The Walden School

Our son is in his second year of preschool at The Walden School. In this time we have grown to know a strong and committed faculty in an environment that encourages and fosters collaboration and nurtures individuals learning strengths and styles. There is gentle guidance and instruction in how to be a good person, how to care for yourself, your friends, your community, and the world. From our son's first day at TWS he has excelled. He is learning concepts that involve a higher level of thinking. His eagerness for learning does not stop when he comes home, the schools' philosophy encourages a life long love for learning and it is evident in our son. His only wish is to attend TWS full day program.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in his second year of preschool at The Walden School. Before our son was born, we knew that this would be the school that we would send our son after hearing such praise from family friends who are former parents of this school. Their children were taught by the same teachers as my son over a decade ago. The teachers and administration are really committed to providing a loving and safe environment to learn for these small children. Although we were pretty set on sending our son to The Walden School, we still shopped around for Montessori and non-Montessori preschools in the area to ensure we are making the best decision for our son. Every school we visited, it only solidified our decision to enroll our son at this school. Over the past year and a semester, our son has grown tremendously in so many aspects. His education at The Walden School is really developing him into a confident, independent, self-motivated, caring, compassionate and intelligent little person. He is always coming home to tell us of the new "work" that was introduced in class. He loves going to school! He loves learning! We can't be more pleased with the progress he's making at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at Walden last year at two and a half years of age. We were both nervous about beginning such a new phase in her life and I wasn't sure how she would do with being so young. From the moment we walked through the door I realized this wasn't just a school, but a place almost like a second home- filled with love, care, and compassion. She had the best experience right from the start! The changes in her over the past year are simply remarkable, from becoming more independent, enjoying a world of new friendships, to already beginning to do simple math! She teaches me when she comes home from school telling me about everything she has learned. One of the aspects I enjoy most about Walden is their commitment to their students. I have never met a group of more dedicated professionals-each and every member of the school works toward a common goal of creating a fabulous learning environment for all the students. As a working mom, I also enjoy the immense flexibility Walden provides with school hours-they are always willing to help when possible. We looked at a lot of schools in the area before we made our decision and I couldn't be happier we choose Walden.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children at the Walden School - I initially thought that my kids would go to public school after the pre-school years since we live in such a wonderful district, but we have decided to keep our children there because they are thriving so well. It's such a refreshing feeling to have life-lessons (beyond the strictly academic pursuits) enforced. The calmness of the teachers, the multi-cultural population, and the philosophy of peace contribute to every encounter. I've read other reviews about poor behavior or a relaxed behavior of teachers when "kids are being kids", but I would ask what that parent would rather the teacher do? yell? punish? send to the Principals office? Peaceful behavior is taught through peaceful interaction, and every outburst I've ever seen has been handled in a delicate, appropriate manner -a manner I wish I had the patience to exhibit at home. It's not only the children that learn at Walden - it's the parents too. And let's face it - each of us is learning as we go. I consider it an honor to have my children at Walden, and I take every opportunity to observe the incredible learning environment, happy children, and expert teachers that are there.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former Walden parent and current Walden grandparent, I couldn't be more grateful for the Walden experience for my family. My grown children adjusted very successfully to life after Walden - both professionally and socially. Years later, Walden now provides an individual and joyful academic journey for my grandchildren ... educating each whole child! While remaining true to the Montessori philosophy, academic programming continues to improve, allowing children to become successful citizens and workers in the 21st century. Faculty and administrators are happy and dedicated professionals!

My daughters are in their second year at Walden and we could not be happier with their experience. They are both in the pre-school and have flourished in the classroom and socially thanks to the Montessori philosophy and hands on teachers. We love walking into Walden everyday, the community there is welcoming and genuine.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Teachers, Great community, Great location. Our children are safe, cared for, respected and being challenged every day.
—Submitted by a parent

The Walden School is a elite private school with strong academics.. Walden has set themselves apart from the rest. The Walden School is a unique opportunity for students pre-k through 8 grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Pre-school was good because my child could pick whatever he/she wanted to do being at a Montessori school. But, kindergarten is the same, and I would have preferred more structure. My child had a hard adjustment to a"real school" environment because I allowed her to attend kindergarten in a montessori environment at Walden. The teachers were OK. One was good with the children and one was not. Overall, the school administration and the higher grade teachers are not warm and friendly. As a parent, I regret sending my first child there and cannot recommend this school beyond the pre-school years.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his first year in the preschool program and he truly loves attending The Walden School. He is enrolled half days, three days a week to give him some schooling and social interaction, and allow his sister some important on-on-one time. He wishes he was there more, and will be next year for lunch/recess etc either 3 full days or 5 half days. We really appreciate the mixed age classrooms and he even has buddies in the upper grades. The Montessori materials are beautiful, and in addition to his take-home backpack work I get peeks at his classroom activities in monthly newsletters and online photo albums. Excellent, quality teaching that is challenging him in math, letters, and even "lifeskills" like caring and courage. Add in music, art, library, and Spanish and we couldn't be happier! Tuition assistance is available.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent, public school teacher and Ph.D candidate at Temple University. I am extremely critical of schools and teachers. Walden exceeds my standards for a superior education. My daughter is currently in her second year of preschool and will stay for kindergarten. Walden offers a full-day kindergarten program! After much reflection, my husband and I have decided to keep our daughter at Walden after 1st grade. Our daughter has excelled and is learning concepts and skills that involve higher level thinking. Not only does Walden prepare students academically, it teaches social/life skills that are often overlooked at other schools. I strongly encourage all parents to take a tour and learn more about the Walden advantage!
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 year old just completed the first half of her first year and I am happy to report she is doing wonderfully. She had some separation anxiety at the start but her amazing teachers helped both of us with that ;) She has really taken to her classroom, made great friends and learned to pick out her own "work", put it away when complete and according to the teachers she is a great listener! It makes me feel so good to know she she is thriving at The Walden School.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children are truly being prepared for their higher education all the while, learning how to fit in the world - being confident with themselves and considerate of others. We feel so fortunate to have found Walden. In our busy world, TWS provides my children the stable sanity they need!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a staff member of The Walden School for over twenty years; as have several of my peers. It continues to be the same wonderful educational experience for faculty and children alike. Indivualized growth and expression are emphasized, and each child is encouraged to reach his or her own potential. The speeches of our eigth grade graduates speak volumes regarding "The Walden way"!
—Submitted by a teacher

The Walden School is a safe and respectful learning environment where children from preschool through eighth grade are joyfully engaged each day on challenging work. The children love to come to school and it is not always easy for parents to get them to leave. Walden is a diverse school community where a Montessori-based philosophy encourages peace through education.
—Submitted by a teacher

We conducted an extensive search of schools in the area when we first moved here and it was clear from our first meeting at The Walden School that it was a unique and special place. For 3 years our daughter attended pre-K through Kindergarten and received an unparalleled start on her education that continues to inspire her joy of learning to this day. The faculty and staff are incredibly committed to their work and bring decades of experience to the school. The well-rounded education provided and the unique and healthy social environment at the school separates it from its peers.
—Submitted by a parent

To simply describe the teachers as providing guidance and careful tending is not quite enough. Their observations and role modeling have brought a wonderful quality to my daughter s approach to the world that has been amazing to watch unfold. It truly is a culture of deep and abiding respect in every way. I am deeply grateful for the path of mindful learning they have started her on intellectually, emotionally, and socially. I highly recommend The Walden School most sincerely. I am grateful for this profound and priceless gift.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent of Walden students for over 10 years now. Walden provides an ecellent academic as well as social environment for our children due to the low teacher to student ratio (every classroom has two teachers). Pre-school students enter first grade as capable members of your household, can read fluently, can effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings, and academically will be, at a minimum, ready for first grade and some ready for second grade in the public school system. Students graduate Walden after 8th grade and enter 9th confident as public speakers, at least a year advanced academically when compared to their public school pears, hold a great work ethic and study habits custom tailored to what is effective to each student, and very much aware of and willing to contribute their time to public service. These students have gone on to do great things academically, politically and socially. There are even former Walden students who are now adult professionals in our community and that send their children to Walden.
—Submitted by a parent

The children naturally work with interest and focus, developing concentration, self-confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. The Walden School incorporates what we know to be the best of developmental and progressive educational practices. The foundation of a Montessori education is provided in the early years. The elementary and middle school program is a consistent and effective advisory program, with a rigorous, thoughtful academic curriculum, and a bedrock conviction that all students can learn and want to learn. Parents, teachers and children are all partners of a learning community with strong emphasis placed on each child s unique abilities in thinking, reasoning, questioning and experimenting in life. A joyful place for children!
—Submitted by a teacher

We were surprised by the number of behavioral issues we've encountered, particularly fighting and disrespectful language and behavior towards peers and grown-ups alike. While we don't expect children to be perfect, we DO expect quick action to be taken when students engage in physically aggressive behaviour. There were a number of occassions where teachers/staff were in the vicinity of said behavior and did not seem surprised or particularly motivated to stop it. While we believe that the majority of the students do not present this behavior, we, nonetheless, consider this a significant issue and do not feel comfortable endorsing this school.
—Submitted by a parent