Walden Center and School

Both our daughters attend Walden Center and School, a diverse community that embraces a progressive, constructivist, and developmental model of teaching and learning. It is an excellent academic environment within a warm embracing community that engages the whole child as a unique individual whose artistic education and expressions are integral parts of his/her development. The integrated arts curriculum makes learning a multisensory, joyful, thought provoking, and lasting experience. The school s small size enables teachers, parents, and children to truly know and support one another nobody gets lost in the crowd. One of the most important social development aspects of Walden is its Respect for All curriculum: classes, workshops, discussions, early intervention, mediation, role-play, and modeling provide tools and language for positive and peaceful decision-making and conflict resolution for children and the entire community. Respect for All starts at the early grades, so that students organically learn how to be members of a community, and become equipped to manage the increasingly complex social mores as they grow.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a school where every teacher will know your child personally, and each teacher we had was fantastic (k-2nd...could no longer afford private school and had to leave). The arts teachers are with your kids from k on. This school is committed to the children and their education.
—Submitted by a parent

Walden is unique among Berkeley schools in that it is run by the teachers, not by a head of school. What this means for your family is that every teacher at Walden has a personal stake in the school and is committed to the school's vision in a way that is different from teachers at more traditional schools. There is very little teacher turnover at Walden. The teaching staff is academically excellent and also diverse, which reflects Walden's commitment to view each child as an individual. Walden is a small community, but the families at Walden span a big range -- young parents and old, big families and single parents, well-to-do and just-starting-out parents, working artists and regular workaday folks. The children at Walden all know each other and treat each other like an extended family, playing together before and after school and during lunch time. Our child, who came to Walden after a few years at another school, has developed a love for school and learning that we have not seen before, nor in our older children. The music, art, and theater programs at Walden have been a source of real joy and achievement for our child. It is a really special school.
—Submitted by a parent

The students are happy and comfortable in their skin at this arts-based, progressive school.
—Submitted by a parent

Walden is a wonderful environment for children's growth and learning. To call it a 'school' is a misnomer for it connotes feelings associated with standardized expectations and boxed teaching. If you are of the belief that it does take a village to raise a child, you will be delighted to see this in action at Walden. Self-confidence, acceptance, and a desire for learning and continued enrichment are only a few of the positive side effects of a Walden education. My son has grown into an independent thinker, lover of the arts, and has a strong sense of community and friendship...these are real attributes which support a healthy future for us all. Thank you, Walden!
—Submitted by a parent

Walden was the perfect choice for my son who is a very bright, slightly quirky learner. His teachers at every level have appreciated his strengths, made room for his interests in the classroom, and met him where he was in any areas needing support. We have been uniformly impressed with the staff and have watched them handle a few potentially difficult transitions with honesty and authenticity. This school is not a fancy place, but it makes up in heart for what it may lack in polish.
—Submitted by a parent

The school was a God send for my son. He learned what he needed academically in a loving environment. He grew emotionally and creatively through the help of the amazing staff. He misses Walden, but is doing very well in a public middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

Ah, a 'daycare' that has sent successful students towards excellent results in many public and private high school. The roster of Walden graduates who have gone on to lead successful lives, have great careers, contribute to their communities and, as an aside, graduate from some of the premier colleges in the country, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, The Claremont Schools, Berkeley, Stanford and many more. In terms of caring for and educating the whole student for a lifetime of participation and learning, there is no better school than Walden Center and School.
—Submitted by a parent

Walden is not a traditional 'sit at your desk - don't talk- obey - memorize' kind of school. It encourages creativity, open-mindedness, having and voicing your opinion without fear. Kids at Walden gain 'SELF-CONFIDENCE' which is something far more valuable than academics for success in life. All the graduates I've known have done very well in the career path they have chosen. I think the teachers collectively, harmoniously and successfuly run the school. Choosing Walden was one of the best things I've done for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

Walden has been a wonderful experience for my two daughters. One gregarious and the other slightly shy, they both are becoming very confident people and have had their creativity lovingly nurtured by the school and its wonderful teachers. Although class size is small and the friend pool can be limited, my girls have had great experiences with their peers. When times were tough they have learned great problem solving skills that will help them throughout their lives. Walden has been there not only for our kids but for the whole family and we are so glad that we chose to send our kids there even if it is a hippy school ! Love it!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not a joke. The students are given freedom to be creative, but guided in solving problems together when necessary. My son is doing very well, but had some major problems adjusting to his new environment. Now after three years of attentive guidance, he is truly thriving.
—Submitted by a parent

We never thought we'd end up sending daughter to private school but we are SO grateful to have found Walden. Our bright child spent kindergarten in one of the better public schools and was still far from thriving. At Walden, she's excited to learn because she is genuinely interested, not because there is a trinket in a prize box awaiting her. Small class size allows teachers to tailor work for each child, those who are able work above grade level. We love how teachers identify what kids are excited about and make it a learning experience. As social issues arise teachers have been on top of them and have helped kids work things through in class meetings. Walden arts are amazing and have increased daughter's self esteem. Afterschool program on site is fun and stimulating and run by young adults who love kids. Best thing we ever did for our child!!
—Submitted by a parent

Walden is a gem of a school! After carefully looking at both public and private schools in Berkeley our family unanimously chose Walden. As my daughter rounds the end of her fourth year at Walden I can confidently say that the experienced, skillful and highly dedicated teachers take the time to know each child in a way that feeds their natural love of learning and sets them on a life-path of active participation in their education. I cannot say enough about the true integration of the arts into the curriculum and the incredible community at this school. If things appear unstructured on the surface, one need only to look a little deeper to see how the teachers and staff know and engage each child respectfully and individually. We love the way Walden has challenged and nurtured our child academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

This 'school' is a joke. It is basically a daycare where children are allowed to do what they want without consequences. The teachers run the school and with nobody really in charge, the lack of administrative leadership really becomes a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

We selected Walden for many reasons, but the two primary reasons were our desire for a small school and the fact that we really liked the kindergarten teacher and felt that our son would connect well with her. We really wanted our son to thrive in his first year at elementary school and, happily, he has. Our child feels very much at home at Walden, has made friends there, and is an enthusiastic participant in class and in the afterschool program. He looks forward to meeting weekly with his older Reading Buddy on Tuesdays and playing hockey or kickball with the big kids after school. As parents, we enjoy chatting with other parents on campus and have felt ourselves become part of the Walden family. Deciding on an elementary school was a time-consuming and high stakes endeavor, but we have been very content with our decision.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a really special place. It is a small school with small class sizes and amazing, thoughtful teachers and para-teachers. The children are respected for who they are. Learning is an adventure and a pleasure, never a chore. Prior to entering school, our boy was very anxious, and we really weren't sure how things were going to work out. Pam (the k teacher) has been gentle and supportive, and in time our worried little guy has really thrived. This is a great school for you if the thought of your special kid feeling bored all day, or sitting in some big room getting lost in the crowd, or being a 'problem' because he or she is shy/quirky/slow/fast/inquisitive/rebellious/different/, or not getting enough exercise, or not having many different parts of his or her brain stimulated every day, just makes you feel like there has to be a better way. Walden is also the lowest-cost private school we saw in the Bay area. There's not quite as much cushy stuff as some other private schools (the school doesn't feel wealthy and endowed; the facility is modest; parents do most of the maintenance and cleaning), but it abounds with love and intellect. We are so grateful and fortunate we've found it.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm the parent of alumni, and an alumni myself. My (now adult) children can refer directly to Walden in how they have made choices throughout their lives - both in their interests, higher education, and the kind of relationships they build with others.

Walden is a wonderful community of thoughtful, creative people who love to teach and learn. The arts are central to the curriculum: music, drama, dance, visual arts, crafts, etc. The teachers are wonderful and many have been there for a long time. They do not give grades for work completed, and teachers are free to concentrate on learning, not testing. Kids are free to focus on what interests them and mastering skills for life. The teacher collective means that all teachers take responsibility for how the school is run. They value community and they really work to live out their ideals. We feel very lucky to have this school nearby and our daughter is thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had two daughters go through the program at Walden, and were very happy with the school. It is a wonderful community- teachers, parents and kids. Though I had some concerns about the lack of testing while my kids were there, I found that they were well-prepared when they moved on to middle and high school. I highly recommend Walden as a place where childhood is cherished and kids love to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Walden is a wonderful school, my three children attended and the one thing that was consisted was that they are all well balanced and confident students. Walden has a great sense of community and friends they keep well after the school days are over. Very supportive yet flexible and attentive when it comes to children being their own individual. Highly recommend!
—Submitted by a parent