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Meaning-Centered
High School Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the Education for Life model created by
Swami Kriyananda. This approach organizes subjects into six integrated categories that support the development of willpower, clarity, emotional maturity, academic strength, and personal purpose. Students learn to connect what they study with real life, gaining strong academic skills and inner tools for meeting challenges with insight. Through this meaningful, whole-student framework, they discover how their studies relate to
who they are becoming.
Students learn to express ideas with sincerity and clarity. By pairing self-expression with communication, they discover how to share something meaningful rather than perform for approval. Mathematics strengthens clear thinking; writing, grammar, and logic help them translate inspiration into coherent expression; and the creative arts teach them to draw from authentic inspiration. Through this integrated approach, students develop the ability to communicate truthfully, thoughtfully, and with purpose.
(Mathematics, English, Logic, Rhetoric, Theater Arts, Music, Creative Writing)
Academic Programs
Students learn best when they receive thoughtful guidance and room to grow. Our Upper School program supports students in matching their readiness with academic challenge, while giving them clear structure and consistent mentorship. Teachers help students build strong academic habits and take increasing responsibility for their learning. With meaningful challenge and growing independence, students gain confidence and develop the clarity and self-direction they need to thrive.
Students who show readiness and enthusiasm for deeper study may pursue Honors-level work or independent projects with faculty guidance. These opportunities encourage stronger focus, higher-level thinking, and a sense of ownership in their learning. Upperclassmen may also assist teachers as TAs, gaining leadership experience and deeper mastery in a subject they love.
Eligible students may enroll in community college courses to explore advanced topics or accelerate their academic path. Dual enrollment gives students experience with college-level expectations while earning credits that may apply toward both high school and future college requirements. Participation is guided to ensure readiness and balance.
Our college and career guidance follows an inside-out approach that helps students understand their strengths, interests, and goals before choosing next steps. Through workshops, mentorship, and a gradual four-year progression, students learn how to present themselves with clarity and confidence. Support includes course planning, resume building, essay development, and exploration of meaningful post-graduation pathways. (Learn More About our College & Career Counseling Program)
After-school study hall provides a quiet, structured space for students to complete assignments, meet with teachers, and receive academic help as needed. Faculty are available for clarification, guidance, and encouragement, giving students consistent support as they develop strong study habits and personal responsibility.
Students attending Living Wisdom High School complete the following courses and experiences. Requirements meet or exceed UC and CSU eligibility standards. Students entering after 9th grade work with faculty to fulfill as many requirements as possible based on readiness and schedule.
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English - 4 years (40 credits)
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Mathematics - 3 years (30 credits)
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Science - 2 years with labs (20 credits)
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Social Studies - 3 years (30 credits)
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World Language - 2 years (20 credits)
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Visual & Performing Arts - 2 years (20 credits)
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Physical Education - 2 years (20 credits)
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Life Skills - 5–10 credits per year
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Electives - 20 credits
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Service Learning - 25 hours per year
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Annual Entrepreneurship - students earn $300–$500 to support the Service Adventure Trip
Living Wisdom High School also offers advanced electives and dual enrollment options for eligible students. Schedules are planned with attention to readiness, graduation requirements, and course availability, helping students balance rigor with personal growth and build strong study habits.
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The academics here are flexible and strong. You get all the core curriculum, and if you want to go deeper in any subject, the school opens the door for you to do that.
Krishav Gandhi
Class of 2024
Students strengthen body, mind, and inner awareness through a balance of physical activity, mental focus, and reflective practices. They learn techniques that build concentration and clarity, develop healthy habits through exercise and outdoor challenges, and are introduced to simple tools for calmness and self-understanding. This class supports steady growth in confidence, resilience, and inner maturity.
(PE, Sports Science, Health, Yoga, Meditation, Concentration, Memory Training)
Through the sciences, students explore the natural world in a way that awakens curiosity, awe, and connection. Life sciences introduce them to the complexity and wonder of living systems, while physics and other physical sciences help them understand the laws that shape our reality. Our human-body–based biology program and applied physiology course offer a hands-on understanding of structure, movement, and health. Through experiments, projects, and real-world application, science becomes engaging and alive, inviting students to appreciate the beauty and order of the universe.
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Anatomy and Physiology)
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Students learn how people live and work together in families, communities, nations, and the wider world. Through U.S. History and Government, they explore the ideals that shape a society and what it means to participate in a shared national story. World languages and cultures help them understand the values, perspectives, and human motivations behind another way of life. Economics introduces them to the practical realities that guide collective decision-making. These studies help students see cooperation as both a practical skill and an act of service, preparing them to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly in any setting.
(U.S. History, Government, Economics, Personal Finance, Spanish Language & Culture)
Students study history, psychology, and human behavior in a way that begins with self-understanding. By seeing themselves in the stories of people across time, they gain insight into their own motives and choices. From there, they learn to recognize the universal drives that shape all human experience. This growing awareness fosters clearer judgment, empathy, and a deeper sense of connection with others.
(World History, Psychology, Sociology)
Wholeness brings all branches of learning together into a meaningful whole. Through literature, music, art, philosophy, and the world’s spiritual traditions, students explore ideas and stories that illuminate the human experience. Great works help them see patterns of harmony and purpose, recognize reflections of their own lives, and understand the shared search for happiness that unites all people. This study deepens their appreciation of beauty and insight, helping them find coherence in their learning and clarity in their own journey.
(Literature, Philosophy, Religion, Music, Art)
Academic Excellence
Living Wisdom High School is a WASC-accredited college preparatory program committed to strong scholarship and thoughtful, individualized teaching. Students learn in small classes with experienced faculty who mentor them closely, provide meaningful challenge, and help them build the study habits and discipline needed for success in selective colleges and beyond. With a vigorous curriculum, opportunities for advanced study, and a school culture that values intellectual curiosity, students gain the confidence, clarity, and maturity to excel in college and in life.
Meaningful Challenge that Inspires Excellence
Students engage in rigorous academics supported by teachers who mentor them individually. Small classes give them the guidance they need to stretch with confidence. Through focused effort and meaningful challenge, they develop the clarity and maturity that prepare them for college and life.
A Community That Knows You
Truly knowing each student allows us to call forth their highest potential. In our close-knit community, students are encouraged to show up fully, take responsibility for their learning, and engage actively. These sincere relationships deepen self-understanding and foster a grounded sense of belonging rooted in shared values and purpose.
Education That Shapes Character
Learning at Living Wisdom High School draws from the wisdom of East and West and extends beyond the classroom. Through service, adventure, and hands-on experiences, students learn how to meet life with clarity and purpose. These opportunities help them discover who they are and how they want to contribute to the world.