Spring Garden Waldorf School

We didn't think we were Waldorf people at first, but we were wrong! This school has changed our son's life. He loves his teacher, loves learning, enjoys each of his 15 classmates. He had issues in early childhood at this school with an aggressive peer and the school handled it beautifully and now my son gets along with his former bully. As far as learning goes, we've been amazed. The teachers talk with us about his gifts, in addition to what he needs to work on. They understand kids at this school and keep them moving and engaged. My son's favorite classes? Handwork (sewing), Spanish and Music. We could not be happier and are purposefully not moving from the area until he graduates from their 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

While this school uses the brand name, Waldorf, it is far from a Waldorf school. Children are treated as second-class citizens. I made the mistake with one of my children, but not the other. In a word, terrible. One or two good teachers and certainly an administration without class. Don't let this school ruin your children!
—Submitted by a parent

I have three boys in this school from 7th grade to kindergarten. It flat out works for us. As a parent what I see is great blend of strong academics plus emphasis on music, art, play, language skills and handwork. They are teaching my kids how to learn and the boys simply love it. My son cried last year when he was sick and couldn't go to school. The faculty make it engaging, relevant and fun. It works for us.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at Spring Garden for 10 years. I love the way my children experience learning through this incredible curriculum. The school is a great community and the relationships that are established here are truly lifelong. My children love school and enjoy learning. They are learning to work collaboratively and are able to engage with people. When they graduate from SGWS, I know that they will be prepared for the challenges in high school, college, and beyond, in large part, because of their experience at Spring Garden.
—Submitted by a parent

Spring Garden Waldorf School has been a wonderful, nurturing place for our children to spend their childhoods. My daughter entered as a first grade student and continued through 8th grade graduation. She was very quiet in the beginning because she never wanted to be wrong. Her teachers worked to educate the whole child so that she is now enrolled in an International Baccalaureate program in a large high school, has talents in drawing, music, drama, and dance, is a motivated student and gets along well with others. My son has also attended since first grade. His teachers have worked with him to accommodate his strong academics but sometimes awkward social skills. I can't say that my children never experienced any bumps in the road because that isn't realistic. I have found the staff to be dedicated and responsive to my childrenn's needs. Because of this school, my children are developing to their full potential. What more could a parent wish for?
—Submitted by a parent

Spring Garden is a wonderful environment that teaches children to love learning, not memorize a bunch of facts and figures. Call any Akron HS and ask what they thing of entering freshmen who attended SG. These kids think for themselves and lean to be independent minded. My kids have thrived and respect adults, themselves, and other children. I also know that kids leave this school and enter honors programs. While I agree the building and grounds need work, no amount of money can buy the warm feeling you get when you walk into this school or the joy you sense if you observe recess for 10 minutes.
—Submitted by a parent

A Waldorf school in Ohio??? I was skeptical, but I have been pleasantly surprised. This school provides a warm, safe, nurturing environment for children with hands-on learning experiences. True to Steiner methodology, children are fostered, not pushed. I have really been won over by this schools amazing sense of community. I was immediately warmly welcomed to the informal parent community. I am one of several families who call northeastern Ohio home BECAUSE of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child had a problem with bullying as well. Luckily, the bully left the school. My biggest problem is that the school is not well maintained. Frankly, it looks like a dump.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been bullied by another student for several years. The teachers do nothing to help my son. They have told us that it is our son's fault that he is bullied. The administration tells us "Your son needs to be more aggressive with the other boys." What do they mean by that? Do they want our son to fight back? My husband and I had decided to finally remove our son from this school. Our son is doing well at his new school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who attend Spring Garden. The difference between them and the public school children we know, as far as the desire to learn and their love of school, is simply amazing. We recently had two 5th graders with us at a church event, and when I asked them what their favorite subject was, they both said, 'lunch'. I said, 'Okay, what's your second favorite, then?' They both replied, 'Recess!' My 10 year old asked them, (in that slow, patient tone we adults reserve for people we consider less than bright), 'Well, what is your favorite learning subject?' And they both stated that they hate learning, and school is stupid. The idea that someone would hate school was so foreign to my child, that he was speechless. We love our school, and wouldn't let our children go anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel so blessed to have found this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the spiritual side of Spring Garden. I love the respect for nature and the respect for each child in the school. The hand-work classes help with fine motor skills and the free play allows for gross motor development. The teachers are very concerned that no child is bullied and that every single child feels validated. The only problem I have with S.G. is that I have found children lag behind their peers, from other private schools, academically when entering high school. At that point they are often far behind in math for the OPT. The fact is that these kids will be competing (I know-bad word) with other high school students for scholarships, placement, volunteer opportunities starting their freshman year of high school. I also think Spring Garden should have a plan for disruptive kids/families.
—Submitted by an administrator

Spring Garden Waldorf School is a unique learning environment that nutures and respects children from 3 years old to eighth grade. It follows a Waldorf curriculum that provides excellent academic learning enhanced with the arts. The approach also provides strong relationships between children, teachers and parents. I have had two children attend SGWS for all of their elementary school years and their education helped them to be very well rounded with a strong self esteem.
—Submitted by a parent