Middle School
Grades 6–8
The transition into middle school marks a significant and exciting time for our students and parents. Our program is designed to support and guide our students through the challenges emerging teens face, as they develop their capacity for critical thinking and prepare to leave Cedarwood as curious digital citizens, scientists, artists, mathematicians, musicians, and writers, ready for the next step in their academic journey. We utilize a team teaching format in the middle school, in which students are held by their class teacher and supported by a number of speciality subject teachers.
Curriculum Grade By Grade
Grade 6
History and geography
Ancient Rome and Europe, Medieval history, continents, oceans and major mountain ranges, river systems, latitude and longitude, poles, equator and hemispheres
Language arts
Independent composition, structuring and sentence diagramming, self-editing, Arthurian legends and the quest
Mathematics
Geometry, ratios, proportion, percentages, graphing, area and perimeter, probability, mean, median, mode, problem solving and business math
Science
Geology, physics (acoustics, optics, thermodynamics, magnetism), geocentric astronomy, geology and mineralogy
Art
Colored wheel, three-dimensionality through light and dark, master shading, border techniques, charcoal and pastels
World languages (Spanish and Japanese)
Vocabulary review through writing and reading, written compositions, grammar, history and culture, geography
Practical arts
Mastering basic wood carving techniques, mastering sewing stitches, hand-sew a 3-D animal
Music
Expanded orchestral experience, exploration of many different kinds of instruments and cultivation of improvisational skills
Movement
Medieval games preparation, beginning team sports, circus skills and act creations
Eurythmy
Musical scales and intervals, move together in parallel, mirror formation, rod exercises and geometric forms
Experiential
Outdoor school, sometimes also a trip to Central Oregon for geology and astronomy
Grade 7
History and geography
Age of Exploration, Renaissance, artists, explorers, early scientists, inventors, African and South American geography
Language arts
Creative, nonfiction (essays, note taking, research), expository, narrative, and descriptive styles of writing and grammar (advanced usage of active/passive verbs, complex adjectives and adverbs)
Mathematics
Ratio and proportion, algebra (positive and negative numbers), geometry (area, angles, graphing, integers) and associative, commutative and distributive properties
Science
Physics (mechanics, optics, acoustics, heat, electricity), inorganic chemistry (combustion, chemical properties, oxygen), physiology, astronomy, human fertility and life skills
Art
Light and shadow, perspective, veil painting, wet-on-dry watercolor, portraits, the human figure and clay modeling
World languages (Spanish and Japanese)
Literature, research and presentations on culture, tenses (past, present, future), dictionary use, creative story and poetry writing
Practical arts
Soapstone bowl carving, clay modeling, mastering various hand-sewing skills
Music
Choose a major and minor instrument to explore for the year, research and experience of a wide variety of musical genres
Movement
Team sports, track and field, fitness and posture, balance and circus skills, gymnastics and archery
Eurythmy
Small groups, musical intervals, sympathy and antipathy, dramatic verse, complex forms, and soul gestures
Experiential
Sailing a schooner in the Salish Sea for 3 nights
Grade 8
History and geography
Revolutions (French, American, Russian, Industrial), U.S. history, modern history, World Wars I and II, world geography.
Language arts
Poetry styles (epic, lyric, dramatic), research skills, figures of speech, styles of composition and editing, grammar and spelling
Mathematics
Algebra: polynomials, binomials, distributive, commutative and associative properties, graphing relationships, platonic solids and Pythagorean theorem
Science
Physics (hydro and aeromechanics, electricity), organic chemistry, physiology, meteorology, sex education, computer science
Art
Composition and proportion in drawing, pastels and modeling from the human form
World languages (Spanish and Japanese)
Composition, oral presentations, geography, history, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax review, articulation of “self,” and conversational skill building
Practical arts
Carving a bone, woodworking service project, construct and machine-sew garment from pattern and quilting
Music
Deepening understanding of music theory, service work for the community, and composition
Movement
Team sports, fitness and posture, track and field, circus skills, gymnastics, and leadership roles
Eurythmy
Dramatic stories and fairy tales, gesture for musical chords and dissonance, work with form and verse, complex geometric forms, and rod exercises
Experiential
10-day culminating class trip, including outdoors, service, and fun
Our middle grades begin their day at 8:15 am and release at 3:00 pm.
Parent Permission for Student Self Dismissal
Self Dismissal
& 7th and 8th grade
Parent Permission for Self Dismissal
To ensure safe dismissal practices, it is imperative that we are aware of your 7th or 8th grade child’s dismissal plans. If your child will not be escorted by an adult at the end of the school day or will not be picked up in the pick up line, please fill out this form. By filling out this form, Cedarwood Waldorf School has your permission to release your child without adult supervision at the end of each school day. This form includes students who will be walking off of campus to meet a parent, taking the bus, going home with a friend’s family, etc. We appreciate your support in caring for the safety and well being of all of our students.
Please fill out the following form prior to the start of each school year:
High School Placement
Graduation
& Beyond
Many parents are curious as to where Cedarwood students attend high school upon eighth-grade graduation. Because of the geographic diversity of our students, our alumni attend high schools both private and public across the city. We support our students efforts in transitioning to the school of their choice by providing optional test prep training, liaising with high school admissions programs, and inviting representatives from area public and private schools to talk with and address questions our parents might have.
In the past five years, Cedarwood students have matriculated to the following high schools:
Catlin Gabel, Central Catholic, Portland Waldorf High School, Valley Catholic, La Salle, Northwest Academy, Oregon Episcopal School, Edison High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Grant, Cleveland, Franklin, Ida B Wells, Lincoln, Lakeridge, Riverdale.
Preparing for High School
Deciding on your child's next steps after their years at Cedarwood is an exciting -- and sometimes daunting -- time!
Our Director of Enrollment Management, Erin Cooley, is here to support you and your family in this process, whether you've already chosen a high school or are just beginning your exploration of the many possibilities. Erin’s experience in admissions has convinced her that finding the right match is an art and the best pathway to a positive high school experience.
Cedarwood students have gone on to attend almost every public, private, and charter high school in Portland. Our administrative team will support the transition of your student to high school by:
Providing you with information and logistical support
Cultivating our relationships with high school admissions officers and enrollment managers
Providing an organized and prompt response to requests for information
Hosting a High School Info Night each autumn
We also strongly encourage all parents to engage with outreach events, and to track the deadlines for schools you are interested in.
You can find more information about preparing for High School here.