My two daughters have been at sparrow since 2021. It was such a relief to find a school that has community and meets criteria for education. Our teachers thus far have been caring, knowledgeable, and dependable. While the school has gone through a few changes over the years, the sparrow community continues to hold together for the kids with help of parents and staff alike. The most important thing is my children are HAPPY at sparrow. They have made true friendships, they know all the staff on a first name basis, and are learning to love learning. Waldorf education is a different kind of educational pathway, however at sparrow all concepts that are seen in public school are still met at sparrow bcuz they are a charter and state funded. They just teach it in a different way. They are not perfect and it's an uphill battle to keep this charter school functioning as a Waldorf since we still have to meet state testing, but the village it provides makes it worth while. Those looking into Waldorf education private or charter, should really work to understand what, how and why, waldorf curriculum is taught. read more

See all

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE. The school is falling apart. They are losing teachers and faculty. They don't have a math teacher, hand work teacher and the Spanish teacher is horrible. I regret sending my children here. My son had to repeat 4th grade ("because it follows Waldorf development" but then they changed it a year later to conform to LMSV School District so my son got screwed and now he's a year behind all his friends.) This was the worst decision I have EVER made. The community is great. The families and friends we have met have been great. Thats it. Period. read more

Appaling. My son's teacher appeared to have no knowledge of Waldorf or Steiner and what she knew she was contemptuous of. When my child put a shining cross on top of Brunelleschi's dome, which it has in real life, she threw his intricate drawing in the bin and told him to do it again without the cross. Three of his 12-year-old classmates were changing gender and the prime person I'd have thought my kid needed protecting from was actually the class security guard, present in every class and one of two gay Dads of one of the three transitioning kids (girl to boy). When they studied Reproduction in Biology, none of the kids having reached puberty, it began with an explanation of sodomy, then of abortion, then graphic illustrations of female anatomy whilst the class was ordered to chant "penis" and "vagina," before explaining reproduction as an unfortunate consequence of contraception and abortion not working. The kids looked demoralized. Mine begged to leave. read more

Do not send your child to this school if you have a child with special needs. They do not have the training to accommodate. The school hires teachers who are not Waldorf credited. read more

We are new to Sparrow Academy with our daughter being in 2nd grade. We spent many years in Montessori prior to Waldorf and found it no longer supported our child's needs. We've known about waldorf for sometime now and knew that a holistic and nurturing approach and philosophy would bring out the best in her. At Sparrow, she loves her teacher, creative activities that inspire a love of learning each day (including knitting), beautiful new songs, and making new friendships. Each day, she'll come home happy and smiling. In such a short time we have also noticed her behavior changing-- willingness to offer help, more thoughtfulness, stronger imagination and more positive attitude! We love the experience so far and feel really grateful to be a part of this community! read more

I think most parents are concerned about our kids growing up too fast these days and one of the best attributes of Sparrow is that the students (even 8th graders) are still acting and looking like kids! We were lucky enough to be able to start our son in Kindergarten and he's now in middle school and we couldn't be any happier. We're getting all the benefits of the Waldorf curriculum (art, music, Spanish etc) combined with public school standards but saving $20k/year if he went to the private Waldorf school. If you have a middle schooler in an environment that concerns you, get them over to Sparrow ASAP! The school has expanded and I think there are still some open spaces available. read more

Waldorf education is a blessing and gem in the realm of childhood education. After researching the Waldorf curriculum and the holistic creative development of children that it cultivates, I discovered the Waldorf school of San Diego. They then referred me to this Waldorf charter school in La Mesa. Like most charter schools it is not perfect and funding is an ongoing issue. My daughter had been coming here since second grade and is now in seventh grade. My other daughter is in second year of kindergarden. I have seen my children grow as more conscious humans and have felt supported by the school in its many changes. I would recommend researching the school and seeing if your parenting values align with this curriculum. You will feel the hearts of the teachers, the kindred spirits of parents, and the spark of children through this school. It truly takes a village to raise a child and I am blessed to have found my tribe here at Sparrow. Thank you for all you do! read more

Sparrow Academy - Waldorf Schools Near Me - La Mesa, California

Our kids have been at Sparrow since 2015 and its been amazing to see them grow from TK up! The teachers are great and highly experienced. Definitely the best free Waldorf school in San Diego! read more

My daughter's current teacher is excellent, however her previous teacher was not and this lead her to be significantly behind in reading and writing. It takes a while to redevelop a childs confidence. It also costs a lot to send your child to get tutoring for basics that she should have learned when they were in 2nd and 3rd grade. You should look into all aspects of this school prior to making the decision to send your child here. read more

We all know that, to some degree, public education in the U.S. has been a challenge. So many wonderful children with different learning styles that aren't always addressed. Sparrow Academy in La Mesa offers an alternative and it's a public school! This is Waldorf education at its best, with a team of loving and highly-trained teachers and staff who live to make a difference. I know, because my son goes to Sparrow and we couldn't be happier. Parents! Call them up and go check it out! It is a true gem and it's priceless! read more

Finding a school for your child comes with so many questions: will I choose the right school? Will my child learn what he/she needs? Will my child's friends be a good influence on her/him? Will these teachers care for my child with their full attention? Look no further - Sparrow is the school for you! We spent one year at a public school for kindergarten, and left because of the stress and pressure on our young children to perform (e.g. homework, talent shows) before they were developmentally ready. We then tried the private Waldorf school, which allowed our children to enjoy their childhood and learn naturally at an unhurried pace. We left that school in part because of the heavy financial burden. Now we have been at Sparrow (a public charter school) for two full years, and what is different and wonderful about this school is the engagement of the parents. We are in a community of like-minded parents who are fully vested in the growing path of their children toward empathic, curious, and critically-thinking adults. When the parents are engaged, all the children are a good influence on each other. Our children are learning under the tutelage of committed and multi-talented professionals, who are stellar. We have 3 children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, and we think each class teacher is the BEST! Our 4th and 5th graders are learning to play the cello and viola, and our 5th grader has played his viola in 2 school performances - a miracle! We have seen the increased focus and attention in all of our children, as they grow into learning, and seek answers to questions in their world. We are confident that we have chosen the right school. And that is a really good feeling. read more

We really value the emphasis on developing the whole child that guides teaching at Sparrow. Social emotional learning is at the heart of the teaching philosophy. Our sons' teachers are helping them become artistic, curious, thoughtful, and kind. We have had our two boys at Sparrow for more than five years. When we first sought out Sparrow, it was for their use of Positive Discipline, which was a game-changer. We have stayed for the Waldorf method's way of introducing skills and concepts when children are developmentally ready to engage. We have seen the impressive results of incorporating art into every subject and allowing children's creativity to blossom. We found that traditional public school seemed to stress drilling skills and concepts over and over rather than introducing them at the right time so children can really engage and excel. The media-free policy has been helpful at encouraging our sons to read, draw, and build in their free time after school rather than use screens. We feel very supported by both the staff (teachers and administration) and the parent organization, NEST. read more

Sparrow Academy - Ancient Indian traditions were the focus in this learning block in 5th grade. - Waldorf Schools Near Me - La Mesa, California

See all

Sparrow is a school that thrives on community connections and their love for nature and teaching the whole child. If you are looking for a classroom environment that avoids the distractions of media, envelops your child in a love for nature and a nonconventional yet scientifically proven approach to better learning that reduces burnout you have come to the right place. This is a charter school that teaches Waldorf methods with out the price tag. Is it free? No they expect and need parent involvement and support. But if you can't give money you can always give your time as a volunteer. My kids now 11 and 13 have been here since 1st and kinder. I could not be happier. Come check us out if you are looking to raise a child that doesn't stare at a phone all day and loves to learn. You will find a community of parents that are like minded. read more

My 3 kids are attending this wonderful charter school. The 2 eldest have been in this nurturing environment for more than 5 years and it's been the best decision I've made for their development. It's Waldorf philosophy of teaching with the benefit of being free like a public school. Most parents are very involved and there is constant positive feedback from the teachers. Children learn to respect one another, respect the environment, appreciate history and the arts and above all they never loose the joy of learning. Also, the field trips are amazing. Star of India overnight camping, apple picking in Julian, camp Stevens for the older kids, museums, observatories, etc. read more

Amazing school! What can I say? The art, the violin lessons, the gardening and the endless field trips make Sparrow a very unique school. Waldorf teachers offer a very gentle, inspirational, creative and complete out of the box educational experience for our children. I'm so very grateful that such a school exists and that we are part of not just a wonderful education philosophy but part of such an outstanding community. Parents at Sparrow become instant family. The support and love from everyone is priceless. Thank you Sparrow, our four children are very happy and so fortunate to be part of this community. Did I say it's FREE! Waldorf education is usually more than 1k per month per child. At Soarrow we contribute with $350 per child for the whole year! Sparrow is Waldorf education but since it's a charter school is free! All it takes is one visit. You will feel the difference. If kids can be happy and excited to go to school everyday, why not? read more

I count my blessings daily that my children were accepted into Sparrow Academy! My daughter was in a traditional preschool and was filled with anxiety and hated going to school every day, I knew she was not a child that wouldn't thrive in a traditional public school setting and I started looking for alternative programs and found Sparrow. It has been a dream! This is a warm, loving environment that truly teaches the whole child! Every teacher is deeply invested in their students success and every teacher/staff member will know your name and your child's name! read more

We feel so very lucky to have a place at this school. Our son spent an enriching year in Sparrow's play based kindergarten program, and has now graduated to first grade. We are thrilled at how much love and support our son has received, and excited to be a part of the Sparrow community. Waldorf education is a truly whole-child, enriching experience that you won't find elsewhere. Highly recommended. read more

As an advocate for your child and his/her developing soul, learning about Sparrow Academy and the Waldorf philosophy is worth your time. Sparrow Academy is a gem in our public school system. We feel very fortunate to participate and grow within an educational philosophy that resonates with our family values. read more

I have been a public school teacher for 14 years and I can't imagine sending my children anywhere else. I see how the stressors of traditional education affect children on a daily basis and have taken steps to protect my own children from the same harms. My daughter is now in 6th grade at Sparrow and my son is in 2nd. We have been a Sparrow family for 6, going on 7 years. Education at Sparrow is focused on meeting children where they are at developmentally and allowing them a space to explore, play, wonder and experience childhood. The school is community-oriented; the teachers are well-trained and passionate, and we hired a new principal this year who has implemented strong policies to encourage the success of our school over all. The staff at Sparrow have created an environment where children are shielded from the constant bombardment of media and technology and allowed to be themselves. read more

I am a public school teacher in San Diego and this is the only school I could imagine for my children. My family has been at Sparrow, for the past five years. The teachers, parents and students have become our community. Both of my children, come home with their souls, hearts, and minds filled up! Not drained. Waldorf education is a gift you can give your children, that will serve them for the rest of their lives. These types of schools are traditionally private, costing parents on average $12,000 a year, at Sparrow it's free!!! read more

I knew about Rudolf Steiner and the Waldorf pedagogy since my son was a toddler (we are from Europe) and felt in my mind and heart that that would be the most beautiful path to him becoming a well-rounded, curious, joyous person. But there was the question of cost $$. When we found out there was a Waldorf-inspired PUBLIC charter school we truly felt blessed. We have been with Sparrow since 2015 and going strong. My kids love going to school and are always excited to share what new things they learnt that day. To see their joy and passion for learning confirms to me that Sparrow was the right choice for our family. I hope people realize what a privilege it is to have a public charter school offering a Waldorf curriculum. Private Waldorf schools can cost from $10K for kinder to almost $20K in upper grades. Does Sparrow require community involvement, volunteering from parents, fundraising to make it work? Yes, of course! But what good school (public, charter or private) doesn't? And know that participating, being involved and supporting in your child's education is really what makes a difference in your child's development, whatever educational path you choose to take. read more

My 3 kids are all Sparrow students- my oldest is now thriving in high school after being at Sparrow since 3rd grade. This Waldorf Charter has been such a blessing for our family- having other like-minded families and school expectations of less media and screen time have been refreshing, and the policy of no homework for the younger grades and a play-based Kinder have made a huge difference for my children. read more

Our kids have been at Sparrow since 2015 and we feel so fortunate to have found such a great school. Sparrow Academy is a public Waldorf inspired school with a wonderful and caring group of teachers, students and community. My children are academically challenged in so many creative ways. We love it! read more

Both of my daughters have benefited immeasurably from Sparrow Academy. Waldorf education fosters a life long love of learning, not mindless memorization. Being part of such a kind, loving, tight knit community feels like a blessing. The teachers are dedicated to fostering the best in each child, and being Waldorf trained, are aware that children learn through doing and emphasize the arts including painting, drawing, music, dance and games. Instead of spending their day in front of a computer screen, Sparrow Academy incorporates play into daily education and for this I am grateful. Now that my older daughter has graduated from Sparrow and moved on to a magnet school for ninth grade, she is so motivated to learn that I have never had to ask her to do her homework. She does it on her own. read more