Waldorf Academy Toronto

I have been a parent at Waldorf Academy for five years, since my firstborn joined in JK. Our family has received so many blessings from being part of this school: Incredible teachers who really 'get' my kids, and work with them for them to unfold their highest potential. A curriculum that continually surprises me with it's beauty, depth and sensitivity. A community of parents that works hard, and plays hard together. I am so grateful to this school. It is a joy to see the blossoming of our kids, and our family.

Moving our son to Waldorf Academy in grade 4 was the best decision we could have made. The school's curriculum is so well suited to bringing out the best, socially and academically. The focus on outdoor experience was a plus and further benefited the students. We were surrounded and supported by a wonderful community of parents and teachers always willing to help, and make the school better place.This was coupled with excellent ratios for educator to student and an exceptional group of support staff that supplemented the main programme as needed. Any support a student needs will be available. Students move through the grades with the same cohort and teacher – an obvious benefit not available elsewhere.Our son has completed Grade 8 and must leave Waldorf, but he does so with the asset of his company and education at Waldorf, and does so ready to enter high school and prepared for the future.

Since our son transferred to the Waldorf Academy in Grade 2, we have watched him transform. He went from being from a child who hated school to a positive and engaged student. He is accepted by the teachers and fellow students and feels part of a community. At the Waldorf Academy, the Faculty truly care about the students and support them to succeed. Education is not rushed. It is holistic. The focus is not test scores or rote memorization of facts. Students learn through inquiry based model, one which will serve them best throughout life. Less emphasis on acquisition of facts, more about learning how to learn. There are many benefits of Waldorf's approach to education and child development, and we have been delighted by our son's academic and social development since joining the school.

My children attended Waldorf Academy for a number of years before we moved out of the city.I cannot imagine a better early education environment for them. In kindergarten, my children's play and work were interwoven. They cut vegetables and made soup together, kneaded bread and sang songs, they choose branches from their ravine walks and carved them into walking sticks. They set the table for meals together. While initially I was struck by the beautiful atmosphere of the school, I came to realise the extent to which each activity and each day is carefully thought out, and all activities highly intentional as they move the child deftly through their academic and overall development. My first grader, for instance, as well as working on language, math, and French worked on practical arts such as knitting - requiring him to count, to use fine motor skills, to encounter frustration and persist - all while creating something he could be proud of later. The faculty and staff demonstrate amazing commitment to and engagement with each child (and parent), and create a community that is extraordinary. Any concerns I expressed regarding my child were heard. At times I would email the teacher and she would respond that same night, with attention to my concern and a way forward -- certainly above and beyond expectation. I highly recommend this school - both for early education and later grades. The school has great information about its curriculum and its rationale.

A private school with incredible potential, a hidden gem in the heart of Toronto, with tuition fees just a fraction of the local private school fees. Experience based learning from Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten and all though the grades; very progressive education; gives a solid foundation of how to think critically, do and fulfill your child's potential using diverse methods based on deeply rooted alternative education and life skills for the future. When I see the Gr 8 graduating and follow the alumnae successed in higher education I know that this Waldorf Education model is for the 21st century!That's an investment in and for the future!

We've been at Waldorf now for 4 years and have both our son and daughter at the school. This is not only a school but a community of parents, teachers and staff who are committed to offering a caring, attentive, creative, holistic, and flexible education. Students get the same academics as other schools but get so, so much more - from teachers who move grade to grade with students, to the use of arts to bring lessons to life, to kids making their own textbooks, and getting much more outdoor time than typical. If you're at all curious about the school, come for a visit and meet some current students and parents. You'll know quickly, as we did, that this is a special place for your kids to spend their schooling time.

Simply amazing childcare - our daughter has been going here for a year now and we are being amazed every day by the home-like, loving and magical atmosphere that the caregivers create. Each child is known, seen and appreciated for their unique self. Best in Toronto!

Waldorf is a safe haven for my child from the usual hustle and bustle of the city and free from a technologically-driven world. One of the highlights for me is the emphasis on the importance of community at this school and the way we relate to one another. This place has become a family/a village for me in ways I didn’t foresee going into it. I love that the curriculum includes the time to explore the natural development of my child.

As a Waldorf Academy alumnus, I can confidently say that my time there from Kindergarten to Grade 8 gave me a truly unique educational experience that I doubt I would have gotten at a standard elementary school. The engaging Waldorf school education model, as well as the special environment of Waldorf Academy itself, are excellent for nurturing and fostering the creative instincts of a child, and it has helped me unlock a love of learning and creativity that has followed me into my adult life.

My daughter is graduating from grade 8 this month. She started at the school in the nursery program 11 years ago. The school has given her a breath and depth of education that has supported her in becoming a strongand sensitive, creative and resilient adolescent. The Waldorf approach is more necessary now then ever with our ever changing times.As a parent my experience of the community has been enriching andvery welcoming. I have found the teachers very available and highly devoted. This school is a gem in the city with much to offer.