Preschool. A place to nurture imagination and creative thinking—the seeds of future growth.

Our early childhood programs prepare children for our elementary school—and for lifelong learning—by developing their capacity for creative thinking and problem-solving through imaginative play. Play is the real work of young children. Through it, many opportunities for natural learning occur. Infants and young children are entirely given over to their physical surroundings. They absorb the world primarily through their senses and respond in the most active mode of knowing: imitation. Parents, caregivers, and kindergarten teachers have a responsibility to create an environment that is worthy of young children’s unquestioning imitation.

At a Waldorf school, teachers strive to preserve the innocence and innate wonder of early childhood. Creating a secure, inviting, joyful environment is of the utmost importance. The day unfolds in a natural way, following a dependable rhythm that gives children a sense of security and consistency. Simple toys are utilized to encourage imaginative play, including shells, stones, logs and branches, colored fabrics, sheep’s wool, wooden toys, and cloth dolls. Drawing, watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, baking, handwork, woodwork, storytelling, puppetry, and outdoor play are among the activities that nourish children’s awe and wonder.

Learning Objectives

Imagination in play, dramatization, and artistic activity provide the first steps that continue in the academic work of the elementary school. Our early childhood programs provide preparation for elementary education in these areas:

Language arts are established with broad and fundamental work in listening and speaking skills, including singing, proper pronunciation, and rhymes that form the basis of word families; poems and stories also expand vocabulary, improve attention span, and support future reading success.

Mathematics is supported through gross motor activity, movement, balancing, coordination, spatial orientation, and dexterity in fingers and limbs. Imaginative play with simple objects provides a concrete basis for abstract manipulation of symbols in school.

Artistic experience is gained through modeling, painting, coloring, music, singing, movement and simple dramatizations.

Social skills are fostered by providing protected space for children who are learning to live, work and play in a group, practicing common courtesy and politeness.

Our Programs

We provide several early childhood programs rich with natural learning opportunities for children ages 18 months to 6 years old. Our intimate classes are offered on a 3-, or 5-day basis, depending on the age of the child; children preparing to enter First Grade are considered Kindergarteners and attend 5 mornings each week.

Parent-Child—Ages 18 months to 3 years This group meets once a week for two hours, continuing over nine- and ten-week sessions. Classes provide a gentle step for parents and their young children to transition between home and school life. The class is limited to eight children.

Preschool/Kindergarten—Ages 3 1/2 to 6 years Two preschool-kindergarten classrooms include up to 18 with each class guided by two teachers. The class meets for four hours each morning; children may be enrolled for three or five mornings per week.

To learn more, visit one of our Early Childhood Open Houses or Lectures.

To learn more about our application process and to apply, please visit the

page.