Corvallis Waldorf School (CWS) has been an incredible place for our family. As a parent of two children attending the school, I have consistently felt inspired and, in a sense, healed each time I experience the warmth and uniqueness of the community at assemblies or school events. I sometimes refer to the Waldorf approach as a "healing curriculum," because it deeply aligns with how we parent at home and enriches my children's lives immensely. What originally drew me to CWS was its balanced, holistic approach to education and the relationships that they build with their teachers - importantly, that their main lesson teacher takes them through all the grades- 1 through 8. The Waldorf curriculum avoids the use of individual iPads and screen-based learning. Instead, it focuses on the arts, nature, and hands-on activities. Beginning in grade 4, students learn to play a string instrument and receive instruction three days a week during regular school hours. Physical education and outdoor play are core to their daily routine--children spend substantial time outside regardless of the weather. Influenced by Natalie Wexler's book, "The Knowledge Gap," I deeply value the knowledge-rich education my children are receiving at CWS, that builds knowledge year after year. For example, students explore ancient civilizations and Greek mythology in grade 5, delve into Roman history through the Middle Ages in grade 6, study the Renaissance in grade 7, and progress to modern history in grade 8. Math instruction is engaging and tangible in the early grades, and students receive support whether they need extra assistance or advanced enrichment. My children have also developed remarkable writing skills, producing beautiful, creative work in cursive. The practical skills my kids are gaining through handwork (knitting, sewing, crocheting) and woodworking are not only joyful, but practical too - that knowing that you can complete a project that takes months as well as the hand eye gymnastics is great for the brain. Socially, the teachers foster a nurturing environment where children feel supported discussing and resolving interpersonal conflicts, guided by caring adults. For example, some teachers host "teatime" to create a warm circled-up pause-i-the-day for children to reflect and openly discuss ways to improve social dynamics. The joy I've observed in my kids since enrolling here reaffirms our decision every day. I highly recommend Corvallis Waldorf School to families seeking an intentional, joyful, and holistic educational experience. The only downside is that there isn't a high school program! read more

We know that while at school our daughter is being nurtured by the best possible teachers who hold space for exactly who she is. The school is helping create a beautiful, magical childhood for our girl and we are so thankful. The community is a bonus! If you are considering the school, ask for a tour. read more

I can't speak highly enough of the faculty, environment, and philosophy of this school. My child has been enrolled in their programs for over 5 years now. The teachers bring not only a deep understanding of childhood development, but a passion and engagement with the students and subjects that I have not experienced anywhere else. I could go on and on about the value of the education provided by this school, but for me the proof is in the character of the graduates. I have made a point of attending the last several 8th Grade graduations and the intelligence, poise, and authenticity on display from these great kids demonstrates to me that my family is in the right place. Simply put, this school helps grow great people. If you want a child who is a life-long learner; who is curious; who has a deep sense of self; who knows that the world is good, right, and true - If you want your child to engage in their studies with all 5 senses, with both hemispheres, with gusto - If you want your child playing outside every day, rain or shine - If you want your child to learn about cultures, histories, and myths from all around the globe - I would absolutely recommend you drop by school and come see what it's all about. Better yet, come to a graduation or open house alumni panel and see the end result of this excellent school. FWIW, there seem to be some terse and absurdly negative reviews of the school all posted within a very short time, from users with no other reviews. I'm sure you can draw your own conclusions about their veracity and motivations... None of their comments reflect my experience with the school in the slightest, nor have I heard such feedback from other parents. read more

Really wish I could recommend this school to all you parents who are doing your due diligence and researching alternative forms of education for your kids, but I can't. Sure, some families will have positive experiences at Corvallis Waldorf School, for a time, but if they are not on campus daily, they will not see beyond the smoke and mirrors. My child was harmed at this school and I am facing the fact that I failed to fully investigate this program before paying the $10,000 tuition and dropping him into that environment. We are in recovery mode and have a good therapist. Forgiving myself is a struggle but one thing I can do is help other parents know that their kids will be in harms way at Corvallis Waldorf School. Please read ALL the reviews (some are hidden) not just those with 5 stars from very biased (or delusional) parents. This is something I didn't do well. If I had read some of the other reviews (on Yelp, Google, Great Schools...) that were not on the top, and known of the other, legitimate, sites I might have realized that this school has some troubling issues. It would have been good for me to investigate and talk with other parents who chose to withdraw their kids from the school, too. I never thought to ask about why they left and assumed it was a financial decision. I know, now, that my kid is not the first to have such a horrible experience at CWS. I hate to be so vague. I have been advised not to go full throttle just yet. Please know that I have nothing to gain from writing this review. Nothing. read more

As a parent of 2 children who attend the Corvallis Waldorf School since 2016, I can't stop talking about how much I love this school. WOW! This is how all schools in the United States should be structured. ONE TEACHER from 1st-8th of the highest caliber of character, morals, integrity, and wicked teaching skills mixed with love and kindness. If you are thinking of becoming a teacher, this is the training for you!! Our eldest child is dyslexic and has several other challenges (auditory processing disorder). The staff of this amazing school identified it and guided us to people who could help him. Public schools told us he was a "bad kid" and put behavior charts in front of him and rewarded him with media!... Really, media! Media is hurting our children and not a reward. This school does not have computers or TV. The classrooms have good old fashion chalkboards full of color, drawings and beautiful art work. The rooms are colored to reflect the stage of development in each class creating a calm and relaxing environment. One foot in the door and you are greeted by happy, smiling and friendly parents, students and staff. The teachers are in charge of the day and not governed by test scores--- if the children are rambunctious then the teacher might have everyone go outside and play some games or run the track to expel energy; then return to the classroom with a clear, level headed class to push on with the day. At the end of the day, the class cleans the classroom (brooms, dust pans, etc). My youngest learns how to set table and clean dishes while at school. Um, you gotta admit that's kind of awesome! The staff care about the full spectrum of the family and child. They ask about home life, family struggles and parental struggles with the goal of helping children succeed and bring out their strengths. Before the first day of class, the teacher makes a house call/visit to get to know the family! At first it was overwhelming, because I only had negative feedback from teachers at previous schools, but not at CWS. If a child needs some extra direction or help, a "Success Plan" is created between the teacher, parent, and "counselor". We check in every 1-2months to keep everyone on track and see what next steps can be taken to support the child. Wow! In public school, I never talked to the teacher until 1/2 way through the school year. By that time, the teacher is just learning who my child is, but really never had time or energy to delved deeper to learn my child's strengths and weaknesses. My husband and I first came across a Waldorf School in Spokane, WA in 2015 when scouting out a place to settle and raise our children after I separated from the Air Force. We loved the philosophy and how the school implements topics/skills at appropriate developmental stages. The children play outside rain or shine. Handwork is taught starting in Kindergarten for focus and fine motor skills and continue through 8th grade. I know prior Waldorf students that to this day knit or crochet -- learned at their former Waldorf school. The school has wood working classes, gardening classes, and Spanish classes --oh my! The school encourages low to no media at home and healthy food. Exercise (P.E.) is EVERYDAY and outside! We visited both Waldorf schools in Eugene and Corvallis. We fell in love with this school from the first tour by Peter Zaremba (school director). He had just started as the school director 1 year before our tour. His passion and honesty of the pros/cons of the school were spot on. He did not hide any details, but advised us to really think about if this is the right school for our family. And he said family, not children. He has not changed at all and continues to drive the school forward and beyond. CWS is a community of like-minded families who want the best education for their children. All families come together to volunteer throughout the year to support the school. It is a local, highly parent driven and supported school. Because it is private and the school is getting bigger each year, under Peter Zaremba's brilliant and gentle guidance, we come together as a community to raise $ for expansion and improvements not covered by tuition. For example, new bathrooms for preschool rooms, a new roof, etc. We are not publicly funded, but family funded, run and supported. If you are at all interested in this school, don't stop at my review or other reviews. Call and ask for a tour. I did and was offered a same day tour (when I was only visiting the area). I love this school. I love it's philosophy. I love the staff. I could not and would not have asked for a better school for my children. Now .....just hoping the high school will be completed in the next couple years so my children can continue focusing on "the love of learning", life skills, well-rounded activities and not test scores or memorizing useless facts. Go Waldorf!! read more

We considered this school for our kids because we wanted a good, liberal education that gave them the opportunity to think critically about their lives and the world around them. Corvallis Waldorf School looked like it was going to be a good fit until we took a closer look. We were troubled by the fact that there is not an 8th Grade class for the 2019/2020 school year. We investigated a little further and learned that there was a big falling out between parents and teacher in 2016. Many parents yanked their kids from the school. The teacher left abruptly. Another teacher came in the following year to handle the 4 students that remained. But that teacher had trouble too. It sounds like a political, cultish agenda is the crux of the problem at this school. We decided to look at other private schools in the community and found a better fit for our family--a Christian School with progressive ideals and not pressure to conform. From what we've heard, seen, and read about CWS, our kids would have been in emotional danger at CWS and it really would have been weird having to deal with the strange system they have there. read more

The director Peter Zaremba is no more than a sales man. He will promise everything at the initial meeting, then does not follow after he enrolls your child in. He will chase parents in the hall to ask them to donate to school. Recently, he has the teachers hung a felt on each classroom's door just so everyone knows who donates money to school. Parents feel pure pressure just like they are going to the car dealership everyday. Parents feel it is not fair the school does not discipline the teachers children who are enrolled in the school. read more

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL! My four kids have attended this school starting in 1999 and my husband and I couldn't be happier. We are a professional couple and we love the education that our children are receiving. The teachers are FANTASTIC, the administration well-organized and helpful, and the community of other parents is very safe and nurturing. The education that my kids are receiving is challenging, thoughtful, and developmentally appropriate for their age and abilities. My kids love to read and do math, but they are equally comfortable playing a musical instrument, painting, building or learning Spanish. I can't say enough good things about this school. read more