Nature Centered, Waldorf Inspired Learning for Ages 7 - 12
SOLA Learning is enriched, embodied, and ensouled by and through our partnerships with parents, and our faculty’s deep understanding and reverence for child development and how this is mirrored and reflected in the historical and future evolution of human consciousness. Mythologies, experiential learning, movement, theater, music, traditional crafts, fine arts, free play, and daily immersion in the natural world are integral to SOLA learning.
When children are welcomed into SOLA, they enter into an enduring relationship with class teachers who will guide their learning. In the ages 8-12 classes, the teacher follows the students through each year, till they graduate into the upper classes at age 12. Student and teacher develop deep understanding of one another through their shared experience of our thematic curriculum, circle activities, and daily rhythm of life in the SOLA learning community.
Through thematic academics, handicrafts, animal arts, movement, free play, and nature immersion, SOLA engages the innate wisdom, curiosity, and brilliance within each child. SOLA offers a rare treasure of truly holistic learning- education as a sacred encounter.
thematic academics
Through the 1.5 hour morning Thematic Lesson period, SOLA students are invited into a deep exploration of the thematic topic, which is carefully selected based on developmental needs associated with the ages of the children in the class . Thematic Lesson presentations are not derived from a textbook, but are instead presented using primary sources, mythology, stories, poetry, songs, & experiential or rhythmic activities, all shared through the teacher’s unique, authentic voice, and ensouled understanding of the subject matter. These extended morning sessions offer an opportunity for holistic, hands-heart-head integration. Each student records their learning journey in a Thematic Lesson book where they create artwork, compositions, illustrations, diagrams, timelines and maps that uniquely reflect their comprehension & academic growth. These beautiful, archival hand-made 'textbooks' are unique to Waldorf education.
Living Arts: Handicrafts, music, fine Art & theater
Students in every grade at SOLA are offered an experience of music, theater, fine arts and handicrafts. These Living Arts are an integral part of the day’s learning- whether singing in morning circle, watching their teacher tell a story with drama and excitement, or crafting handmade items, or carefully illustrating their thematic lesson book. Learners at SOLA experience the richness and vitality of learning through creative engagement that deepens students’ involvement and investment in their learning, enhances their cognitive and academic capacities, and sustains student and family engagement in the learning journey.
Animal connection & Nature immersion
At SOLA learning is participation in Earth's diverse community of life. Our campus is a Sanctuary for abundant, diverse plant and animal life. In keeping with the SMS mission to provide Sanctuary for all life, SOLA students honor the natural world through a collective agreement to care for, and do no harm to life in our Sanctuary. Nature and animals are part of each day's rhythm, through nature walks, eco-contemplative practices, animal care and feeding, and much more.
Free & imaginative play
Unstructured, free play is so often undervalued in our current educational culture, even when multiple studies and direct experience tell us that childrens' imaginative capacities, empathic intelligence and development of self-regularity skills depend on it. Our daily rhythm includes ample, unstructured time for free play, and our environment provides a pristine natural landscape within which imagination can inspire and guide free play.