Emerson Waldorf School

We transferred to EWS after many years in public school and I can tell you the academics at Waldorf are strong. Yes, they take a more holistic approach to learning and don't fill children s heads with facts so they can pass tests, rather they focus on teaching critical thinking skills through a diverse program that focus on emotional as well as intellectual development. Each child s needs are different, but we have been pleased with all aspects of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Waldorf has excellent teachers, a supportive environment and diverse academics that focus on the whole child in terms of development. I have one child in the school and we have been very pleased with the quality of the education. Part of the EWS Philosophy is the teacher is trained to move up with the class until 8th grade, so it does require good chemistry with your class teacher-which we have. I strongly recommend this school if you are looking to educate your child in an environment where they are encouraged to explore their learning creatively
--Submitted by a parent

Please do not send your child to this school unless you don't care about his/her well being or quality of education. It is by far the worst school in the district. The high school is a joke and if you send your child there, be prepared to spend a lot of money on tutors since your child will not learn much from the very unqalified teachers there.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been at the school for seven years now, and we love it, and more importantly, our kids love it. They always want to go to school, even when they are sick. While most other schools are obsessing over test scores on very narrow range of skills, this education integrates music, art, movement, drama, history, and culture into everything they do. (Yeah, I know, everyone else _says_ they do that, but this school really does.) The kids learn to do everything, which, frankly, is what the future economy will demand of them. The teachers are highly trained and highly engaged. The parent community is diverse, smart, and fun.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is terrible. Don't send your child here. They brainwash children and parents slowly until you realize it one day and it's too late. After being 4 years in this school, my child was so behind in academics that I had to hire a private tutor before transferring him to a different private school. It's a fun school for kids, but strong academics is just not its strongest point. Please, do a lot of outside research before sending your child to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

A loving environment that teaches social responsibility while providing a top-notch classical education! My youngest feels like she plays, sings and moves all day long while my oldest attends a high school where graduates get into top-notch colleges and earn impressive SAT scores. What a program!
--Submitted by a parent

Every child participates in activities that are usually choices or extras: music, drama, art, athletics, etc., yet our average SAT scores are higher than many area public, private and charter schools.
--Submitted by a parent

My children love their school. This is a small school where the teachers are loving and dedicated to their students. I am so impressed with the way they teach. Rather than sitting behind a desk all day the children are taught through a wide variety of methods including music, movement, poetry, and hand crafts. It is wonderful to see young children playing while learning. I like the fact that they learn Spanish and German from Grade 1. The children get to run and play and be children while still learning. I'm so happy my children are at a school that treasures and nurtures their childhood.
--Submitted by a parent

My children love going to school each day. Their teachers are great, and they have lots of movement--they even teach math through stomping, clapping, and throwing bean bags in the early grades. Wonderful for my energetic son! I love the art and music every day, and the close relationship my children have with their teacher. I love the fact they are outside every day playing. I also love the classical curriculum--and two languages from 1st grade. A great school!
--Submitted by a parent

The new high school is growing slowly but surely. The teachers are very hands on, and there is a true sense of camaraderie. There athletic program is on the rise with the addition of COED Soccer, mens/womens basketball, swimming, tennis, and ultimate frisbee. Develop the athletic program more and this school will be on the same line as Cary Academy and Durham Academy. It's on the right path though, but in need of more fuiunding for the h.s.
--Submitted by a teacher