High School

Literature grounds students within the many faces of our shared human story. Through direct encounter with classic and contemporary works of fiction, students hone their abilities to articulate themselves in writing and discussion. Classes are designed to help students synthesize thought and feeling and to trust their inner voice when communicating their ideas and interpretations of assigned readings.

“I strive to bring voices dealing with contemporary issues of gender, politics, and race. I appreciate the mix of old and new that the English dept curriculum currently comprises, as it enables us to give them an introduction to the forms and archetypes of character and story which influences the newer literature that they read.”

-Josh Peters, Humanities and Visual Art Teacher

Curiosity, analysis, and creative problem solving are the hallmarks of our science education. Hands-on experimentation, collaboration, and support for multiple learning styles foster curiosity and objective problem solving in biology, chemistry, earth science and physics.

“While not every student will become a scientist, every student at PWHS learns how to think like one.” -Angela Ribeiro, Science Department Chair

The Waldorf math program is designed to meet students according to their individual aptitudes, and accommodates a wide range of student needs. Our four-year core curriculum in mathematics develops aptitude for logical thinking in a creative, challenging, and comprehensive manner.

At PWHS we believe that an awareness of history gives students the power to move the world in a humane and socially conscious direction. Sometimes our approach to history thematic, comparing different revolutions worldwide or distinct reform movements in the United States. At others we dive deeply into specific regions of the world, such as Latin America or Modern East Asia. Another uniquely Waldorf approach to the human story comes in our Aesthetics courses, which explore the evolution of art, poetry, music, and architecture across different cultures, examining what it has to say about our own unfolding consciousness through the ages. 

Our students, regardless of past experience gain facility and confidence with the language of music – melody, rhythm, harmony, and form. Through experiential, improvisational, and creative work with specialists in winds, strings, percussion, vocal training and guitar, students transition foundational skills into adventures in improvisation, composition, and song writing. The program takes advantage of proximity to Los Angeles’ thriving diverse music scenes linking young musicians to professionals in their fields of interest.

In 10th grade and in their senior year, students choose a play to perform for the school community that reflects who they are as a group and who they are becoming. They draw upon acting skills developed in acting, improvisation and movement classes, and exposure to classic and contemporary works of drama. Our students forge deep relationships to their inner selves and learn to rely on each other as they enter a theatrical production: learning lines, creating props, set pieces and costumes and seeing the whole of their efforts reflected in the reactions of the audience.

“Students want to tell a story that expresses who they are and are becoming. I’m always impressed by how they come together to overcome the many challenges inherent in theatrical productions and by their courage in choosing thematic content that addresses societal pressures and conflicts.”

-Corby Gallegos, Theater Department Chair

Observation, experimentation and personal interpretation are the core values of visual art classes at PWHS. Foundational classes in drawing, painting and sculpture, lead to interdisciplinary explorations in animation, photo and video. Throughout their education students are exposed to a wide array of classical, moderna and contemporary ideas through art that build towards a year long independent project as seniors.

“Art is principally about self expression. We offer a multidisciplinary education grounded in an expansive, contemporary and multicultural understanding of what art can be. I believe the language of art helps students represent their interior selves and to transform the social, political and psychological realities around them.”

-Brian Getnick, Art Department Director

High school language programs in Mandarin and Spanish are focussed on conversation and cultural immersion. Our core curriculum prepares students to communicate and represent themselves bilingually through a strong foundation in grammar,  vocabulary and pronunciation. Students will also lead school wide cultural events highlighting the food, festivals, music, art and stories of the culture they are immersed within.

Self respect, resilience and teamwork are the cornerstones of our Physical Education and Athletics department. All students are invited to fully participate in our sports teams including: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Pickleball, Cross Country, and more.