Ithaca Waldorf School Offers Scholarships
to Middle School Students

In recognition of structural and historical inequities, Ithaca Waldorf School (IWS) is launching a program to help level the playing field and make Waldorf education accessible to middle school students of color. The Gateway to Middle School initiative covers the majority of tuition as well as 100% of all fees, instrument rental, musical instruction, and after-school fees for middle school students of color who are accepted in the general admissions process.

“We’ve always offered financial assistance to all qualifying families and we will continue to do so,” said Laura Hayes, Director of IWS. “What sets the Gateway to Middle School apart is that we recognize that Black and Latino families have fifteen to twenty percent of the household wealth of white families. Students of color may need additional support to access what we have to offer, which is a unique learning environment focused on nurturing the whole individual.”

Waldorf education emphasizes arts, music, and our connection to the seasons and natural cycles. Each student receives instruction on a musical instrument and spends time outside each day. Students work in teams to develop projects related to the functioning of the school. For example, the middle school recently started selling firewood they harvested in their Farm & Land Stewardship class. Students at IWS flourish in a low-tech environment that allows them to learn social skills and togetherness in ways not available in many other settings.

The goal of the Gateway to Middle School initiative is to counteract the historical legacies that have led to white children having greater access to private education, including private education that emphasizes access to music, the arts, and nature.

“Our school is situated in our community and it should reflect that community. Our financial assistance program, music scholarship program, and now the Gateway to Middle School aim to make our unique curriculum available to an economically and racially diverse cross-section of the greater Ithaca population,” said Lynsay Ayer, former President of the Board of Trustees.

The Ithaca Waldorf School, along with many schools worldwide, has been actively decolonizing its curriculum. IWS faculty and staff are continually engaged in anti-racist training and learning about topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

“We are so excited that we can now reach more families with our holistic education that fosters compassionate, free-thinking human beings,” said Hayes.

For further information, please contact:

Laura Hayes, Director of School Administration
Nathaniel Thompson, President of the Board
Doug Jensen, Business Manager

Email: office@ithacawaldorf.org
Phone: (607) 256-2020