Cedarwood Waldorf School

The teachers don't take bullying seriously enough. The primary concern of the school is money. The people in charge are rigid, taking themselves very seriously. There is no real warmth at this school. Very disappointing.
--Submitted by a parent

The strengths of Cedarwood are a rich and wide curriculum including music, languages and art. The building is beautiful and the work of the students displayed throughout the school is at times breathtaking.The festivals and rituals are so special especially because they contrast so greatly with our overly busy, materialistic society. Where we have found Cedarwood seriously lacking is in a true sense of warmth and nurturing. It took us a while to name what didn't feel right as on the surface everything seems so wonderful. There is a lot of talk about warmth but overall doesn't genuinely feel that way. Instead there is an air of pretentiousness and that is the last thing we want for our children. I wonder about the primary concern of the school-whether it is to retain families or get slots filled. We know half a dozen families who have made the decision not to return next year-the administration has not reached out to any of them about why they are not coming back, something I think they would and should be curious about. Lastly, there is a rigidity about Waldorf education I wasnt aware of before. Our child's class is very behaviorally focused with time outs, loss of playtime etc.
--Submitted by a parent

We found Cedarwood when we were looking for an alternative to public education for our highly intelligent daughter who was diagnosed with ADD. We looked carefully at all of our options and went with Cedarwood, though we were not familiar with Waldorf Education going in. That was 5 years ago. We now have two children there and have NOT been disappointed. The teachers are amazing. Staying with the class year after year gives them great insights into each child and class dynamics. The children study Japanese AND Spanish from First grade on, simple flutes and all sizes of recorders, string orchestra, Marimba, clarinet and trumpet... Art, drama, handwork, and the study of a variety of ancient cultures permeates the curriculum. The 6th graders LOVE the new math curriculum. Our daughter loves the hands on science studies. Both of our children are happy, challenged, and engaged. Best yet, both of them have thrived and you sure wouldn't know that our daughter had struggled with academic issues!
--Submitted by a parent

Cedarwood will let you down. The administration seems to be more concerned with money and politics than what is best for the children. In my opinion pandering to families with deep pockets is a major problem. Especially if the children from those families are disruptive and or violent. For 1,000 dollars a month I expect more. More support for classes with special needs children. Training so that teachers are better able to support them and their non special needs students. Support so that teachers aren't spending their whole days trying to manage the behavior of two or three students.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough wonderful things about the early childhood program at Cedarwood. Amazing. Teachers are loving and wonderful with the children. The grades are another story. And while the school is still going through some growing pains, there are some definite concerns. Cedarwood Waldorf School has some major flaws in it's media policy-- there isn't one. And their bullying policy (and the way teachers deal with bullying-- some not taking it seriously). Again, there isn't a policy for this that is actually enforced consistenlty by all teachers and staff. It has major flaws with treating situations with consistency as well. While some teachers are wonderful, there are some teachers that are just getting by. Some teachers engage a lot with their parents having monthly meetings, while other teachers only have a few meeting a year. Again, inconsistency. While Cedarwood might seem full of fairies and gnomes from the outside-- I'd do some real research into the class you join and really 'interview' the teacher. Talk with some other parents about bullying issues before you sign up!
--Submitted by a parent

Cedarwood Waldorf School teaches the whole child: head, heart, and hands. In addition to great reading, math, and science programs, children are taught 2 foreign languages beginning in 1st grade, choir, orchestra, movement, drama, and sense of caring about others and the world as a whole. Cedarwood is a lively and caring community of teachers, adults, and students! I recommend visiting the school: you just might fall in love!
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, this school sets a new standard for early childhood education! A balanced education that includes nurturing the child. Our child is thriving here. He feels at home here and the transition from home to school is wonderful. He is happy when we pick him up and seems energized not exhausted like at past schools.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a vibrant, happy community where children thrive. The tuition rates are low for a private school, but the amount of attention give to each child and family is amazing. The early childhood program is such a gentle introduction to the school years, I feel that my child was very lucky to have been part of it.
--Submitted by a parent

Cedarwood is an amazing school. The Kindergarten classes are magical. The grades, in addition to main lessons offer Japanese, Spanish, Handwork, Eurythmy, Music, and Games. The children are present and joyful in thier work. When visiting the school one can hear the children singing as they work.
--Submitted by a parent