Sacramento Waldorf School

We found about Waldorf's education and philosophy while we were living in Hawaii. Our daughter attended a Waldorf kindergarten class in Hawaii and we moved to Sacramento California so our daughter could attend the Sacramento Waldorf School in Fair Oaks CA starting in 1st grade and go there until she graduates high school. Our daughter is now in the 4th grade and she LOVES school and wants to go each and every day. Sacramento Waldorf School is located on 23 acres on the American River and has a 5 acre byodynamic farm, teaches two languages, includes art, music and movement in each year curriculum along with reading writing and math. The same teacher takes the class from 1st grade through 8th grade and therefore gets to know each child in depth. The high school has great science labs and 95% of all graduates go onto college. Both my wife and I wish we could have gone to Sacramento Waldorf School. If you want your child's schooling to leave them with high self esteem, a love of learning for life, develop great values and be a self starter and love going to school then this is the school for you to choose to send them to..
--Submitted by a parent

SWS is worth every penny we spend in tuition, give in donation and also worth every minute we put in as volunteers. Optimally, the kids get the same teacher 1 through 8. This give a teacher great insight as to the inner workings of each child. They greet each kid every day with a hand shake, solid eye to eye contact and very brief conversation. In class, Waldorf teacher training gives them the tools to "hold a class", referring to how they shepherd the children's attention constantly, the best doing it without being obvious. Though distinct subjects are taught like reading writing and arithmetic, they also weave them together in a palatable whole, so in Greek mythology they will work a little math into the mix. In math a lot of art to illustrate the concept. They strive to make the abstract, concrete. Consequently, the goal of the school is make education enjoyable; to instill in each child, a life long love of learning, arming them with tools to always adjust to anything life throws their way. Some have referred to this school as a place for the rich. Not! This year is a record breaker for tuition assistance. Consequently, there is a call to give: time, treasure or talent.
--Submitted by a parent

We came to the Sacramento Waldorf School 7 years ago for parent-toddler class with our 1 and 3 year old children. Each year, we have continued to grow with our children and the community of like-minded families towards a more centered, calm existence. Our spirits renew each fall as the Waldorf curriculum continues to meets our children in a developmentally-appropriate way. Our children are blessed with an education that is tailored to their individual needs, personality and learning style. This school and community is not for those who want to do "what everyone else is doing". But if you want your children to maintain their self-esteem and to learn in an incredibly well-rounded way, at a pace that is right for their own individual development, you should check out this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Sac Waldorf for pretty much my entire school career (K-11). It's great on how much they focus on the inner artist within. They really make sure the arts and music are a big part of your life. I think most kids that come out from Waldorf are extremely unique and amazing individuals that have a lot to offer the world.

We put two kids through Sacramento Waldorf - it's a great school that keeps kids in touch with art and nature!
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended Waldorf schools for all 13 years of his schooling. He graduated from the high school at the Sacramento Waldorf School. The school provided a wonderful environment for him, and his friends for that matter, to take a hard look at who they were, how they wanted their world to be and how they could contribute to that vision. After graduation he was accepted to many colleges, and chose to attend a top liberal arts college in a rural setting. Sacramento Waldorf School prepared him well for the academic and social challenges of living away from home in a rigorous academic environment. If I were blessed with the opportunity to make an education decision for a child, kindergarten or high school, I would not hesitate to choose Sacramento Waldorf School.

Our family is grateful on a daily basis for finding this school. Not only have our children found the most amazing teachers but we have also found a loving community in which to raise our children with witty adults to keep us laughing, growing, & engaged. There is a magic that is created here through the efforts of the staff and teachers. They deeply care about the soul of each child & create a safe environment where each one can become who they were meant to be. My eldest was at another local school for 2 years, we struggled w/ homework on a daily basis w/ many tears shed, now she has a love of learning and gets passionate about school projects. We are blessed & strongly encourage every family to at least walk on campus, speak to any parent or child and you will feel and witness the magic.
--Submitted by a parent

I am thrilled with this school. My child is in the Lower School and oves it every day! The community and education speak to its enriched curriculum it is worth every cent of the tuition.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is located on an idyllic, beautiful campus. There is a warm welcoming for all who come. The curriculum is designed for the long term, 1st through 8th, in an unbroken manner, with the same teacher. Kids get a well-rounded education with an emphasis on developing a love of learning in the child that will stay with them for life. It is challenging, in a subtle painless way for the student, taught in a manner that is the antithesis of the glorified Skinner Box that is the standard in most schools today. The people involved, administration, teachers, staff and students expect parents to step up. As a parent, you participate sometimes beyond your comfort zone, yet with wonderful results. Don t let the cost get in the way; the sacrifice is worth it. Be prepared to get rid of the TV and enhance your family s life. Go, do it
--Submitted by a parent

Parents at the school for full 14 years. The faculty has incredible understanding and commitment to each child and their development. The curriculum is brilliant, the full wisdom of how beautifully integrated it is unfolding in the high school. The students, parents and staff form a strong community bond. The campus is a 20+ acre natural paradise. The classrooms are beautiful. All the students, not just those with special natural talents, learn musical instruments, participate in plays, sing, dance, learn to draw and paint, to wood carve, weave, knit and learn foreign languages. The 'games' or 'movement classes' are one of the school's best kept secrets--they're like the world's most fun and creative PE classes. Athletics are emphasized in the HS, though the school's small size limits the diversity of athletic offerings. Some discipline issues at times dealing with disruptive talkers during some classes.
--Submitted by a parent