The Waldorf School of Orange County

Waldorf education standards are amazing when taught in the right way. Meant to embrace the individual strengths of a child, soften the focus on weaknesses & provide a place of compassion, free of judgment. Waldorf School of O.C. has translated that in to allowing the kids to express themselves in whatever manner the child sees fit, with little social/emotional guidance. Kids threaten others & act in cruel ways; allowed to express themselves at the expense of others. Affects learning for those who need a stable, creative & caring place to be. Education level is behind what it used to be. Class sizes range 30+. Kids capable of more fall behind; can t concentrate w/surrounding chaos/not given the attention needed. Specialty subjects seem perfection focused. Kids who aren t at the same level as others sit out of orchestra, unable to participate with the group & aren t provided with anyone to help them progress. Little to no parent/teacher communication. Can t say this about every teacher, only what my child has experienced. Have the same teacher/class 1st - 8th grade, so be thorough when interviewing & spend time in the class. No community garden/physical labor is not focused on
--Submitted by a parent

This Waldorf is not one of the better Waldorfs in the nation. Our children have one good teacher and one unexperienced teacher. The festivals and curriculum are Waldorf but this school lacks social discipline and this shows up in the students social interactions with each other, which are often aggressive. Waldorf students around the world are known for being confident, compassionate people who are able to help others in the world. Too much unwarranted confidence at this school and not enough intelligent compassion. Many grades teachers are too new and don't have enough Waldorf training to apply this education properly. Emphasizing the whole child approach would work better here if the teachers had the tools, but they are lacking. New children coming from other schools in the grades may have a very hard time assimilating into the culture. Really interview the teacher and parents before deciding. The new high school seems promising with many new and experienced teachers. If this school could work on improving their students and teachers social skills, it could be promising and possibly worth the tuition.
--Submitted by a parent

The UC system requires about 150 units to qualify for admittance. The seniors here graduate with 300 units in everything from calculus (everyone must take it) to chemistry (ditto), physics (ditto), woodwork, painting, drawing, stone carving and more. They are exposed to a classical education with a twist - they are taught to think, not just spew back what is said to them. I wouldn't have my child anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been with the school, as a parent and teacher for 7 years. KI can tell you without hesitation that the education at Waldorf Orange County is below what you would get at a good public school. Yes, the arts are great. Yes, the festivals are pretty. But, is that what we are paying for? Fifth graders who can't compose a coherant paragraph? The majority of 8th graders who can't do algebra? Do not be blinded by the surface beauty, the underbelly is not pretty!! There is no administration. There is no consistency in the education. You are rolling the dice with your child's future by enrolling them in Waldorf. Beware!!!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great and the parents all involved in all aspects of the child learning

the music, the festivals, the comunity, the arts, the teachers, the love & heart put into every aspect of these children's education!
--Submitted by a parent

It is a school that offers care, concern and committment to the full expression of being human

I am constantly amazed by the awareness that each teacher has for every child. In no otherplace i have been is there so much thought put into what is best for each and every one, even if it is not popular.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have attended since kindergarten. It's been wonderful place for them to go and learn everyday. They are learning two foreign languages and they both play strings instruments. We love the style of teaching and the fact that they integrate all learning into movement. This makes everything they learn a part of who they are. I would say Waldorf education is great for 90% of children. The other 10% would be children who require a more challenging curriculum or those with behavioral issues. There is huge parent involvement too. If you are someone who wants to do nothing but drop off at the curb, this isn't the school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

The Waldorf School of Orange County does not follow a mainstream academic model, but rather an interesting mix of art, music, languages (two foriegn languages are taught beginning in 1st grade), handwork, story and games. It is through this mix that the children are introduced to numbers and letters. In the later grades students are encouraged to use this interdisciplinary approach to do self directed research. The parents at this school are very involved and thus create a very connected community. Seasonal festivals are held which further tightens the involvement of the children and the parents. The negatives that I experienced were that there is no parent involvement in the curriculum or inner workings of the teaching. There is no Principal, but a 'College of Teachers' and communication with parents is, in my opinion, one directional toward the parent. They are firm but kind, but tend toward conformity.
--Submitted by a parent