Eleventh Grade

A Journey Within

A day in Eleventh Grade might begin with a close observation of plant cells under a microscope or a discussion of The Divine Comedy. It could end with orchestra practice or a volleyball game in Bushnell Center. Students might be graphing functions as a part of an honors pre-calculus course, practicing breath work in a yoga elective, or taking photos for the yearbook.

At San Francisco Waldorf School, we believe that understanding yourself is fundamental to understanding the world around you. Eleventh Grade is a year full of diverse experiences that help approach the question “Who?” Whose voices are heard and whose are silenced? Who am I in relation to others? Who am I—and who do I want to become?

We answer these questions through rigorous, engaging coursework and experiences that challenge students to dig deep and discover what moves and motivates them. We meet literary characters, like Hamlet and Parzival, and figures from history, like Malcolm X, who are likewise engaged in a process of becoming. We learn about the building blocks of our bodies – and all life – through cell biology. We see the Earth from the vantage point of the stars. And we begin to define ourselves in a deeper, more informed, more contextualized way. (Courses marked with an asterisk are “deep dive” blocks, taught in 105-minute sessions during Morning Lesson.)

Science

• Biology: Botany and Cell Biology*
• Chemistry: Periodic Table*
• Physics: Electricity and Magnetism* or Practical Physics
• Earth Science: Astronomy*

Math

• Mathematics: Algebra II; Precalculus or Honors Precalculus
• Projective Geometry*

History

• U.S. History & Government or Honors U.S. History & Government

Cultural Studies

• Latin America*

Language Arts and Humanities

• English: Shakespeare*
• Medieval Studies*

World Languages

• Spanish III or IV; Mandarin III

Aesthetics

• History of Music*

Music and Performing Arts Electives

• Chamber Choir
• Concert Choir
• Orchestra
• Jazz Ensemble
• Beginning or Advanced Guitar
• Exploring Music
• Drum Ensemble
• Acting Ensemble
• Eurythmy Troupe

11th Grade Complementary Learning

• Know Yourself, Know the World: preparing for life beyond high school
• Astronomy Field trip: a week under the stars!