Waldorf School

My son went to a Waldorf school when he was pre-K age. He is 17 now and at Santa Monica High.

He's a really bright kid and amazingly remembers quite a bit about his time there -- a heck of a lot more than I can recall of my early childhood, that's for sure.

I asked him about it for you. He laughed. He said he remebered that they did little cooking and planting and artistic activities, but he said that the tone was always very earth-mama, artsy-fartsy. He said that he felt "weird" there because even though they kept telling him that there was no wrong way to do things, if you didn't do things their way then you didn't fit in. He couldn't give me a clearer explanation of what he meant by that, so I don't know if it is at all helpful to you.

Obviously, I thought Waldorf was a good idea because that is what I chose, and I don't think it hurt my son a bit. These days he wears his hair too long and plays his music too loud, but he is also a straight A student, has never been in trouble, and has nice friends. All in all, he has turned out to be a quality human being, if I do say so myself.

It is hard to know what choices to make for your children. I sincerely wish you all the best.

I do not have personal experience but both my niece and nephew go to a Waldorf School. Their mother is passionate about the Waldorf philosophy and she plans to have them in Waldorf all the way through High School. Here is her response to your question:

Most Waldorf schools have playgroups for that age. I
would suggest going to one. You really get a feel for
the Waldorf method there.
I would also recommend reading Waldorf Education A
Family Guide by Pamela Johnson Fenner and Karen L.
Rivers.
It would be wise to educate oneself on the harmful
influences of media (tv and video games) on kids too.
When children go to Waldorf school- it is highly
recommended that your tv be off at least during the
school week. That way the wonderful stories and
lessons they are taught at school sink in and stay
with them.
The curriculum is based on physical, emotional and
spiritual development. Art is incorporated into every
subject. They also learn a foreign language and play
a musical instrument in every grade. They start
finger knitting in Kindergarten and eventually crochet
and do cross stitch and more. All of which helps with
handwriting and math. They 'own' what they learn.
They do not simply binge on information and purge it
for the next test.
Childhood and imagination are protected in Waldorf
schools. My son who is almost 12 would still believe
in Santa Claus if I didn't tell him otherwise.
Waldorf education creates individuals who think out of
the box. They have a lifelong passion for learning.
I believe Waldorf Education nurtures the soul and
helps children create a foundation to reach their full
potential in life.
I would be happy to answer any other questions...

Hi!

I have my daughter in the Parent-Toddler Program at the Westside Waldorf School and plan on putting her in the nursery program in September. I would recommend the Parent Toddler program before you decide on their nursery and grades programs. I have had very positive experiences with the Parent-Toddler Program and have friends who love the Westside Waldorf School!

T.

Hi Z.,
My sister is the P.T.A. president at the Westside Waldorf school. I can put you in touch with her in about a week. She just left today for vacation (it's spring break) & she will return on April 8th. If you want to email me, please do so at: ____@____.com