Minnesota Waldorf

We have sent both our children here and find that they are very prepared emotionally and academically for high school. The approach to education is joyful and rich therefore the students stay curious and motivated to learn. The adjustment to high school was smooth despite transitioning to a format focused on grades.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is student here. The campus is beautiful, the teachers are caring and my daughter is learning a classical education infused with arts. She plays the flute and Viola, speaks French, and gets to explore and play outside every single day. I could not be more pleased. If you are not familiar with Waldorf education, I would encourage you to take a tour. :) Also, an observation: It is very interesting to read the critical reviews on here that do not seem at all accurate.. at least not in my experience (4th years here) - not only is my daughter learning things way before her 2 friends down the street (catholic/public schools), but she also is learning extras you don t find in public schools. Yes, young children are taught to draw and write in a certain way, (this is integral in Waldorf education a sound mastery of basics allows for creativity in later years.. My guess is the reviewers had different expectations of a Waldorf Education. For instance, I don t believe you can get upset that a Catholic school for teaching religion if you didn t already know that was going to happen, you didn t do your research!
--Submitted by a parent

A wonderful choice. This school and its curriculum are truly one of the best gifts you can give to your child. We have a daughter who graduated two years ago and successfully moved into a rigorous program of study at a large public high school. Our younger daughter is now in 7th grade and continues to thrive. As we approach our 12th and final year as parents at this school, we now feel as certain as ever that the Waldorf pedagogy and the school's welcoming community have played an important and necessary role in the development of our daughters' character and intelligence. This is not to say that we never had doubts, because it's hard sometimes not to get swept into the "push-push-push" message of increasing academic demands at earlier and earlier ages. Our daughters' inquisitive natures, love of learning, and achievements across diverse school settings, however, have provided us with the confidence to recommend Minnesota Waldorf School without hesitation. You won't regret it!
--Submitted by a parent

The school does not appreciate an individual's spirit and personality. Children are expected to act/draw/play in a very specific way. I think especially boys fall so far behind in a Waldorf education. By the time you pull your child out or they graduate, they will have so much catching up to do. We wish we would have never found this school for our children. As well, the communication of staff and teachers is terrible.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter who is almost ready to graduate from MWS, and another with a few years left, and I can't begin to explain the wonderful people they've become. They're inquisitive, respectful, expressive, and they love learning and going to school. Having talked with a lot of alumni families, we feel confident that our daughter will have the knowledge and social skills to successfully navigate any high school she attends. MWS has truly been a gift for our children, and the dividends paid to us as a family are immeasurable as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not understand why there are not more critical reviews of this school. It is beautiful from a distance. Inside, the staff are horrible at communicating with parents, if there is even a slight problem. It is a very passive/aggresive atmosphere. My children got so terribly far behind academically. They were at least 2 years behind in all areas. If you want your child to have friends, you will need to be part of a clique of parents and 'play' on their terms. My belief is that this school attracts many insecure parents and teachers, who are working out their own issues. Very odd and uncomfortable atmosphere, even though we were there for several years. I feel bad that I sent my children to this school. I would not recommend it! I think the school has so many problems.
--Submitted by a parent

A Waldorf Education is one of the best gifts you could give your child. Take a tour!
--Submitted by a parent

I have three children in grades kindergarten through fifth at the Minnesota Waldorf School. We were formerly in public school. I am struck every day by the commitment of the teachers at the school to bring the education to the children in a way that is easy for them to accept and understand. I love the small class sizes. I love the attention to the environment and outside time. I love the physical activity, music, art and drama emphasis. It is a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters attend the school. It is a committment and a lifestyle choice, but one that has brought me closer to my children and more appreciate of them as human beings. One of my favorite aspects is that the teacher spends 8 years with the class. They ahve the same one from 1st-8th grade. My children have been fortunate to have outstanding teachers. If I could I would start all over in Kindergarden with Miss Eileen.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in the mixed-age preschool/kindergarten at the MWS. It is the most healthy wholesome environment for young children anywhere. The children just went through St. Paul public school assessment process and both of them were off the charts in every aspect of development. Keeping in mind that there is no formal academic program in a Waldorf kindergarten, and we do nothing at home as far as academics are concerned... The kindergarten curriculum is so rich musically and artistically. They are learning all the practical, social and academic skill in a beautiful integrated way. The teacher has been there for over 25 years and is incredible..Highly recommend!
--Submitted by a parent