Dear Tamarack Community,

I am writing to you as a new parent at Tamarack Waldorf School. It is no surprise to me now that my life trajectory led me here, though I could not have imagined it when I was my daughter’s age, living in the politically turbulent country of Albania.  

When my family and I fled to the United States, I had to quickly adjust to an unfamiliar environment and lost much of my connection to the cultural practices of my hometown. So I was deeply touched to learn when enrolling my daughter at Tamarack that many of these practices—handwork, storytelling, and outdoor play—are integral components of Waldorf education, and that Tamarack would be introducing to my daughter’s life what my ancestors valued and instilled in me.  

It is rare to be part of a learning community that is both progressive and traditional. When Rudolf Steiner founded Waldorf education in the aftermath of World War II, he introduced a holistic pedagogy that caters to the student’s intellectual as well as social, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions. This approach was based on Steiner’s belief that everyone is a transcendent being whose freedom is connected to every other’s, and that education ought to guide us to reach our highest potential while promoting social and ecological harmony. Tamarack keeps these founding principles alive today through its mission: to develop independent critical thinkers with a strong sense of social responsibility by offering a full Waldorf curriculum to students from K4 through Grade 8.  

Although there are more than 900 Waldorf schools in 83 countries worldwide, Tamarack is one of few in the United States and unique among them for its high degree of cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Through the devoted care of faculty, staff, administration, and a variety of specialists, Tamarack students come into themselves with an understanding that the world is a good, safe, and beautiful place. And they contribute to making it so by cultivating care for the environment through outdoor activities, composting, and gardening projects.

This year, Tamarack was a recipient of the US Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Award—the highest form of federal recognition for environmental sustainability!  

I invite you to join me in celebrating Tamarack’s achievements by contributing to this year’s annual appeal. Your gift will go toward our $25,000 fundraising goal which—in a time of financial challenge—will be crucial in ensuring the kind of education that makes Tamarack special and that all our students deserve.  

With gratitude, 

Marisola Xhelili 

OUR MISSION 

To provide a K through 8th Grade Waldorf education to develop independent, critical thinkers with a strong sense of social responsibility. 

Tamarack Board of Trustees

Susie Ralston, President

Michelle Skelton, Treasurer

Jared Levisen, Secretary

Selwyn Jarvis, Community Member

Dan Krause, Community Member & Former Parent

Joe Fransee, Tamarack Parent

Ryan Princer, Community Member

Lora Poulos, Administrative Director

Martha Flores, Pedagogical Director