This is a school that will not make accommodations or
modifications for learning-different children. It relies heavily on
the Rudolf Steiner philosophy rather than incorporating modern,
research-based models for learning/teaching. This can lead to
challenges for the relationship between the teacher and students.
Students are taught primarily as a group, rather than individual and
thus individual needs are rather secondary, which is probably fine if
you have a self-motivated, verbal-linguistic oriented child. Girls seem
to fare better than boys overall, especially in upper grades (6th and
above). Weaknesses include challenges in staff to parent communication,
allowance for bullying issues to go unresolved, and rigid adherence to
Steiner tenets. Strengths include a reverence for the arts (music,
handwork, watercolor painting) and nature and the outdoors. Teachers
are generally dedicated but not trained to deal with 21st century
children (use of computers is frowned upon, even as an educational
tool). In addition, teachers are generally expected to be with the same
group of kids for grades 1-8.
Waldorf curriculum is very specifically based on the educational theories
of Rudolf Steiner. There are more than 1000 of these schools
internationally. Teachers stay with the class from 1st through 8th grade
with 'specials' teachers teaching the enrichments. This is amazing when
it works, a disaster when the teacher in not up to the job. Teacher
qualifications are sketchy, some are enormously qualified, others
alarmingly under trained. I have two students at this school. One is
getting all the magic and learning that is promised by the best that
Waldorf offers. The other child is being sorely under served by a very
poor teacher. Love the concept, love it when it works. This school is
going through lots of growing pains. It is all about the teacher. By all
means do check it out but be sure you get to know the teacher before
you enroll.
