The goal of the school, founded in 1969, is to foster well-rounded individuals who forge their own path for purposeful engagement in the world.
Enter any classroom at the Washington Waldorf School (WWS) and you will find an environment that encourages active engagement tailored for the developmental stage of the students, preschool to Grade 12.
In high school, classes are discussion-based with a feeling of belonging and equal participation. In younger grades, classrooms are filled with meaningful objects and art that enhance lessons. Early childhood classrooms have delightful wooden and natural fiber toys that foster imagination and creative play.
You won’t see much digital technology outside the offices and high school tech lab, but the school isn’t “no-tech,” just “slow-tech.” What does that mean? WWS uses no digital tech in the classroom before Grade 6 and then only with thoughtful intention. They want their students to develop capacities like self-knowledge, empathy, critical thinking and clear expression independent of current tech trends. Those who shape future technologies need a broad perspective. Waldorf graduates are well represented in tech and media, where their creativity is highly valued. As advised by the Surgeon General, limits on digital technology also support kids’ social-emotional and mental health. The school community is engaged with this critical issue and offers education and suggested guidelines for families.
WWS graduates go on to top colleges having experienced hands-on science labs, math studies that ask why (not just how), college-style seminar classes, competitive sports, multiple artistic mediums and much more. The goal of the school, founded in 1969, is to foster well-rounded individuals who forge their own path for purposeful engagement in the world.