All three of my children attended Waldorf School of Orange County through 8th grade. The teachers take the time to truly know each child, caring as much about the person they're becoming as their academic progress, helping them find their own voice and speak with confidence. The breadth of what's taught is remarkable: Spanish and Japanese, English classes, string orchestra, choir, painting, knitting, sewing, woodworking, alongside a strong foundation in the sciences. Science often extends beyond the classroom entirely, with overnight camping trips where children study rock formations and growth patterns firsthand. Children are also taught to contribute to their class as a community, and that same spirit extends to parents, between the Winter Festival, Grandparents Day, May Faire, and the Spring Concert, it never feels like an institution, but an extended family. Having watched all three of my children thrive here, I recommend it wholeheartedly. read more

For my daughter is this the third waldorf school, we moved because of my job. The waldorf education is always special, wherever you are. But I can say, we are happy to be part of WSOC now. My daughter is now in 3rd grade and loves her teachers, wenn she comes home, she often even plays, that she is a teacher and repeats with her puppets what she did and learned in the school. Although she had a hard time with divorce between me and her mother, the school gave her stability, joy and purpose. If you want to have a good experience and best results with any waldorf school, it's necessary to understand it's core principles and foundation and cooperate with that. It's hundert years approved pedagogy with great results in the whole world, but it needs cooperation. I am grateful and happy, that my daughter can be educated in WSOC! read more

We love Waldorf education and at Waldorf School of Orange County the College of Teachers, the Board and the Staff are dedicated to a good educational experience in the Waldorf pedagogy. Many of the teachers are amazing. My child was blessed to travel the grades with Brooke Natzke and that experience was amazing. I can't recommend a more qualified person. My are having a great experience with Mrs Schwarz in the grades now for our next child. Our daughter is attending Waldorf High School and has found many of the teachers to be very supportive and helpful. She found her passion because of the championing of her Earth Science Teacher. read more

Waldorf is off the busy streets across from a marsh field called Fairview Park which leads up to the Santa Ana River Trail. Heard a lot about Waldorf and that they offer a unique and diverse curriculum and witnessed it tonight at the screening of Screenagers. Found out two of my cousins worked there and they described it as a magical school comparable to Hogwarts. The screening was held in the auditorium and was packed with students from kindergarten to high school and their parents. The students were in the back working hard selling refreshments and light appetizers. The teacher/emcee stood in front of the stage and kindly waited for everyone to quiet down looking stoic over the crowd. She didn't yell or announce we were about to begin and the students in the audience shushed everyone and gave the eyes forward motion. After the film we were asked to engage in a discussion about the film we just saw and the parents were a little shy at first but then the questions and comments started flying. Parents were agreeing and disagreeing with each other but all the while being very polite to each other and grateful to Waldorf for the type of community they've built. During the discussion a young kid came by with a trash bag to each row and was collecting any trash people may have had. I don't know what the kids are like now a days (I don't have any) but seeing the kid collecting trash and pitching in just spoke volumes to me. Screenagers is a great doc for parents to watch and just gives us a warning of what's to come. One student in the film got so sucked into gaming that he dropped out of college and had to go to an internet rehab facility in Washington State. It gives parents reasons why giving their child a smartphone will or could diminish parts of their brain, why multi-tasking is actually bad, how and when to give their child their own coveted smartphone and warns them about their child's future sleep condition, insomnia or lack of sleep due to excessive and addictive "screen time." So yeah, if you're lucky enough to have a wiz-kid that enrolls in Waldorf consider yourself a parent that's done a great job. read more

See all

My daughter has now finished her second year of playgroup here and it has been a magical and joyful journey for our family. Ms Uschi is the best teacher I've ever experienced! Ms Rusty's music is a beautiful addition to the classroom, Thank you for a beautiful experience! read more

Waldorf School Orange County - our apple gnome - Elementary Schools Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Magical! Teacher Jenell is one of the most wonderful humans I've met in life. Her patience and guidance has been priceless. She introduced Waldorf education to us in a warm calming manner. My husband was skeptical and unsure after his first visit. And then he was the one who was comforted by the journey and looked forward to playgroup and now bridging. Our child has gained qualities that Are admirable. She asks to go to school and looks forward to her days at Waldorf. The thinking it has instilled in us as parents has been very rewarding. We look forward to moving forward to the next level. We will be forever grateful to Teacher Jenell. read more

As a parent of two who went all the way from pre-k through 12th at this school, I can wholeheartedly say, "the school is wonderful." All of our graduating class of beautiful kids/souls were well-prepared to leap into their college experience, ready for any of life's challenges The sense of community with purpose infused the experiences of parents as well as children. If you want a place where your whole family can grow in a loving and enlightening environment where you'll make lifelong friends and cherished memories, please give your family the huge gift of checking out this school. It is a beacon and antidote for this topsy-turvy world. read more

Where to begin...if you don't read anything else, just take away this: This school is not consistent and the things the teachers let slide are unacceptable. We put 2 years into our decision when we picked Waldorf, and then wound up pulling our Kindergartner and Preschooler from WSOC before the school year finished. We were heartbroken that it had to come to that. I gave them 1 star because the preschool teacher, Miss. Cynthia was amazing, I would give her 5 stars, unfortunately she is not a permanent teacher there. It was very difficult to remove our son from her class, we only did that because I was not able to go to 2 different schools and we had to take our daughter out of the kindergarten. The school lacks concrete policies and procedures, every teacher is given a lot of leeway running their classrooms. The behavior they let slide, dismiss, or don't see is a major problem. They've taken the idea of giving kids freedom way too far. Limits are not set consistently which taught my daughter that she was on her own and that kids can do whatever they want when the staff isn't watching. This effected all of us, she started being physically aggressive toward her younger brother, she asked to return to her previous school, she had nightmares, had breakdowns in the car on the way home, our son stopped sleeping through the night (at 5 yrs old he didn't want to sleep alone anymore)...these behaviors would correct themselves during extended breaks from school (thanksgiving, winter break, ski week) then come right back when school was in session. I had friends of ours comment on my kids' behavior and were amazed at how different (mean/angry)they had been acting. (*this has almost completely disappeared after 3 weeks at their new school) I brought these matters directly to the kindergarten teacher in SEPTEMBER and the problems persisted until things came to a head in January. I went to the administration, there is no principal, I spoke with a liaison who paid me nothing but lip service and breached another family's confidentiality in explaining that I wouldn't have to worry about the other child anymore. My confidentiality was breached as well with another parent. The school failed to see that my concern was about the school and how things weren't addressed, that one child wasn't a make or break issue for my family. We leave our children in their care, we expect the teachers to make sure that our kids stay safe. The lack of limit setting, confidentiality in administration, consistent policy, swift responses, and timely communication were my concerns. Too many incidents went unaddressed, and for way too long. After speaking with other families we learned that we were not the only ones, and that other kids had even worse issues at school. Kids have been injured, fighting, cruel teasing, and body shaming. There is no civility code for the kids. Bullying is a problem across the grades and the school needs a policy, the school doesn't even have a consistent protocol for when a child gets injured at school. Ms Cynthia explained any time my son got a scratch on his face, sent my son home when he acted out (like we expected/hoped), the kindergarten teacher did not. In this day and age it's unacceptable. Other ugly issues arose from not addressing all of this, and having a teacher who was not comfortable with confrontation, wasn't firm with children and wasn't skilled at setting limits with parents created the problems. It's funny that the one parent that the school complained about/ had issue with; was the one parent who spoke directly, didn't participate in the drama, and had the easiest time letting go of situations. From the outside it was clear to see that the teacher was swayed by the opinion and talking points of a parent who didn't get along with the other one. I mean really, there needs to be a greater focus on staff development in regard to communication, leadership, and how to remain consistent/have better boundaries. I could go on, but I feel that's enough to give you some food for thought. If you have questions feel free to message me. read more

I have two kids at WSOC rising in 4th and 5th grade. We have been at the school since 2015. What makes this school so special is the focus on the wellbeing of our children. They have a magical recipe for helping kids learn to learn to be self sufficient, curious, creative and caring. They are not focusing on creating achievement oriented kids who are learning for a test or a grade, they are focused on helping kids tap into their natural ability to question, observe and learn. With this comes kids who have less anxiety/stress and feel like they are part of a team. With the increase of anxiety, depression and suicide in kids, what they are doing at WSOC is a true gift to our kids. They help them navigate relating to their peers, understanding how important it is for us to learn how to work without people who disagree with us, or stand up for ourselves when someone is hurting us. Sometimes there is conflict, and my child has always felt supported and loved. I feel like I have support from the teachers and the school whenever I have questions about what is happening. In the early childhood years, there is a lot of support for parenting. They really emphasize creating a routine for the kids so they can get good sleep, food, time outside and ability to be creative. They helped me learn about redirecting and setting up for success with younger kids so I wasn't just frustrated all the time. It's an incredibly nourishing environment and as a physician, I really appreciate the emphasis on health as an aspect of creating a space for the kids to learn. They make amazing fresh baked bread in the kindergarden amongst other delicious recipes that have become part of our family now. Our kids teachers really know them which makes all the difference. I sometimes can't believe how much detail and care goes into the reviews we get from the teachers. These teachers are the most dedicated people I have met and have such a deep love for teaching and for the kids. There isn't a principal here, there is the college of teachers which does have a lead teacher. They all work by consensus which seems to create well thought out plans. In the past they have not always been great at communicating with the parent body the deep thoughtfulness behind these plans which is something they can keep working on. During these difficult times, the school has created an online curriculum with enrichment programs that allow our kids to get that extra in person support that they really need. Their plan to help keep our kids safe is so amazingly well thought out and balanced. They are following all of the safety recommendations while appreciating how important it is to help the kids not feel overwhelmed. WSOC has given my kids such amazing gifts, they are curious, energetic, happy kids. They have helped me tremendously to have a more peaceful household. I am so deeply grateful. read more

I am not sure where to begin... We have been at WSOC since our twin boys were in Playgroup, they just began 4th grade. We are thrilled this education is available for our children, the curriculum is beautiful. The way art and music are woven into all the subjects. The way math, reading and science are enlivened by the art and music. Our boys love learning, they are voracious readers, play math games at dinner, they love their teachers and when they are challenged with something (and they are) they know they have the support of their teachers and class community. As a parent I am so grateful for this education and the relationships that are nurtured with our boys and our family! read more

I have been a student at this school my whole life, and swear that it is the best gift I have ever been given. The education I have received has formed who I am in inexplicable ways, and I hope that you will give your child the same opportunity. If only every child could have access to such a supportive, kind, welcoming community. Imagine -- being excited to come to school and learn every day, alongside a group of great friends, and amazing teachers. read more

We can't say enough about the incredible staff, loving and educational environment. Learning the way it should be!

Horrible horrible school... encourages bullying. Teachers refused to help my kid who was being hit and called insulting names like "whale." My child now has to see a psychologist weekly to work though her anxiety around kids her age after this traumatic experience. read more