opportunities for deep inquiry and self-discovery. Students are encouraged to think critically and reflectively, tackling subjects that inspire discussion and engagement. Through collaborative projects and independent explorations, they develop their voices and cultivate a strong sense of identity.

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As they prepare for high school, eighth graders build lasting connections with their peers and the school community, enhancing their social and emotional skills. This pivotal year not only fosters academic growth but also instills a lasting love for learning, empowering students to step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.

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Middle school student at Nevada Sage Waldorf School participating in outdoor watercolor painting during a hands-on art lesson in Reno, Nevada.

About 8th Grade 

At Nevada Sage Waldorf School, the eighth grade represents a powerful culmination of the primary school journey, as students fully step into adolescence, filled with ideals and opinions.

 

At 14, they naturally explore polarities—good and evil, joy and sorrow, love and hate—mirroring the transformative nature of this stage in life. As they say goodbye to childhood, eighth graders embark on a year of revolution, both personally and academically.

 

The curriculum meets this energy with a study of revolutionary periods in history, advanced topics in Geography, and the short story in Language Arts. In Geometry, students explore platonic solids, while Anatomy and Physiology offer insights into the human body. Meteorology broadens their understanding of the natural world. The class also dives into Elizabethan England studying Shakespeare.

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A highlight of the year is the 8th grade project, where students independently explore a personal interest, guided by an outside mentor. These projects, ranging from glass blowing to writing a book or producing a short film, demonstrate the skills and creativity students have cultivated throughout their time at Waldorf. Each student presents their project to the school community, showcasing their work and growth through presentations, written reports, and public Q&A sessions.

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The eighth-grade experience is rounded out with a special class trip, building relationships through real-world exploration. By the end of the year, students emerge with confidence, poise, and a love of learning, ready to embark on their high school journey and beyond.

8th grade Learning Objectives

A hallmark of Waldorf early childhood education is that all of the academic foundations the children learn are embedded in our experiential curriculum.

Math
  • Algebra

Science
  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Physiology

Language Arts & History
  • Writing and Reading

  • Grammar

  • Composition

  • Poems

  • Plays

Geography
  • Asia

  • Africa

Extended Curriculum

Art
  • Form Drawing

  • Painting

  • Clay Modeling

  • Drawing

  • Class Play, Shakespeare

Physical Education
  • Movement & Games

Handwork
  • Machine Sewing of Clothing

  • Woodworking

Foreign Language
  • Spanish

Music
  • Choir

  • Recorder

  • Stings

  • Woodwinds

Articles & Events

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