Educating our region’s children since 1981
Essentials of Waldorf Education in Saratoga Springs
When you meet our students, it's clear that they are creative, competent, resourceful, compassionate individuals ready to step into their authentic selves and all life has to offer. Read on to discover some of the unique aspects of our education!
The Waldorf School, a 501c not for profit organization, is celebrating just over 40 years of education in Saratoga Springs. We value the healthy development of the whole individual, in mind, body, and spirit. Through a focus on academics, music, art and movement, our bountiful curriculum—based on established and evolving Waldorf principles—inspires creative thought, discourse, human connections, and experiential learning. We send forth global citizens who have initiative, social responsibility, and enthusiasm for life.
Global Perspectives
Understanding the complexities of our diverse global society through historical and modern lenses prepares our students to meet the challenges that face humanity today. Beginning with appreciation for world cultures and the celebration of festivals and stories from around the world to an analytical approach to current events, our students develop understanding and appreciation for the value of the diversity of our shared humanity.
Experiential Learning
Waldorf students learn through direct experience and the opportunity to develop a relationship with the lesson content. Multi-sensory classroom experiences, labs, demonstrations, stories, projects, and immersion trips are first experienced, then transformed into earned knowledge. We ask our students— “What can be discovered?” and "How does this lesson apply to the world around you?" — encouraging them to develop an innate curiosity through self-discovery. The end-products of the Main Lesson book, research presentation, performance, or essay are the culmination of a process that started in direct experience.
Nature Immersion
Our Early Childhood students spend a majority of their time in the meadow and along the forest trails and in our quiet urban yard at both the In Town and Forest Kindergarten campuses. But nature immersion doesn't stop there! Whether our students are hiking in the Catskills, studying astronomy in the Adirondacks, maintaining trails, participating in community service projects, enjoying farm life on the 3rd grade Farm Trip, our students develop a love and appreciation for the natural world.
Integrated Art Education
Waldorf education is a true liberal arts education, placing value on the multidisciplinary approach to learning. In addition to rigorous Science, Mathematics and English programs. Our school emphasizes the value of Art, Movement, and Music in education. We do so not only because of the aesthetic beauty these disciplines bring to the world, but because of the profound ways in which working in the arts develops the intellectual, emotional, and physical capabilities of our students. The infusion of arts throughout our curriculum is the cornerstone of a rich multidisciplinary approach. Fine arts, woodworking, drama, vocal, and instrumental music are a part of every student's experience at WSSS.
