The Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton

Came to WISE in 2012 during a very difficult period in my family's lives. It gently supported and nurtured healing in many ways, grounded us and showed us what community and intentional teaching can do. Best decision I could have made as a parent. We're in our 7th year and have been grateful for how WISE meets our child and teaches to grow all parts of their person; emotional intellect, community, strength in spirit and resolve, practical skills, art, drama, band, movement, nature, hand works, cooking, etc. Very holistic teaching that nurtures broad types of temperaments, natural talents and personalities. In my view the public system just cannot compete with the Waldorf Philosophy of learning. The fees are very affordable and can be worked into any budget.

This is supposed to be more of a holistic school and inclusive school and it is none of the above. We did a whole process to enroll my son and they ended up rejecting him because he needed more”1 on 1” with the teachers because he was nervous and didnt want to leave his parents at the shadowing. They made us do two shadowing processes and the second time went well according to the teacher and then they sent us a two sentence letter saying they werent able to give him a spot in their k-garten program, no reason behind at all. It wasnt until we literally had to call them a a few times to give us on explanation as to why and they said he needed a little more attention than the others. The teachers did not want the “challenge” with a little boy who didnt want to leave his parents which is a completely normal process when starting school and yet they have the audacity to ask for a hefty yearly fee. Their staff is really lazy and they gave us our enrolment fee back after all the trouble. I don't recommend this school at all!

We have been at the school for the past three years, and I have nothing but positive things to say. The atmosphere of the school is like stepping into a big hug. I feel very blessed to have found this treasure of a school for my little guy and the community of people for myself and husband. We as a family are truly thankful for this school.

We are so fortunate to have found this amazing school for our kids. My oldest transferred from the catholic school system in grade 5 and we have we’ve nothing but great changes in him since. If you want a school that truly focuses on the whole child this is the school for you. My kids were so distracted in school filled with media and Screen time. This was a refreshing change.The school community is very welcoming too. What you put in is what you reap so as an adult looking for your village this is an added perk to being part of this school.The teachers.... in one word. They are outstanding! I feel they really do connect with their students and are invested in creating a great class community. Ideally, in Waldorf schools, the class teacher moves up through the grades with their students so there is vested interest in making sure the class comes together not unlike a family. We’ve been lucky to have one of our kids enjoy the same teacher for 4 years now. It’s wonderful.The class sizes are small. The fees are the lowest of all Waldorf schools in North America! (The Calgary school is many times over the cost of Edmonton. Each year!)Overall, my family has benifited greatly from this school and I am so glad to be giving my children the Waldorf experience.

My son goes to this school. best school we ever found every one's is like a big family here. we really enjoy everything about this school there really hands on and they care for there kids. we drive from the south side every day !!

The WISE has been rated the Best Independent School in Edmonton for the past two years and continues to grow as an Early Childhood and Kindergarten - Grade 9 community run school. The families that attend are giving and caring people that respect each other and the community where they live. Being a part of community involves many levels of engagement and sharing, and the WISE works to build good relationships with its neighbours, teaching the children to always be respectful of the spaces around them, treading gently in the world even as they play and enjoy exploring the public green spaces our great city has to offer as a way to nurture appreciation and care as the future stewards of the world. I have experienced first hand the teachers, parents supervisors and children be very respectful in these public spaces.

The worse experience for us make sure you make a research before you put your kid/little one to this school since is not inclusive at all like they say they are it is all a trap it is just like a regular school, but this one charges money. They have teachers" that aren't suited and are unstable and unprepared specially now that we are living on the era of the lazy "educators". We happen to find this on a sour way

We went to an open house for their preschool a few years ago. It was such an amazing experience to see what education should look like. The teachers and staff are well trained and informed and all posses additional education above their degrees specific to waldorf education, they are kind and compassionate with all of the students. The staff and the families all work to create a sense of community.Choosing this school for our children was the best decision we made. I recomend this school to everyone.

I did some school “shopping” and went to a lot of open houses for my kids. I wanted a school that would take my child as they are and encourage their development emotionally and educationally. My girl had been reading since she was 3yo, did 100pc puzzles. I found this school was exactly what she needed. Her brother saw how happy she is and had no problem attending kinder too. The teacher honestly care about your children, they follow the standards for education in Alberta and the community of parents is awesome. As an introvert myself, these parents and teachers make me feel at ease and I love to volunteer because we all want our kids to be in a loving & safe environment where they will succeed in the future. Looking forward for my kids doing the extra curricular activities the older kids get to do with music, theatre, history, math and science!

I cannot say enough good about this school, and what it brings to our children and the community it has brought together. My children love school, they learn so much, and they are treated so well by the teachers, children and staff. I've never known a place with so many genuinely lovely people. Everyone knows everyone's names, and everyone helps one another. I am always shocked how people treat each other when I'm at other schools (bullying, exclusion, taunting, belittling), it just doesn't exist at the WISE. This is a special place where people are cherished, and respected and children can thrive.