Denver Waldorf School

There is no other school or high school I've encountered where the staff work so conscientiously to help your child succeed. No issues or problems are ignored - everything that stands in your child's way of doing their best is identified. Then the staff work with your kids and family to develop the methods and skills they need to become great students, hard workers and determined, aware and accomplished young people. Our family is so happy and grateful to have discovered the amazing Denver Waldorf School.

Our son is in 2nd grade, having attended 1st grade here as well. This school offers an approach to education that nurtures the inner life of the child in tandem with h/her developing contributions to society. The daily classroom routines are intentional with regard to the cultivation of confidence in oneself and one's community, empathy, and respect for the planet. Learning happens in an atmosphere of inspiration rather than indoctrination... Waldorf schools have been around for almost 100 yrs now for good reason; Denver Waldorf warmly and earnestly continues the tradition forward!

Feel compelled to respond after reading the poor review from the Mr. Combs. I'm appalled that a professional developmental psychologist he consulted would spew such uninformed opinions about an accredited school whose methods have been successfully educating children around the world for almost 100 years. I have two gifted defined by IQ children who have been educated through Waldorf, my oldest successfully transitioned to Denver School of the Arts and is a straight "A" student. My youngest is happy and passionate about math and music, and the Waldorf program encourages his passions. Neither of them started reading until second grade and by third grade were reading novels -- the system worked for them. No educational approach is right for every child, but I see most children who are in this school thriving socially, emotionally and ultimately academically. Don't be influenced by this poster who is bashing -- come experience the school and meet the wonderful teachers for yourself. Also, they have a wonderful new campus this year!

Our experience was that DWS did a beautiful job with what they did well and really poorly at what they did poorly. Their strengths were: arts, music, independent play time, outdoor romping, creative thought and creation, acting, singing, and drawing. Their weaknesses were: academics, structure, organization, follow-through, performance management of their staff, and receptivity to feedback. This school works really, really well for certain children and not so well for others. If the child essentially learns by osmosis, and quickly adapts to the DWS approach, they do well. If the child needs more structure or has any academic challenges, their approach works a lot less well. The school administration seemed to really struggle with a couple getting divorced, and whether intentionally or not, wound up holding me responsible for my ex-husband's actions and words, and put undue pressure on me to remedy situations far beyond my control as a single parent. They need to evolve in managing communications with two households. In sum, I recommend this school for young children through 2/3rd grade. They host a lovely holiday event every year, and do an excellent job of creating a magical environment for the children. Ultimately, I am grateful that my child had this formative elementary experience for a few years. We share excellent memories of the school, and it helped to make my child a better person, who gets along with others well. Parents are encouraged to do a lot of homework before enrolling, and ensure that this school will work well for their child.

Both of our sons attended DWS from the late 80's through the 90's. Here their strengths were identified and nurtured, they learned to be critical thinkers and now, are creative problem solvers. They are each well rounded, intelligent young men, positively contributing to the world in their unique ways. They are truly life-long learners. I attribute much of their success to the Waldorf education they experienced in the critical years of first through eighth grades. And because of this rich education, our first grandchild is now attending Waldorf kindergarten where his young character is being nurtured! I am delighted to witness this full circle ~

My two daughters attend Denver Waldorf and we really love it! The school educates with love and support for the children as they develop in their own, unique way. I feel very supported in my parenting and am confident in the school's method of teaching.

Each year, we discover more things we love about the school and the Waldorf pedagogy. I cannot imagine teachers more focused on each child's success, and yet the community focused classrooms are just what this world needs. When kids have problems they are worked through in reasonable ways with a real focus on avoiding labeling a child so each child can discover who they really are. Some aspects such as media limitations or later reading seem scary at first, but over time parents learn to understand why they are in place. Here is a school that pushes me to be a better parent, I never have to push them. The academics are simply amazing - 9th graders doing work I didn't do until college. Movement, art, music, and creativity are not breaks from academics, but woven into the very foundation of the curriculum. I trust in every teacher that we have met and have seen problems with other children or even staff quickly and appropriately dealt with. If I had to be in school every day, I would want to be here - it is a second home for our kids.

My son attends Denver Waldorf and he loves it! Much like learning to ride a bike, when a child is ready to balance and ride away they will. The beauty of this school is only seen by viewing your child developing in this warm nurturing environment. My son who is 7 years old is learning to read, count and spell along with learning Spanish and Russian. They play the flute, practice eurythmy, knit, draw, paint, sing and get plenty of physical activity too. He is learning the foundations of writing, reading, and math through stories, art and movement in a natural exciting way. I remember when I was young how the stories, rhymes and song my elders told to me stuck with me to this day and helped form who I am today. The projects I did with my Dad taught me to work with my hands and spending warm moments with my Mom created a caring soul. How and what my children are doing will create a path of learning that will keep them curious about learning and creating new things all their lives. I do not believe in pounding information into a child by forcing homework. As parents we are involved in the school and our children's lives. We come home from school and draw, read, play or go for a walks. I really enjoy the learning experience I am having from being involved with my child and this school. My daughter will be attend next year too. Thank you,Brian

Waldorf teaches kids not just how to DO well, but how to BE well. Their commitment to helping kids unfold their gifts one moment at a time is what's key. It's less about the "shoulds" and more about learning how you, as an individual "shine". Once kids understand their unique contribution and once that quiet confidence and certainty exists, the rest falls into place. I highly recommend Waldorf schools.

Holistic Pedagogy Gives Great Results. We have been a part of the DWS community for two years and are amazed by the results. A holistic approach to the child, no tech, no homework. Our child has regained confidence, acquired and mastered new skills, and honed his critical thinking.