Desert Marigold School

I love the teachers, the gardens, the animals, the art, the practical work, the festivals, the depth and relevancy of the acadmic program, the incredible level of involvement of the parents....that's just a start.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to say I don't agree with the rating of this school. Its an amazing charter Waldorf school. Its just so rare to have Free Waldorf Education in America!
--Submitted by a parent

great school! very pleased. I think people who are upset with this school are people who have a hard time with community or have issues to begin with. My child came from Villa Montessori and I am just so much happier here at DMS. My child is very smart and I feel that she is given lessons at her level with excelled track classes. I would like to see a better music program. But my child is still young.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has been a part of the DMS community for 8 years now and we are very happy with the education our children are receiving. Our daughter will be entering 3rd grade in the fall and has the most wonderful teacher who really cares about each and every child and challenges them every day. She also takes the time to listen to the parents if they ever have questions or concerns. Our child's Kindergarten teacher is also fantastic. She creates a nurturing and loving environment. Both of our children's teachers are fully Waldorf certified, as are most of the teachers at DMS. The faculty is very focused on giving the children the best Waldorf curriculum possible. Many of the parents go above and beyond in volunteering to help make this campus beautiful and help to support the events and festivals throughout the year.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at Desert Marigold. Our family is very pleased with the Waldorf curriculum and the warm and thoughtful approach to learning. My son leaves the school happy and excited about his daily lessons. He loves to retell stories he has heard and proudly shares his accomplishments. Faculty take their job seriously and are devoted to nurturing and respecting each child. They are friendly and approachable should you have a question or concern. DMS administration is very busy and at the same time they are open to listening to my concerns. They strive to make this community work as they too support the school-wide activities. Parents in the community also deserve credit for stepping up and volunteering, sometimes year after year, to make our community events so successful and memorable. This beautiful, natural campus is a hidden treasure in South Phoenix.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a Waldorf inspired school. It is so amazing in it's approach to education! Really innovative and interesting. Do yourself a favor and research the Waldorf Educational values.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended DMS for many years. The campus is beautiful and the waldorf curriculum is fantastic. However, it seems to be filled with empty promises and lack of follow through. They preach alot of collaboration and community, however, the adults in the community, especially the administration and faculty have alot of growing up to do. They shirk away from any type of conflict, try to ignore it and as a result many families leave after years of trying to work in their 'collaborative community' model. They are not interested in what the parents want, they simply want to push their own personal agendas. I want a school that walks their own talk!!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attend DMS since the 2nd grade. She has just graduated the 8th grade. She received a well rounded and wonderful education.
--Submitted by a parent

I admit it's been hard finding the right thing to do at Desert Marigold. So I've been spending more time studying the works of Rudolf Steiner. He believed that the children already have knowledge and that the work of the teacher and adults is to remove encumbrances. He said there is a curriculum that will really meet these children and in a way make their souls sing. I did not understand all this until I took a study course that my daughter's teacher taught. I know now that education starts with the feeling life and with the soul and I feel that I am a better parent for the education my daughter is receiving. If you have a chance, send your child. I heard they're all filled up for the next school year, but maybe you'll get lucky.
--Submitted by a parent

When I think public school I gag at the send them to the office for punishment, script teaching that 'meets the standards.' For getting any rambunctious boy into juve hall? I love this Waldorf charter school, love it! My boy would never do anything besides play the video games, he was just a couple of big thumbs, all of a sudden he wants to sing, and play recorder and knit. Then I go to a parent meeting and learn that knitting is like Thinking, that following that thread until you get yourself a sweater, well, it's like making an idea come true! This school has totally opened up horizons for my child. And it's been wonderful for me too. I am treated like an individual, and I honor my son's teacher who has had the stamina to stay with him all these years!
--Submitted by a parent