Early Childhood
Preschool, Kindergarten, Parent Toddler Programs
Our youngest children are nurtured in a warm, beautiful, and loving environment in our preschool and kindergarten classes by early childhood teachers who are specifically trained to meet the needs of very young children.
Our early childhood teachers help your preschool or kindergarten child to feel secure, protected, and confident—grounded in the consistency of our daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms and activities. Through daily outdoor free play and creative exploration, we aspire to cultivate a love of—and respect for—our natural world.
Young children learn through imitation and play. Our teachers model respect and reverence in their interactions with your child. Our play-based curriculum is substantiated by research from the American Academy of Pediatrics that states play is integral for a healthy childhood, and necessary for social and intellectual development when formal academics begin in the grade school.
Children attending the Early Childhood program at the Waldorf School of Bend are prepared for future academic challenges as they engage their will through meaningful, practical activities and develop language through story, song, and verse. By the time he or she enters first grade, your child is ready and eager to experience the intellectual rigors of the grades curriculum.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Waldorf Pre-Kindergarten program is structured to provide a gradual transition from the life of the home to the life of an elementary classroom. It is based upon the simple—yet profound— concepts of imitation, repetition and creative play. It is a place where childhood is considered a valid and honorable experience, not a time to be rushed toward adulthood.
Outdoor Kindergarten
Most Wednesdays, the Hummingbird Kindergarten spends their days outside in nature. Capability, confidence and ingenuity all require an inner striving which is naturally enhanced through the healthy challenges presented through outdoor education.
The first time I entered an early childhood classroom in a Waldorf school, I knew I had found our family’s home away from home. I could not imagine a more nourishing environment for my daughter’s first experience at school. To be in an early childhood classroom at the Waldorf School of Bend, is an experience immersed in creativity, imagination and love solidly held in a structured and intentional rhythm. Here, the healthy development of the whole child is nourished, while children play, create and allow their natural curiosity to guide, they are learning foundational skills in movement, critical thinking, and social awareness that will serve them when the more challenging work of the grades comes. Because a child’s natural curiosity is encouraged holistically through the use of all their senses and supported through work and lessons that feel like play but are actually educationally foundational, children who emerge from a Waldorf early childhood classroom do so with a natural motivation and interest to learn.
Now, seven years later, my daughters have each graduated out of kindergarten and into the grades. The enthusiasm and curiosity they have for school and the pride they have in the work they do is a testament to Waldorf education and the respect and validation I believe they received in those early, formative years when their first impressions of school and learning were so lovingly and gently nourished.
Hilary McCormickMeet the Faculty
Programs
The Waldorf School of Bend offers a range of programs to support parents and their children. These include:
- Parent and Toddler programs – click to register for Parent Toddler or Parenting Circle classes
- After school care
- Summer and break, day camps – click to register for Summer Camp
- After school music lessons
Parent and Toddler
For parents and caregivers, the program provides a place to connect and find support in their parenting journey through modeling, observation, quiet discussions and sharing with one another. Click to register for Parent Toddler or Parenting Circle.
Summer Break Camps
Cultivate a deep connection of nature through exciting, unique and challenging adventures each week. Our staff of energetic, creative and loving teachers are excited to provide fun experiences where children are encouraged to learn, grow and develop skills for school and life.
SEE OUR SCHOOL IN ACTION
We welcome your visit to the Waldorf School of Bend! Experience our morning rhythm, and visit a main lesson in each grade. After your classroom visits, we are here to discuss Waldorf philosophy, answer questions, and explore whether the Waldorf approach is a fit for your child and your family. Because we visit classes in session, adults only please. There are other opportunities for your children to visit at our Open Houses.
Beginning in autumn, scheduled tours are held on each Tuesday morning beginning at 9:30. Tours alternate between our grades and early childhood programs. Call Sarah Rucker, Admissions Director, at 541-330-8841 to reserve your spot.
Admissions
Thank you for your interest in the Waldorf School of Bend! Choosing the best educational environment for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent – and we are here to be of service. The best way to get to know us is to come for a visit. We offer many opportunities through scheduled tours, open house events, and parent enrichment events.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to provide Waldorf education in Central Oregon, and to witness our students transforming into powerful citizens. We look forward to welcoming new families to our growing school!
WSB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, income, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of our educational policies, admissions or Board membership policies, financial programs and other school-administrated programs.
Applying to Waldorf School of Bend
Enrollment at Waldorf School of Bend is ongoing throughout the year for grades where space is still available. If you would like more information on our programs, please fill out our online inquiry form or contact our Admissions Director, Sarah Rucker. srucker@bendwaldorf.com or 541-330-8841.
Click here to download the Admissions process.
Download applications, teacher recommendation forms and transcript release forms:
- Early Childhood Application
- Grades – Jr. High Application
- Student Participation Application Grades 6-8
- Early Childhood Teacher Recommendation Form
- Teacher Recommendation Form Grades/Jr. High
- Student Records Release
Parent Toddler Program registration is open for 2017-18 sessions. Click here to download the registration form. For more information about our Chickadee classes click here. Please contact us regarding availability.
Parents and Guardians are strongly encouraged to attend a tour or open house and review our PARENT HANDBOOK prior to submitting an application. If you would like us to mail you a full enrollment package or if you have any questions, please call 541-330-8841 or email us at srucker@bendwaldorf.com.
The Waldorf School of Bend cultivates academic excellence through our experiential curriculum rich in the arts, sciences and practical works. We honor each child’s unique spirit by building capacities of will, free thought, compassion and social responsibility. In this way, children develop with purpose to act as powerful world citizens.
2150 NE STUDIO ROAD,
SUITE 2
BEND, OREGON 97701
(541) 330 - 8841
