Introducing the Full-Day Preschool & Kindergarten Program

A Message from a Waldorf Teacher and Parent:

“I am so happy that my daughters, now in their 20s, spent their early years in the Waldorf kindergarten. The rhythms and activities of the classroom gave them just what they needed to follow their curiosity, engage their imaginations, nourish and challenge their bodies, and guide them into social relationships. From Parent-Child classes to being a Kindergarten Mighty Oak, our doors are open to welcome the children.”

The Early Childhood Day

What was formerly called Extended Day is now fully integrated into the core program:

Schedule: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Options: 3 or 5 consecutive days (Monday-Wednesday or Monday-Friday)
Ages: 3-6 years

Morning Rhythm:

Warm greeting and outdoor play
Morning circle indoors, engaging the senses and body
Light snack and bathroom break
Free play with open-ended, natural toys and materials
Chores and tasks: caring for materials, food preparation, crafts
Teachers share a rich oral story, often with puppets or simple figures
Lunch lovingly prepared with the children using organic, whole foods
Outdoor play and circle gathering

Transition to Afternoon Program:

Outdoor play continues in Circle of Stones
Preparation for rest: light snack, bathroom break
Foot massage/bath in a quiet space
Rest time on cots, with teachers tucking in each child while gently singing
Afternoon chores and tasks: tidying, caring for materials
Outdoor play and activities

Weekly & Seasonal Activities

Watercolor painting
Textile crafts: drawing, weaving, finger-knitting
Hikes
Baking (grinding grain, kneading dough)
Working with tools, gardening
Seasonal crafts and creative projects
Skill-building activities to develop fine and gross motor skills

Why the change?

When our school began 26 years ago, there was no afternoon program. Over time, interest and need grew, leading to incremental additions. Teachers have since refined and deepened the afternoon experience, recognizing its immense value for young children.

By integrating it into a complete full-day preschool & kindergarten program, we ensure:

A Consistent Classroom Experience: Children benefit from a predictable rhythm with the same classmates each day.
Elimination of Drop-Ins: Maintaining continuity enhances the social and emotional well-being of the group.
Thoughtful Tuition Pricing: Our tuition structure reflects careful research into local early childhood care.
Flexible Staffing for Full-Week Students: Depending on enrollment, lead teachers may combine classes on Thursdays and Fridays to create a unified group experience for 5-day students.

Our full-day preschool & kindergarten program remains deeply rooted in Waldorf principles, providing a nurturing, immersive, and enriching early childhood experience.

We are excited to embark on this new chapter and continue serving our families with care and dedication!