Why Waldorf?

we believe…

A Waldorf education is one of the most important investments you can make in your child’s formative years. Our students grow into accomplished, thriving young people notable not only for their confidence, abilities, and interests, but for the profound human connections they form. We want to partner with families in making a Waldorf education accessible to those who seek it, while also working toward school and community sustainability. We believe these goals go hand in hand.

CELEBRATING WALDORF EDUCATION

On September 19, 2019 Waldorf education marked its 100th anniversary.

In celebration, the film Learn to Change the World shows people from around the world who work on the big pedagogical tasks of our time based on Waldorf/Steiner pedagogy. It is the first film of more to come, which aim to show concrete approaches to these tasks.

THE STORY CONTINUES…

Following part 1 of the Waldorf 100 film Learn to Change the World, the second part deals with encounter, engagement and inclusion: learning that goes beyond merely accumulating information can be understood as an individual way to seek the truth.

Waldorf education is a schooling philosophy that emphasizes a holistic approach to learning that integrates academic, artistic and practical skills. It was developed by Austrian philosopher and educator Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century.

The Ithaca Waldorf School (IWS) offers four programs for children: a 20 month to three-year-old Parent-Child Program, an Early Childhood Program for three to six-year-olds, an Elementary Grades Program and a Middle School Program.

In the Parent-Child and Early Childhood Programs, the focus is on play-based learning that supports the development of the child's imagination and creativity. Rhythms throughout the day, week and school year develop the children’s ability to orient in space and time while building vital social, emotional and cognitive skills.

The Elementary Grades curriculum focuses on a wide range of core subjects, including mathematics, science, history, geography, language arts and Spanish, while also emphasizing the arts, music, drama, handwork and movement.
In Middle School, students build on the foundation laid in their elementary years, and new subjects are introduced that will guide and build their capacities to eagerly and compassionately move out into the wider world as they develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

PARENT TESTIMONIALS

“Waldorf education meets my kiddos exactly where they are. They find joy and learning through playing, they have developed a sense of community and caring through activities with their peers, and they are building passions and interests faster than we can keep up. They love learning, and as a parent, I love knowing that this intentional education is helping to build them as people who love learning, exploring, and critical thinking, and who will have empathy for and the ability to connect with people their whole lives.”

-Andrea Alary, IWS Parent and Global Management Consultant for Accenture

“In math my children were way above average, beyond where the other sixth graders were. Both of their teachers say that they have great deductive reasoning skills, they are a pleasure to have in class, they think outside the box. My son’s teacher at Boynton Middle School said if she had to do it over again, she would have sent her own kids to Waldorf.”

-Liz Hess, IWS Alumni Parent and Nurse Practitioner at Gannett Health Services at Cornell University

“There is a feeling of humanity among the children. My child is a full person for being here. He makes friends easily and is comfortable in his own skin. He is excited about his peers’ achievements, and they are excited about his. It’s a noncompetitive environment and celebrates all qualities.”

-Elizabeth Simkin, IWS Parent and Professor of Cello, Ithaca College School of Music