PWS is a beautiful school that nurtures children's development by providing a holistic education that protects childhood in the early years and develops critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence. The curriculum is well rounded, academic and progressive, centered around the child's development. The diverse community is one where families genuinely connect and are deeply involved. The relationships students have with their teachers is very special. Teachers get to know them well and care for their education. I highly recommend this school read more

PWS has been the most incredible learning environment for our child and family. We cannot recommend this program, these teachers and this community more highly. read more

This is the best experience I could have imagined times ten! The teachers at this school truely loved my kids and they were 100% there for me in every way. I learned most everything I know about parenting going to the classes they offered lectures and one on ones with teachers. Yes if you're looking for presence and deep understanding this is the school for you. My kids are amazing and a lot of that is because we chose to send them to Pasadena waldorf school read more

Our family found this school to be a haven where your children will be seen, nurtured and educated based on a deep understanding of the stages of human development. Our eldest child started at 3 years old and is now a college student, thriving and forging his way as a well-rounded, compassionate, curious, self-confident young man. I credit his Pasadena Waldorf School education as a significant factor in his success and enjoyment of college. read more

Being a member of the PWS community has positively impacted our entire family life. It has provided us with a village, something that is very hard to find when living in Los Angeles. It has taught our kids resilience, community service and most importantly deep learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Our kids are avid readers, they are not addicted to screens and they love to play outside. Our kids can have adult conversations, know how to make things, and have an extreme curiosity about life, all skills that the school has provided to them. They study subjects using books, going to libraries and physically experiencing them, rather than clicking on screens - what a great way for kids to learn. The kids are learning extremely relevant science skills that will help them navigate an AI driven world: Foremost: Curiosity. In addition: patience, self reliance, resilience as well as critical and analytical thinking. The high school science program is excellent, well equipped laboratories and teachers that actually have worked as scientists in the field. If you are curious to learn more about the school, I encourage you to tour the beautiful new campus in Altadena and peek into one of the classrooms where you will see the students in action. read more

My son has been attending the High School for the last 2 years and loves all his teachers. That bears repeating, my SIXTEEN year old son LOVES ALL of his TEACHERS. You won't find that anywhere else. Pasadena Waldorf truly walks the walk when it comes to a progressive, holistic education. We are so pleased with how this school is shaping my son and the real care and attention he gets here. read more

Our son visited Pasadena High School earlier this year and was so smitten that he decided to transfer in mid-year in eighth graade. The students, faculty and staff welcomed him with open arms and he immediately made new friends and was so excited to be a part of the community. The parent community welcomed us, too, and were so helpful with getting us up to speed. In an overwhelming world, PWS is a harbor of peace and kindness where our child is learning academics as well as what is happening in the world and about himself. We are honored and excited to be a part of Pasadena Waldorf as it enters a pivotal and exciting new era! read more

I'm sorry to break some of these stories; I am happy for those who found success and joy here. I did not. I went to this school for three years, specifically 5-8th grade. I was met with harsh reactions from students, reasonable as I was a spastic kid with undiagnosed ADHD. This bullying was intense and harsh. However, when I attempted to seek help from the faculty on this harmful bullying, I was met with teachers who were unequipped to help me. I was told I was lying, that they trusted the kids they had known longer more than me. I was told my crying and being depressed was "upsetting" other people. I was told I was attention-seeking. Granted, this is not a guaranteed experience. It greatly depends on the teacher your child is lucky or unlucky enough to receive. Mine was wildly unequipped in the ways of dealing with bullying. This school has no formal guidelines on how they approach bullying, but in my experience, their greatest defense was "both apologize and hug," which felt insulting when I had been threatened bodily harm. The school also cannot teach students the fundamentals of chemistry, math, science, or even English enough to allow a smooth transition to high school or college. It doesn't allow technology, leading to a baseline inability to use it. Others will say PWS is great; I said so, too, for years after attending before I became a real adult and took the time to reflect on the treatment I faced. I have a much younger brother, and if anyone told him what they said to me while I attended PWS, my heart would break into a million pieces. Whenever I run into Waldorf alumni out in the world, we share a knowing look of disgust and cringe over what we endured. Please consider other options; if you're looking for a sign, this is it. I'll end with this, always believe your child first; being told I was a liar repeatedly for trying to find help was deeply traumatizing. *edited for dyslexic mistakes read more

This school has changed our lives. We knew our son needed to be outside and learn from seeing, touching and questioning. That's exactly what this school provides. We have found a wonderful community in PWS, and will be keeping both kids in this school for as long as possible. Thank you so much! read more

We love PWS. The Waldorf philosophy and curriculum has met my My daughter at every stage of her development .She has been attending since Kindergarten, and she is now in 6th grade. I am so impressed with the focused,Inquisitive , and creative free thinker she is growing into, because of her education at PWS. We feel supported at school with our own family's ideals and goals for her . I highly recommend, even if you don't attend this school ,that you discover Waldorf education . read more

The most incredible thing about this school is that the teachers really SEE your kid. They are not another number, another test score. This is a place where good human beings are made, slowly, carefully and with great love. Waldorf schools involve a leap of faith - but at PWS they make it pretty easy. Beautiful environment, rich academics and athletics, incredible teachers and an involved parent community. Proud to be sending my kids here and reaping the rewards every day. This video is a must-see about Waldorf's approach to math, numbers and education. https://youtu.be/_UZ1899Ley8 read more

Pasadena Waldorf School - Children work in the main lesson book. - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - Altadena, California

Incredible school and teachers. What a treat to be able to observe the world class educators at Waldorf. There is no comparison to Waldorf. It must be experienced and you will know in your heart this is what education ought to be. Mrs. Chydleur is beyond superb!! read more

We have two children attending and cannot say enough about how impressed we are! Imagine! Art, music, languages all the way through all 12 grades! The children are respected, the teachers and staff have a genuine camaraderie. The sense of community between the parents is outstanding. The new high school is beautiful, the lower school campus is a green and tree filled campus. You have to come tour! read more

I had the opportunity to visit this school about 8 or 9 years back. I was assigned that school to write a report on Waldorf education in community college . I was very amazed and fell in love with everything here. If I could afford the tuition and had time to commute out to Pasadena to take my daughter I would. I now have my own home childcare and incorporate of the Waldorf education. In a Hispanic neighborhood this is different , a good kind of different. read more

My two sons are Pasadena Waldorf students. Eldest (attended K-8) is now in his first year of college and youngest (K-10+) is a now sophomore at the Pasadena Waldorf High School. I am consistently amazed by this rich education, the natural and intimate school setting and the involved, thriving community of parents, faculty and students. I am not sure what I expected when first signing up all those years ago, but it was the single best parenting decision I have ever made. We've all grown up here! Waldorf education is the fastest growing school movement in the world and nears its 100 year anniversary. I was really inspired by this short film. Check it out! Come visit and take a tour! https://vimeo.com/212587716 read more

This school is AMAZING- the teachers are so dedicated, highly qualified, kind, loving, empathic, and every positive quality you could ever want in a teacher. My son started the preschool and loves it! The preschool class is so creative, they make soup, bake bread, and their imagination is nurtured. Im so happy we are part of this community. read more

As a parent of two high school graduates who were educated from Kindergarten through 12th grade at PWS, I whole heartedly recommend this education and most particularly at PWS. I am a graduate of a Top 5 university and believe the maturity and education my children received fully prepared them for college and success in life. They have a broad education that includes rigorous math, science, arts, music and foreign and English language instruction and can handle the workload at any university in the country. Choosing an education for your children is the most difficult choice we all make and I am glad we made the right choice. Thank you to all of you at PWS! read more

My child has attended PWS since kindergarten and will begin their senior year of high school at the end of August. Over the years, I've felt fortunate to have participated in this community of dedicated and passionate educators, administrators and parents working together to provide an ideal learning environment. My child's education and experiences here have greatly contributed to their becoming a young adult with diverse and highly skillful interests, talents, knowledge and leadership abilities, as well as a respect for life and learning which will carry on well beyond their time here. read more

I am particularly writing about their Elves Fair. It is something you have to experience. It is a day long magical event which happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It is an out of the box education and creates 'thinkers". No Disney imposed on the students here which clears the way for imagination and creativity. Take a tour. read more

My two girls, 7th and 9th grades are thriving in an environment that educates the whole person and meets kids where they are. The result is kids who actually LOVE to learn...and they do learn. Not the in one ear, out the other, by rote stuff that passes for learning, but deep, rich immersive experiences delivered by faculty who love to teach- and are supported in doing so by an administration and parent body that believe that these kids are the future and will make a difference. Surprisingly strong STEM in high school along with all the requisite tech is balanced with arts, social and sports. See past the "crunchy granola" veneer to a strong, smart and progressive school experience that produces truly amazing graduates. read more

All three of our children are going to or have gone to this exceptional school from kindergarten through high school. Our eldest is now in her second year in college in Chicago and she credits her Waldorf education on a regular basis on helping her navigate her new life in a strange city and a challenging institution with confidence. read more

We are thrilled with this school! Our daughter is thriving due to the unique approach to education where she gets to move her body and use her hands and her imagination, the faculty attention to each individual student, the vast opportunities in sciences, arts, languages, music, games, and sports, and the strong school community. She loves going to school and doesn't want to miss a day! read more

Each and every day, I am overwhelmed at the attention and care my daughter gets at the Pasadena Waldorf School. She is taught to be a curious student of life, and is offered a curriculum that makes her genuinely interested in learning. She is hungry to understand the process of things in her world, rather thank just being taught to memorize things that don't have any resonance. Each day is a new adventure, and I wouldn't dream of her being anywhere else. read more

Just finishing up 16 years at the school and I could not give it a higher rating. Nothing is perfect, and the school still has room to improve, but we would do it all again, gladly. As a family we have made lifelong friends, and individually as well. The school has a unique philosophy, but it is accessible to anyone. We were not "Waldorf" people before we came in Kindergarten, but we are so glad we gave it a go. A true Pasadena treasure. Pasadena is so lucky to have such a great school and vibrant community right here. And now that it is K-12, what a special education to be able to give your child. You will be welcome here. read more

Both of our daughters have been going to PWS since kindergarten and they are now in 8th and 5th grades. PWS educates the mind, body and spirit of your child in a way that is absolutely unique to any other school out there. It is the most connected community of parents, raising kind, intelligent, individuals who will have the knowledge, confidence and wherewithal to really contribute in this world. PWS grows kids with strong values which are ignited by the child's own will power not through school dogma or teachers preaching. I've never had to beg my kids to do homework. They WANT to do it! I'm continually moved and inspired by the school, the things my kids bring home and the kind of young women they are growing into. I believe The Pasadena Waldorf School has had a gloriously positive affect on our children and us as a family!!! I cannot recommend it highly enough! It's a magical place. read more