Camellia Waldorf School

If you're looking for a school with teachers that are dedicated to their profession and are always looking for ways to help your child excel (socially, academically, and physically) and a warm and inviting community of teachers, parents, and staff, then you've found your school. We've been here since our son entered kindergarten and he's now a third grader; it's been a great experience for our whole family. Frankly, I wish I'd gone to Camellia as a kid!
—Submitted by a parent

We came to Camellia last year as we were not happy with my children's current private school which was way to income driven. At first glance Camellia may come off as too organic or too warm and fuzzy. The facilities are a little run down, but fully functioning, and to be honest, kids don't care. What we have found is that this is a top notch school. The teachers and staff are extremely dedicated. The creative way education is taught is wonderful. My children absolutely love this school. They miss it on the weekends. This is a non-profit school, and all tuition goes towards paying the teacher's salaries and to the school. There is absolutely no monies being paid to a private "owner/operator" of the school. The method of teaching (e.g., reading a year later than public school) has proved to be beneficial to my child. Basically, once they learn to read they take off and are caught up with those in public schools. We have also found the kids in the older grades at Camellia seem to be friendlier and more social than the average teenager. I think this has to do the the community of the school. I can't say enough good things about this school. We are so happy there.
—Submitted by a parent

We ve known for years that Camellia is a wonderful school for young children and their families, but as our child has grown older, we have come to realize what a gift this school is for families with students in the middle grades, 5th through 8th. Some aspects of the middle school education at Camellia that we appreciate most are as follows: arts and academics deftly interwoven in a way that deepens the learning experience, the opportunity for personal reflection and expression in every lesson, and the sense of community leadership that is cultivated in the middle school students. Moreover, with Camellia s emphasis on mental and physical health and acuity, and with materialism and commercialism deemphasized, students ease into adolescence at Camellia with more grace and fluidity, and less turbulence, than is typical in other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Camellia is a remarkable place for children and their families. There is a strong emphasis on integrated learning that incorporates imagination, understanding, creativity, rigor, attention to detail, and a sound moral base. The curriculum is challenging but at a deliberate, appropriate pace that leaves children with an eagerness to learn more. The school incorporates a regular ritual of festivals and other opportunities for public speaking and appearances that build confidence in children and community more widely. Both the faculty and the parents are committed to creating an atmosphere that reduces a lot of the materialism, shallowness, and stilted social skills that come with an over reliance on TV, video games, and the Internet. My family has only been there two years, but I sense that this place is building leaders and well rounded citizens that our world sorely needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family couldn t be more thrilled with Camellia Waldorf. The teachers are so committed and professional. The curriculum throughout the grades is really amazing. Children have the opportunity to learn such a broad range of things, from the traditional academics, to art, music and movement. Instead of a lot of the busy work and rote learning that happens at some schools, the Waldorf approach really encourages a deep understanding of each subject matter. As a math major myself, I have been especially impressed with their approach to math, beginning as early as first grade. And it has been taught in a way that has gotten my daughter really excited about it. I have a first grader and preschooler. All our daughters teachers have been so warm, kind, caring, thoughtful and intelligent. From my older daughter s very first week at Camellia in Kindergarden, she asked repeatedly if she could go to Camellia through eighth grade. In addition to the school, we love the community of families that are part of the school and have made a number of treasured friendships. Camellia really is a special place, and we feel so fortunate to have found this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Camellia offers a wonderful, loving environment in which children are not only challenged to be creative and intelligent but still allowed to be kids. They grow at a pace that is right for them and are not forced to be young adults too early by outside cultural and media influences. My wife and I have always had strong mathematic and analytical backgrounds and Camellia has fulfilled our hopes in that regard. But Camellia also offers them an artistic education that we could never provide. Whether my children ever become artists or not, such an education will continue to enrich their lives for many, many years to come. I am proud to be able to offer my children the educational experience that Camellia provides.
—Submitted by a parent

The first time I came onto the campus I knew I was in a very special place. The quality of teachers, the nurturing environment, the focus on developing both a child's creative and intellectual capacities, as well as cultivating in them a sense of reverence for the natural world makes this the only place in Sacramento that I would send my children. While gardening, music, arts and movement programs are something that are considered 'extra' (or are non-existent) in most schools, at Camellia they are integral to their mission of educating the WHOLE child, not just the child's brain. The school's committed to making this education as available as possible through a progressive tuition assistance program is beautifully reflected in the diversity of the student body. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in a giving their child an opportunity to reach his or her true life potential.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to Camellia. We have been very impressed with the strong parent community and the effort and care demonstrated by the teachers. The curriculum is very beneficial in bringing out the best in students. They turn out very well rounded individuals, stimulating them in the areas of academics, music, art, physical development, spirituality and social abilities. If the public school chaos concerns you, Camellia is worth a look!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a member of the faculty and also a parent at Camellia Waldorf School. I enjoy so many things about this school it is hard to know where to begin. I wholeheartedly respect my fellow colleagues who are multi-talented, insightful and optimistic. I enjoy the down-to earth- parent body whose love for this school warmly welcomes any newcomer. The children are the greatest gift, and this community, parents and faculty alike, strive to work together to support healthy children who enjoy learning.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have two children in adjoining grades. They love to go to school and learn. This is due to the fact that learning is made to be fun. The teachers take a genuine interest in the learning and well being of the children. The parents are very involved and make class functions enjoyable and memorable. I enjoy watching them grow in to young adults with the solid footing that their schooling gives them.
—Submitted by a parent

I was skeptical of sending my son to private school, but my concerns went away after just a few weeks in the Waldorf system. There are many reasons why I've been happy with our experience at Waldorf (many are listed by others in these reviews), but the 2 items that stand out the most to me are: 1) they recognize that spiritual and religious ideas are an important part of the overall educational experience and 2) they focus on teaching the children to learn through experience and play instead of lectures and homework.
—Submitted by a parent

Camellia is not just a school but also a wonderful community full of dedicated and well-trained teachers, diverse students, and active parents. Our son is in kindergarten and has blossomed in a magical environment full of stories, songs, painting, friendships, chickens, bunnies, baked bread, soup, quesadillas, tree climbing, rope swinging, mud, sand, and water. What more could a boy want? Camellia is a find by any measure you wish to use.
—Submitted by a parent

Camellia Waldorf couldn't be better for my daughter. Due to financial circumstances, we tried the first grade at a public Waldorf school; however, it did not have the magic of Camellia. So we returned to Camellia. Our daughter will be graduating this year. The Waldorf method emphasizes the needs of the individual child. Our daughter has academic challenges and the teachers have been fantastic at challenging her at her level of development. Our experience there has been marvelous with our daughter excelling in the arts, struggling with the academics, and maintaining high self-esteem.
—Submitted by a parent

With little understanding of Waldorf education initially, we enrolled our 2-year old in the parent-tot program at Camellia. It s been 4 years now at CWS and we value Waldorf pedagogy and its balanced curriculum integrating arts and humanities with math and science. My nephew, a CWS graduate, attends a high school for technology and is a critical thinker and entrepreneur. He has been recognized for his ability to work as a team player and deliver oral presentations. We attribute this to Camellia. My husband and I are pleased with Camellia s early childhood program and have so much to look forward to as our children reach grade levels and beyond. Also, the socio-economic and cultural diversity at Camellia are part of what makes the school unique. We re a family of mixed cultures (Asian and African American); diversity was imperative in our decision-making. Take a tour. Tip: Ask about financial aid.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two sons, who are in 2nd and 4th grade at Camellia. Both started at Camellia in kindergarten. My older son, I am confident would have been 'diagnosed' with some sort of ADD-type of condition because he had a hard time paying attention and listening to instructions up until about 3rd grade. Instead this school recommended curative practices for him, worked with him, worked with us, and demonstrated a level of caring and dedication I have never seen in another environment. And guess what? He has no diagnosable condition! And he is doing very well today. He was delayed in sensory integration development and the teachers realized this and worked with him. Both of my children are thriving. Both of my children LOVE to go to school! Both of my children are very creative and kind people. I owe it all to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started in the parent-toddler program when he was two, and he is now four and in Kindergarten. He has blossomed at Camellia. He has the opportunity to play and learn through his playing, without pressure to perform academically, and at the same time I see his intellectual development is being nurtured and encouraged. He is a very physical boy, and the teacher is able to direct his physicality in positive developmental directions. My second son is now in the parent-toddler program, and absolutely loving it!
—Submitted by a parent

We love Camellia! Our kindergarten class has 15 students with a wonderful teacher and an amazing aide. Our children adore and feel safe with them. Teaching is an art form to both and that they care deeply for each child and their education. Camellia s kindergarten is a magical place. The play yard, daily rhythms, daily art, rich language play, healthy snacks, and inspiring classroom make school a special place. The teachers and parents are down to earth, funny, and wise. We never thought we could afford Camellia, but generous tuition assistance has made it possible.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so grateful for our son's 3.5 years at Camellia so far! My husband and I both attended public schools and went on to complete Masters Degrees. When our son was born we thought we would send him to the school down the street. However, we began hearing from family members who teach at public schools about the changes that standardized testing are creating in the classrooms. In addition I was researching up and coming industries for a client and discovered findings that our current school system is not designed to create innovators and workers for the coming global economy. While private school was a huge paradigm shift for us- we are so glad we took that leap! Our son is thriving body, mind, and spirit. And best of all, he loves school and learning. Camellia is a warm and diverse community. I recommend a tour!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at Camellia since kindergarten and will be graduating this year. I have watched him develop academically and emotionally, and am confident that he is ready to face high school. Thanks to the support and guidance of teachers and staff, Camellia continues to thrive as a nurturing environment for all.
—Submitted by a parent

Camellia Waldorf is a gem! Our child is learning in an environment that enriches his whole person and is the most developmentally appropriate education model we have found. I strongly encourage any parent to come and see what this amazingly caring, creative, inspiring school has to offer their children. We could not be happier with our experience at Camellia Waldorf.
—Submitted by a parent