8th Grade
Stepping Into Young Adulthood With Confidence
By eighth grade, students are fully in adolescence—full of ideals, opinions, and big feelings. They’re asking hard questions, noticing contradictions in the world, and starting to imagine who they want to become.
At Camellia Waldorf School, our 8th Grade program is designed to meet that intensity with rigorous academics, meaningful projects, and deep support. Through history, science, literature, geography, art, and long-term independent work, students learn to understand the modern world so they can feel at home in it—with their own emerging individuality intact.
“By the time our child finished 8th grade, they were more articulate, more grounded, and genuinely ready for high school.”
Why Families Love 8th Grade at Camellia
Eighth grade at Camellia is the culmination of the Kindergarten–8th grade journey—a year that celebrates everything students have built, learned, and become.
What sets our 8th Grade apart:
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In-Depth Main Lesson Blocks
Each school day begins with a two-hour main lesson block in a single subject—math, science, language arts, history, or geography—when students are most attentive. Blocks last 3–4 weeks, allowing for deep, focused learning. -
Balanced with Recess & Nature
Academic rigor is balanced with recess and time outdoors, keeping students grounded and supporting their physical and emotional health. -
Age-Appropriate Homework
Homework is challenging but appropriate, supporting high school readiness while still honoring family time. -
Long-Term Class Teacher Relationship
Class teachers are often with the same group of students for multiple years, creating deep connection and trust that supports in-depth learning—especially important in the middle school years. -
National Academic Benchmarking
All 8th grade students take the TerraNova Test, a nationally normed assessment used across the U.S. to measure achievement in reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies—giving families clear feedback on academic readiness.
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A Bit About 8th Grade: Polarities, Revolution & Readiness
The eighth grader’s emotional life is often characterized by polarities—good and evil, joy and sorrow, love and hate. The curriculum is intentionally shaped around this inner landscape.
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A Year of Polarities & Revolutions
Eighth grade is the capstone of the primary school journey, and thematically it’s the year of revolution:-
Revolutionary periods in history
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The modern world in geography
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The short story and complex character in language arts
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Platonic solids and geometric order in math
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Knowing Themselves & the World
Subjects such as anatomy and physiology help students understand their own bodies, while meteorology and other sciences give insight into the wider world. -
Shakespeare & the Stage
Students study Elizabethan England and the life and works of Shakespeare, often traveling to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Mid- to late-year, the class presents a full-length play, giving every student a chance to step into a character and onto the stage. -
The 8th Grade Project
One of the most memorable parts of the year is the 8th Grade Project—a year-long independent study that begins at the end of 7th grade. Each student:-
Chooses a topic of personal passion
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Finds an outside mentor
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Spends most of the year working independently on a substantial project
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Class Trip & Closing the Journey
A special 8th Grade class trip honors the completion of their grade school years, giving students time to travel, explore, and deepen relationships before they transition to high school.
8th Grade Learning Objectives
Main Lesson
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Analyzing historical and cultural movements
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Building capacity for discernment and critical thinking
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Practicing formalized testing skills in preparation for high school and beyond
Language Arts
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Creative writing (short stories, narratives, and reflections)
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Grammar and composition at a formal level
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Report writing across subjects
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Strong note-taking skills for lectures and reading
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Literature analysis, including theme, character, and structure
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In-depth study of Shakespeare, often linked to their full-length class play
Literature & History
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American history through the modern era
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Study of modern events and their roots in earlier history
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The life and works of Shakespeare
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The Industrial Revolution and its impact on society
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Folklore from around the world, adding a global cultural lens
Mathematics
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Exploring different number bases
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Mensuration (area, volume, and measurement of geometric figures)
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Pythagorean Theorem and geometric relationships
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Percentages and growth (e.g., interest, population, change over time)
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Continued work in Algebra, building readiness for high school math
World Geography
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Surveys of landforms and major world features
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Geography of Asia, Australia, and Antarctica
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World geography contrasts—comparing climates, cultures, and regions worldwide
Sciences
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Physiology: bones and muscles, the eye, and basic body chemistry
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Chemistry: metals, gases, and solids
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Physics: sound, heat, electricity, and meteorology (weather systems and patterns)
These studies help students see how the modern world works—from their own bodies to the atmosphere above them.
Art
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Exploring space and color in more complex ways
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Drawing and painting that support history, literature, and science blocks
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3D constructions, which bring geometry and design into physical form
World Languages – Spanish
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Expanding vocabulary and grammar
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Reading simple literature in Spanish
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Building conversational skills, so students can communicate more comfortably in a second language
Handwork
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Machine sewing, including:
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Making a garment
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Pattern reading and following multi-step instructions
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Projects at this level develop independence, accuracy, and pride in craftsmanship.
Woodworking
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Designing and building simple furniture, such as a wooden stool
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Using tools safely and effectively
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Experiencing the satisfaction of creating something durable and useful
Cyber Civics
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Final level of Camellia’s Cyber Civics program
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Focus on media literacy—the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in many forms
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Continued emphasis on ethical, responsible technology use and critical thinking online
Music
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Senior choir
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Ensemble – strings or another instrument (options may rotate by year, e.g., ukulele, recorder, guitar)
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Performing at winter and spring concerts, which builds stage presence, discipline, and joy in performance
Physical Education
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Team games and sports, supporting fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship
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Participation in an 8th Grade track meet with other local Waldorf schools, giving students a celebratory, athletic capstone to their grade school years
FESTIVALS
Life in the Wider School Community -
1st Grade students are part of Camellia’s vibrant festival life and community traditions, giving them a sense of belonging and connection beyond their own classroom. Families are invited into seasonal celebrations and school events that mark the turning of the year.
👉 You can learn more about our seasonal festivals on our Festivals page.
More about the 8th Grade
