We considered many options for our son's education, and we knew that this was the most critical…read moredecision when it comes to his early, formative years. As soon as we made contact with the Waldorf School of Tampa Bay, we knew that we had found something unique. My son and I were introduced to the school through the Merrily We Meet parent/child classes, taught by one of the most delightful educators you'll ever meet - Ms. Connie. She provides a beautiful introduction to Waldorf education through modeling, singing, simple handwork, puppetry, article/book discussions, and so much more! If you are interested in learning more about Waldorf education, this is such a lovely way to start. I will forever treasure the early days when I was able to attend class with my son!
I shared everything I learned with my husband, who did some more research and went to tour the school with me. We saw the campus (it's magical), talked to the administration and faculty, asked tons of questions about curriculum and safety and social emotional well-being, and left the tour feeling so relieved that we had found a school where we felt our son could have the space and guidance to thrive; not just academically, but also physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Fast forward to the end of our son's first year in the early childhood program and we cannot be happier. He is excited to go to school every morning. He has lots of free play inside and outside, circle time, a healthy and hearty organic snack prepared by his teachers, and plenty of opportunities to socialize in different settings - from outside in the sandbox, to inside playing with toys, to around the table sharing a meal. He loves his teachers, and we do too! They have been very helpful in sharing ways that we can support our son's first year in school. We treasure the fact that they honor our son's current stage of childhood and respect him as a unique individual.
In addition to our son's day to day happiness with his teachers and classmates, we have learned what it means to participate in a school that nurtures not only it's children, but entire families! We have had many opportunities to become involved in our school community through the parent council and through monthly parent education sessions presented by various teachers. Topics are always inspiring and range from nourishing a child's imagination, to how art feeds science, to creating loving boundaries, and many more. We have felt so welcomed and respected by the entire community throughout our first year as a Waldorf family. And we've learned a lot, too!
In summary, my child is safe, well cared for, and respected at his school. His teachers know what is developmentally appropriate for his age and for him as a person, and they guide him accordingly. The teachers, administrators, and parents all support each other and the result is this peaceful, thriving, magical little community beneath the oak trees in Palm Harbor, FL. A place where learners are exposed to rigorous academics alongside the arts, plenty of time to explore and play and move their bodies, instruction in multiple languages, hands-on experiences, and countless opportunities to think critically. And I'm so glad that we get to be a part of it!
