Curriculum Chart

Bookcase in Raphael Academy classroom

Curriculum Chart

During the Main Lesson, subject matters in the Waldorf curriculum are taught in 3–5 week blocks throughout the school year. Blocks allow students to be immersed in a particular topic, approach it from multiple perspectives, and allows them to bring personalization, beauty, joy and relevancy to lessons. The creation of a Main Lesson book is an active, hands-on experience of learning that encourages both intention and creativity.

Our curriculum is based on the Waldorf curriculum and is adapted to suit the needs of students that require a more practice-oriented approach to learning. In addition to Main Lesson instruction, our students receive daily individualized Ability Group instruction in both math and reading.

Transition student does classwork

Transition Class

Language Arts

Comedy and tragedy essays, Biography Poetry Creative writing Summarization, School play

Math

Basic Algebra, Practical use of Money: Values, budgeting, management with the Unique Learning System

Science

Geology, Meteorology, Chemistry, Physiology: homeostasis, immunology, reproduction, Physics: electricity, magnetism, sound, light

History

Modern history: late eighteenth century to the present The great inventions

Music

Pentatonic flute, Music therapy

Movement

Team sports, Social dancing, Curative Exercises, Eurhythmy

Art & Handwork

Watercolor, Weaving, Ceramics, Papermaking, Candlemaking, Woodworking

Language Arts

Literature & novels, Creative writing, Short essays, Poetry, School play

Math

Basic Algebra, Practical use of Money: Values, budgeting, management with the Unique Learning System

Science

The Earth as a whole, Chemistry: metals, chemical reactions, Physiology: embryology organs Physics: mechanics, Earth sciences

History

Ancient history: the earliest Indian, Persian, and Egyptian history up to the decline of the freedom of the Grecian states under Alexander the Great

Music

Pentatonic flute, Music therapy

Movement

Team sports, Social dancing, Curative Exercises, Eurhythmy

Art & Handwork

Watercolor, Weaving, Ceramics, Papermaking, Candlemaking, Woodworking

Language Arts

Contrast is the theme of the year. Writing: contrast and analysis, Story writing, Dramatic poetry, School play

Math

Basic Algebra, Practical use of Money: Values, budgeting, management with the Unique Learning System

Science

Cartography, World Geography, Chemistry: atomic theory, Comparative Physiology: plants and animals, Physics: electricity, magnetism, Botany: cell structure

History

Roman, medieval, and Renaissance history

Music

Pentatonic flute, Music therapy

Movement

Team sports, Social dancing, Curative Exercises, Eurhythmy

Art & Handwork

Watercolor, Weaving, Ceramics, Papermaking, Candlemaking, Woodworking

Language Arts

Literature & novels, Essays, Creative writing, Lyric poetry, School play

Math

Basic Algebra, Practical use of Money: Values, budgeting, management with the Unique Learning System

Science

Cartography, World Geography, Biochemistry, Physics: light, Zoology: all realms of nature together

History

Modern and world history survey: looking at history from our present perspective, Look at communism, fascism, the threefold social order, etc.

Music

Pentatonic flute, Music therapy

Movement

Team sports, Social dancing, Curative Exercises, Eurhythmy

Art & Handwork

Watercolor, Weaving, Ceramics, Papermaking, Candlemaking, Woodworking

Form Drawing

Form drawing is unique to the Waldorf curriculum and develops visual, dexterity and handwriting skills, and strengthens eye-hand coordination and the connection between the hand and brain.

Unique Learning System

Taught through the Unique Learning System, a one-of-a-kind program designed specifically to give students with complex learning needs meaningful access to the general education curriculum.

Speech Therapy

Through a partnership with NOLA Public Schools, all Raphael Academy students are eligible to receive speech therapy once or twice a week during the school day in individual or small-group settings.