About Us

The Ithaca Waldorf School brings together families, teachers, alumni, and supporters who are dedicated to the principles of Waldorf education and to creating a joyful and inspiring community experience. School life centers around our teachers’ commitment and collaborative work, an active parent body, and a curriculum that awakens a love of learning in our children. We seek to discover creative and innovative ways to work and celebrate together, and we welcome the greater Ithaca area to join us.

Waldorf Education has had roots in Ithaca for over 30 years. Various Waldorf initiatives grew into the Waldorf School of the Finger Lakes, which was established in 1982 and served over 180 students at its height. When the WSFL closed in 1999 with assets, the Board of Trustees began a search for farmland on the outskirts of Ithaca, in anticipation of building a new school. In 2004, the Board purchased 100 acres just south of Ithaca College. Soon afterward, the Ithaca Waldorf School was established and housed in a rental property while plans to construct a building on the school’s land commenced. In 2008, the Ithaca Waldorf School was accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWNSA) as a “developing Waldorf school.” IWS currently offers classes from ages 20 months through fifth grade and has plans to expand both the Early Childhood programming and the Grades.

A New Campus
In February 2010, the IWS Board of Trustees initiated a plan to build the first building on our farmland—located on Nelson Road at Route 96B. A building loan was secured, and a design for six classrooms (for Kindergarten and the Grades classes), an expandable community space, office, kitchen, and gardens was completed. Construction began in November 2010. (See our News page for building project updates.)

We anticipate moving in August 2012 and will begin the 2012–2013 school year in our new home.