The Youth Initiative High School was founded in 1996 when a group of high school students from the Viroqua area decided to take responsibility for their education. Today, YIHS continues to emphasize the development of student responsibility, initiative, and citizenship in all aspects of school life. Students are full voting members of the school community, serving alongside parents and faculty on the Board of Trustees and on many other committees. YIHS students also take responsibility for raising a significant part of the school’s annual budget through a variety of independently organized fundraising activities. They are also responsible for cleaning and maintaining the school’s facilities.

YIHS uses the Waldorf curriculum, which is based on the ideas of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861 – 1925). Waldorf schools exist on all continents, with over 700 schools worldwide. Working out of an image of the three-fold human being consisting of body, soul, and spirit, Waldorf education strives to integrate head, heart, and hands into the fabric of school life. On the basis of this philosophy, YIHS pursues a balance of academic rigor in the sciences, humanities, and foreign languages, compassion and cooperation in social life, and creativity and excellence in the practical and fine arts.

YIHS is an independent high school and does not receive substantial funds from federal, state, or local government. Tuition at YIHS is arranged on a flexible basis in order to enable students from families of all income levels to participate in the school, with several students each year working to pay their own tuition. YIHS has been recognized as a Developing Member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and our graduates have been accepted to colleges and universities throughout the United States and overseas.

Questions? Contact us. 
Accepting Applications for 2013/2014
There is still space available for the 2013-2014 school year.  Get in touch to schedule a visit and learn more!
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The Whole Plate
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The Whole Plate Curriculum; An internationally marketed curriculum about whole foods, health, cooking, and sustainable farming; developed here at Youth Initiative