Highland Hall Waldorf School

Over 60 years of Inspired LearningLocated on a beautiful 11-acre campus in Northridge, California, Highland Hall is an independent co-educational school serving children from nursery through grade twelve.
Established in 1955, our school is the first Waldorf school in the western United States and is one of approximately 1,000 Waldorf schools worldwide. Academic Curriculum Artistically IntegratedHighland Hall offers a balanced, comprehensive curriculum that weaves academics with the arts to inspire our students to become passionate learners.
Blending the humanities and sciences with music, foreign languages, practical arts and movement, each year`s curriculum is designed to successfully engage the children at every developmental stage.
The Waldorf curriculum moves from imagination and movement in early childhood through increasingly academic and artistically created lessons in the lower school, then on to intellectually challenging lessons in the high school.
Our students are provided with a solid academic foundation and the ability to think creatively, ask questions and explore answers in a broad, interdisciplinary way. Preparing Students for LifeOur experienced faculty and staff are committed to educational excellence in a school environment that respects cultural diversity and individual differences.
Our curriculum is college preparatory, and our graduates are accepted in many of the finest colleges and universities.
Studies at Highland Hall cultivate a reverence for the earth and respect for its people.
Highland Hall prepares our graduates to be flexible, creative problem solvers able to communicate effectively and ready to make a difference in the world. Highland Hall Waldorf School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Waldorf Schools in North America.

Quick Stats (2024)

Top Rankings

Highland Hall Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1955

Student Body

Total Students
219 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Highland Hall Waldorf School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
10%
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Our adjusted tuition ranges are based upon financial capacity and range from $12,000-$37,200 per year.Families in Kindergarten through Grade 12 are eligible for Tuition Adjustment. Our Scholarship program is available in Grades 6 and up. See our website under the Admissions tab for information about applying.
% on Financial Aid
58%
Acceptance Rate
48%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Lara Chanley

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Gay Straight Alliance, High School Student Council, Origami club

Arts and Music Programs:
High School Band, High School Choir, Middle School Band, Middle School Choir, Theater Program, Woodworking

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Club

School Notes

  • Located on a beautiful 11-acre campus in Northridge, California, Highland Hall is an independent co-educational school serving children from nurserythrough grade twelve. Established in 1955, our school is the first Waldorf school in the western United States and is one of approximately 1000 Waldorf schools worldwide.
  • Highland Hall offers a balanced, comprehensive curriculum that weaves academics with the arts to inspire our students to become passionate learners. Blending the humanities and sciences withmusic, foreign languages, practical arts and movement, each year`s curriculum is designed to successfully engage the children at every developmental stage. The Waldorf curriculum moves fromimagination and movement in early childhood through increasingly academic and artistically created lessons in the lower school, then on to intellectually challenging lessons in the high school. Ourstudents are provided with a solid academic foundation and the ability to think creatively, ask questions and explore answers in a broad, interdisciplinary way.
  • Our experienced faculty and staff are committed to educational excellence in a school environment that respects cultural diversity and individual differences. Our curriculum is college preparatory,and our graduates are accepted in many of the finest colleges and universities. Studies at Highland Hall cultivate a reverence for the earth and respect for its people. Highland Hall prepares ourgraduates to be flexible, creative problem solvers able to communicate effectively and ready to make a difference in the world.Highland Hall Waldorf School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Waldorf Schools in North America.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Nita Strauss - Professional Musician - Alice Cooper Touring Guitarist and Ibanez Signature Artist
    • Jamie Aronson - Variety - Managing Director of Event Marketing
    • Ben Ford - Chef & Owner of Ford's Filling Station/WIlliams-Sonoma
    • Ryan Van Schilfgaarde - NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratories - Mechanical Engineer
    • John Hural, Ph.D - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center - Principal Staff Scientist, Vaccine & Infections Disease Division
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Highland Hall Waldorf School cost?
Highland Hall Waldorf School's tuition is approximately $19,200 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Highland Hall Waldorf School?
The acceptance rate of Highland Hall Waldorf School is 48%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Highland Hall Waldorf School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Highland Hall Waldorf School?
Highland Hall Waldorf School famous alumni include: Nita Strauss, Jamie Aronson, Ben Ford, Ryan Van Schilfgaarde and John Hural, Ph.D.
What sports does Highland Hall Waldorf School offer?
Highland Hall Waldorf School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Highland Hall Waldorf School's ranking?
Highland Hall Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Highland Hall Waldorf School?
The application deadline for Highland Hall Waldorf School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Calendar

View the Highland Hall Waldorf School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Spring Break Starts (Events)
April 01, 2024 (Monday)
First Day Back to School After Spring Break (Events)
April 15, 2024 (Monday)
Last Day Early Dismissal Grades 1-12; No school ECC (Events)
June 07, 2024 (Friday)

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (5 reviews)
5  
My child and I went to the Mommy & Me class with Mrs. Shabazi and she is an absolute angel. This was the best class ever and really helped me with my parenting. My kid is now in kindergarten. I have checked out every school in Los Angeles and this is definitely the best school in the city. If you want your child to know who they are and feel comfortable in their skin so that they can be free to express their spirit and be seen, then this is the place to go. This school produces the most confident, present children that are not afraid to be who they are.
- Posted by
5  
We all SAY that we want our kids to have a "happy childhood", and wish them to grow into happy, successful adults. But the sad truth is, most of our kids are drowning in busy-work homework sheets, social stress & "grade" stress...wasn't like that when I was a kid! Who is climbing a tree, gardening or playing in the sunshine during the day? And who is hypnotized by mindless TV and video games and texting at too young of an age? HMMM? Our daughter entered Highland Hall in 7th grade, after the disappointing experience of public middle school ( 6th grade) in a popular "10 out of 10" school district. (Parents Beware:The transition from elementary to middle school can be challenging enough, even with a "great kid" like ours!) Highland Hall is a breath of fresh air- literally! Traditional education isn't teaching our kids the CAPACITY to learn, to adapt, to COLLABORATE or to think for themselves, and Highland Hall does just that. We have never seen our daughter SO excited about academics...from chemistry to music, deep immersion into 2 foreign languages, history, math, etc. We have also never seen her so socially conscious, collaborative, and creating meaningful relationships without the "clique" factor. The teachers here are so dedicated to being PARTNERS with the parents to create a whole child through a "head, hands and heart" curriculum. What a different world it would be if all people were educated in the brilliant reflection of Rudolph Steiner's reverence and respect for children and the world...If you think this school doesn't have rigorous academics, think again. Just because they teach through art & music, does not mean the kids aren't fully immersed in deep, fully integrated academics. This is not the traditional "teach for the test scores" and fill in the bubbles...and then forget what you learned shortly thereafter. This school is the greatest gift you can give your children. We are so proud of the ethical, moral, intellectual and HAPPY child we are raising, and are so grateful to Highland Hall for being an example of the highest standards for LIFE.
- Posted by
5  
Our daughter goes to the nursery school at Highland Hall and I have to say, you really get what you pay for. There simply is no place like this and I feel proud that I`m giving the best to my daughter. This is a place where my daughter is free to develop herself naturally and find out what her unique contribution to the world is. The teachers, staff and larger community make this school a home.
- Posted by
5  
Highland Hall Waldorf School is much more than just a school for our son. It's his tribe, his village, his friends for life, and then there's the involved parents and most of all the amazing teachers whom I will always cherish. Alex was at Carpenter in Studio City and doing well but you could sense he was getting lost in that sea of children, pushed around too much on those paved playgrounds. And I had a friend who's 3 children had had a dream childhood at Highland Hall so I finally did the tour. And I knew we wanted in. In a nut shell everything they stood for was my way of thinking. Deep and full of purpose, caring and incredibly welcoming and personal. And most of all the same and yet much more of what I new was going to make Alex a really great human being. And so he thrives and has friends and relationships I can't imagine he would have at any other school. And Highland Hall's curriculum is everything he needs and then some. The teachers are unique, caring and most of all a team. A really dedicated faculty that really cares and guides. The whole idea of how the school is run and the diversity of the education is really worth understanding. Especially with the way the world is today. I am telling you do not miss the opportunity of having your kids go to this school. And yes it goes through to high school and prepares them for the tough world and the college life that lies ahead. Feel free to email back if you'd like more information from me.
- Posted by
5  
Our child had been at Highland Hall since she was in the Parent and Child class with the warm and wonderful Mrs. Shahbazzi. Now in second grade, our daughter is flourishing. The school presents academics in an age-appropriate way, so that the children love school. Arts and music are integrated into the curriculum, supporting critical thinking later on. And, she's learning two languages. She loves the teachers, is relaxed and joyful...and learning. We love the school.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Los Angeles County, CA is $16,377 for elementary schools and $21,309 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Los Angeles County, CA is 83% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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