Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Nursery School and 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.
New Nursery school
At the Waldorf School of Bend we provide a warm, homelike environment for our 2 year olds. Through creative free play, storytelling, songs and movement the young child experiences the world through their senses. Like all of our early childhood classrooms, we create a home away from home environment that meets the child’s developing needs. Click here for more info.
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.
Meet 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 classes
- Pre-K and Mixed Age Kindergartens, serving children from 3 to 6 years old
- After school care
- Summer and break, day camps – click to register for Summer Camp
- After school music lessons
Outdoor Kindergarten
One day each week in fall and spring our mixed-age Kindergartens experience a whole day outside in nature. Outdoor Kindergarten days offer an opportunity to build important physical, social, cognitive and life skills that pave the way for academic learning later on.
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. We have ongoing enrollment, based on availability, throughout the school year!
Our school will be closed December 23 through January 5 for winter break. Happy Holidays!
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
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 2019-20 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.