At the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, we acknowledge that each human being is sacred. We work through reverence for our natural surroundings and diversity in the world. The teachers study insights from Rudolf Steiner to have a unified understanding of human development. The stories from the curriculum reflect various world religions and cultures, and awaken the children to different perspectives. We honor our connection with the natural world through our materials, activities, and experiences outdoors. Waldorf education enlivens the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, artistic, and spiritual capacities of the human being as the individual moves through the phases of life.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs fosters development so that, throughout life, individuals are motivated to serve humanity with strength of will, depth of feeling, clarity of thought, and the ability to work with others. Our educational program is designed to strengthen these fundamental human capacities in our students who learn to listen and ask relevant questions in dialogue. We cultivate community through restorative justice practices and participation in community projects. We educate with the intention to spark interest in the world so that students are inspired to serve the global community now and in the future.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs works with the development of the human being from childhood to adulthood. Each child’s development is a unique expression of the human archetype. Each phase has characteristic physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions. The educational program is developed out of this understanding. In this way, the teacher can best meet the needs of the child in the development of their will; their physical, social, and emotional capacities; and their intellectual development. Core components of the educational program include the student-teacher relationship, the artistic approach, working from experience to concept, working from whole to parts, use of rhythm and repetition, and observation as the foundation for making curricular decisions and assessment.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs supports freedom in teaching by collaborating within the context of the school’s shared agreements; developing, refining, and periodically reviewing the educational program. Our teachers meet weekly to support collegial work and to create a culture of shared agreements. Teachers have formal preparation in Waldorf pedagogy or are engaged in such preparation.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is committed to building healthy relationships between teachers, students, the parent community, and to the curriculum. These relationships are at the heart of our school. Inner development and the self-awareness of the teacher are foundational to our working together. Members of the community are invited to join in developing meaningful, collaborative, and transparent interactions. Each individual’s self-development is encouraged as it is key to the well-being of the whole community.

At the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, the faculty and staff pursue spiritual development and professional growth throughout the school year in a variety of ways. All full time employees attend weekly meetings where we study together, dialogue, and develop our understanding of Waldorf Education. Each branch holds a book study or hands-on learning practice on a periodic basis, as does the Board of Directors and the Administrative branch. Individuals engage in professional development on their own, in mentorship, or through conferences, workshops, and courses. Our Teacher Development Committee offers observations and feedback, lectures, and conversations as ongoing support to our teachers. Parent education opportunities are also offered to the community on a regular basis through guest speakers, special events, classes, book study, and class parent meetings.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs has a long standing tradition of collaboration and shared responsibility. We continuously work to maintain a governance structure that is transparent, effective, and efficient. Our faculty oversees the pedagogical realm of the school and makes the decisions that affect teaching and student life. The Collegium oversees the spiritual life of the school, adopts new policies, and is responsible for the hiring and dismissal of faculty. A subgroup of the Collegium is the Governance Council which makes decisions around the daily workings of the school. The Board of Directors oversees the fiscal and legal responsibilities. Administrative staff support the work of the school with enrollment, development, school policy and procedures, marketing, and engagement with the parent community.

As a Waldorf school, we are affiliated with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). These are the only associations and affiliations the school has.

These affiliations support Waldorf education and our school in offering a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. We integrate the arts in all academic disciplines for children from preschool through twelfth grade to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf Education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.

As a member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs adheres to these seven foundational Principles of Waldorf Education.

Our school is ever evolving, and as a part of our ongoing review and study, we've come to understand these Principles as you see written here. For more information about AWSNA or to view the Principles in their original form, please visit AWSNA's website.