My child has been attending this school for 2.5 years. Initially, we hadn't considered Waldorf education--mainly due to a lack of familiarity--but a friend with a similarly aged child recommended it, and it turned out to be a perfect fit for us.
Our child had previously experienced some violent incidents at another school during their early education, and we were seeking a soft landing to help them transition from homeschooling to day school.
As high-achieving adults who greatly value education, my partner and I compared what our child is receiving at Waldorf to other schools. We found that while the academic content isn't materially different, it's delivered in a supportive environment that keeps our child engaged in learning, physical activity, art, and music--without forcing them to be something they're not.
It's definitely worth a visit.
I was moved to tears during my first time on campus, seeing the beautiful lush trees and open playground--as opposed to the harsh concrete, blacktop, and road noise of prior schools. You can feel your nervous system relax. There's so much to love about the main campus--from the fairy forest for the youngest children to the gardens, softly painted classrooms, craft rooms, and hidden forest hideaways.
I recommend getting to know the teacher who will be with your child throughout their entire experience. We feel like we hit the jackpot with ours; just five minutes with them assured us they would be the grounded and reassuring presence our child needed. There's also an opportunity for students to have a visit day in the spring, which can be very informative.
While there are Christian influences (our family is not Christian), we've found the school to be quite progressive, actively updating the curriculum and culture to align with modern views on inclusion and equity. Holidays from many religions and cultures are celebrated, and a few traditions dear to the history of the method are lightly retained.
Although the Waldorf High School has now closed, I spoke to many of the students as they set off for a wide array of colleges and universities. What I saw were young people who felt comfortable advocating for themselves, pursuing topics they loved rather than what they felt obligated to endure, and who were high-achieving yet very caring individuals. I wouldn't want anything else for my child.
We've experienced many types of schooling--public, private, homeschool, online, highly capable programs--and there's no perfect solution. What works today might not work tomorrow. Every child is different. Find what works for your child and embrace it. We have loved this school and everyone we've engaged with from it. It's a community of people who care deeply about the holistic development of children and ensuring their love of learning is kept alive. read more