Our Approach
Educating the Whole Child
Sun Prairie High School offers a wide education based on Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy, emphasizing the holistic development of the whole person by engaging their intellect, emotions, and practical skills. Its curriculum integrates arts and humanities, math and science, fostering critical thinking, imagination, and creativity, with subjects taught in an interdisciplinary, hands-on manner. Assessment focuses on articulated goals, personal growth, and understanding, rather than standardized testing.
Key Characteristics
Holistic Approach
Education that nurtures the “whole child” by engaging their thinking, feeling, and willing capacities, developing intellectual, artistic, and practical skills.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Subjects like literature, science, and humanities are integrated to create connections and promote a holistic understanding of the world.
Focus on Creativity and Imagination
Students are encouraged to develop their imaginations, creativity, and reflective thinking, aiming to become independent thinkers.
Arts Integration
The arts are woven into every aspect of the curriculum, promoting emotional expression and a deeper connection to the subject matter.
Hands-On and Experiential Learning
The educational approach is hands-on and interdisciplinary, connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications.
Emphasis on Student Growth
Rather than just academic achievement, the focus is on fostering social qualities, resilience, perseverance, and the ability to apply knowledge in complex situations.
Curriculum & Assessment
Integrated Subjects
Students explore connections between different disciplines and engage with the “greatest and best of cultural achievement.”
Meaningful Learning Goals
Assessment focuses on how well students have met articulated learning goals and their individual growth, with methods including essays, research projects, presentations, and self-reflection.
Emphasis on Real-World Application
The curriculum aims to build students’ ability to translate thoughts and plans into practical action.
Underlying Philosophy
Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy
The educational philosophy is rooted in the spiritual and developmental philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and his concept of Anthroposophy.
Human-Centered and Responsive
The educational approach is designed to be flexible, responsive, and deeply human-centered, meeting students where they are in their development.
See It in Action
Come visit and see what a Waldorf-inspired classroom actually looks like.