Unhurried Childhood
Child development is a gradual process with physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions that should not be hurried.
We believe in an unhurried childhood, where education is not a race or an outcome, but a personal process of discovery. Our curriculum aligns with the gradual development of the human being from child to adult, following an archetypal sequence of three seven-year phases as described by Rudolf Steiner that each have characteristic physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions. These dimensions are nourished through the integration of arts, by working from experience to concept and from whole to parts, and through the use of rhythm and repetition. Elements of thinking, feeling, and willing/doing are considered in every lesson to support the unfolding of the whole child.
Foundation for Academic Success
The foundation for academic success in high school and beyond is set during the elementary and middle school years.
We seek to inspire a love of learning by developing faculties to excel in a rigorous academic setting later in life. We do this by providing a curriculum that is rich in languages, full of movement, and that integrates arts, music, mathematics and the sciences. At every developmental stage, our students encounter activities that engage the mind, fire the imagination, and strengthen the will in order to foster each child’s unique capacities.
Time In Nature
Time in nature supports healthy human development and inspires a sense of awe and wonder in the natural world.
We value fresh air and outdoor play for children of all ages. Our curriculum encourages children to engage in the natural world to inspire creativity, develop an awareness of the world around us, and foster a sense of responsibility to protect our environment. Our students spend time outdoors exploring the natural world in the conservation land adjacent to our school campus. Farm trips, gardening programs, and seasonal festivals are an important part of the curriculum. Learn more about how nature is integrated into our curriculum.
Gradual Integration of Technology
Healthy development, social interactions, and inspired learning can best occur without the influence of digital media during the early phases of childhood.
Technologies can be a wonderful tool, which is why our middle school students participate in a curriculum that teaches students how to use technology ethically, safely, and wisely. When introduced too early, however, digital media can interfere with educational and developmental processes that affect children’s ability to engage in real experiences, develop authentic social relationships, and realize the power of their unique capacities for imaginative thinking. This is why all our classrooms are computer-free and why we discourage screen use at home during the early years of child development. View our approach to technology.
Enduring Human Relationships
Enduring relationships among and between students, teachers, and parents deepens the educational experience and strengthens our community.
The enduring human relationships that form between teachers and their students and parents, and among the students, support the educational process. The loving guidance of a team of teachers, including a class teacher who typically stays with a class for multiple years, whom children and parents know and trust helps the children grow into self-confident learners and adults. The task of the team of teachers is to work with the developing individuality of each child and with each class as a whole within the context of the entire school. Meet Our Teachers.
Adult Community
Being a parent at WSL is a chance to find real belonging, affirmation, support, and community among thoughtful, caring parents...and have fun!
In conjunction with our Parent and Community Education series, we offer opportunities for families to engage with our community in a variety of ways. From supporting fundraising events and festivals to enjoying a cup of coffee at our weekly Cafe or attending our annual Community Dance, parents and caregivers build lasting, supportive relationships…and memories, too!
Learn more about our Adult Education Opportunities as well as our Community Assocation.
Social Justice
We are committed to working toward freedom, equity and social justice.
We seek to inspire and cultivate capacities to serve humanity and nurture impactful, active, ethical world citizens. Our goal is to help our children understand their value in the world as well as their responsibilities and obligations as citizens of the world. We are also committed to an ongoing process of learning, listening and deepening our understanding of equity and inclusion. With reverence, we strive to create, embrace and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where everyone feels respected, connected and valued. Learn more about our DEIJ work.
Commitment to Access for All at WSL
We recognize and value the importance of making a Waldorf School of Lexington (WSL) education affordable to families of diverse economic means. Socio-economic diversity is an important part of our inclusive school mission. WSL strives to make an independent school education accessible to qualified students, regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.
Our goal is that all students and families who have been accepted can be included in our community and experience a transformative Waldorf education. View our Tuition Information.