“My children are thriving at Tamarack. Where there are developmentally appropriate expectations for children and the learning is integrated with art, outdoor learning and emotional well-being. The teachers are truly incredible. They care so much for the children and go above and beyond to foster a wonderful community.”
THE WALDORF DIFFERENCE
WHAT IS WALDORF EDUCATION?
Waldorf education inspires the spirit of the child while eliciting academic excellence through educational artistry. From an early age, Waldorf students develop an understanding and respect for the cultures of the world, drawing on many traditions to celebrate our common humanity.
Tamarack Waldorf School is a private, diverse urban school that offers a complete curriculum based in the Waldorf tradition for students from early childhood through Grade 8. Tamarack welcomes students and families of all races, religions and cultures.
Committed to being a community, we foster and encourage fellowship and a spirit of mutual support among all Tamarack families. We gladly supply interested parents with information about Waldorf-inspired childcare in the community and offer on-site before and after school care.
WHY WALDORF WORKS
The Waldorf approach allows students to engage with their curriculum on multiple levels. It is a curriculum that stresses practical knowledge and creativity. Waldorf students become flexible, creative, and willing to take intellectual risks.
Lessons balance cognitive and emotional intelligence with physical activity where each assignment integrates academic work with fine and practical arts.
Alongside Waldorf schools worldwide, we graduate lifelong learners who give purpose to their lives and communities. Waldorf graduates are passionate about achieving their goals, and are highly sought after in higher education.
HERE AT EVERY STAGE
At Tamarack, children grow and learn surrounded by the school’s warm and nourishing environment. Tamarack’s curriculum engages the senses and imagination of children through each unique stage of their development. This allows Waldorf students to develop their capacity for organized thought and build their self-confidence in a natural, organic way.
A BRIDGE FROM HOME TO SCHOOL
Early childhood education at Tamarack provides a nurturing, engaging environment rooted in daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms. Teachers lead the children in imaginative play, beeswax modeling, painting, baking, nature walks, storytelling, and singing.
THE KINDERGARTEN WAY
Our combined-age Kindergarten classrooms prepare children for elementary school by alternating between free play and planned group activities, such as watercolor painting, baking, storytelling, and beeswax modeling.
Visitors to our kindergartens are charmed by the magic that pervades these rooms. Natural toys and materials and the soft colors of the warm, homelike atmosphere encourages imaginative play as the work of the young child. An array of materials—including silk and cotton fabrics for dress up and house building, unpainted wooden blocks, natural logs, and simple handmade dolls—is always on hand as resources for creative play.
Morning circle may include seasonal songs, finger plays, and games which challenge the children with speech work, movement and rhythm; all precursors to healthy development in writing, reading and math at the grade school level. Watch this webinar from 2020 in which our Early childhood teachers discuss the important role of circle time.
Waldorf teachers consciously serve as role models, creating a warm and caring atmosphere that fosters mutual regard and respect.
“I love Tamarack because you have fun and you have something different everyday. You take field trips and you go on walks and have fun!”
GRADES 1 THROUGH 8
Our lower grades class teachers come together with their class in grade 1 and ideally travel with their students through grade 4. This helps forge a bond of familiarity and respect between students and teacher that supports learning. Beginning in Grade 5, our students transition with their classmates into a more developmentally appropriate and academically rigorous model in which they have a consistent homeroom teacher, but the subject matter will be presented by teachers who are experts in that subject area.
To facilitate these unique relationships, each teacher receives extensive specialized training in the Waldorf curriculum and understanding of child development. Waldorf teachers consciously serve as role models, creating a warm and caring atmosphere.
Every day in Grade School begins with a two hour Main Lesson. During this learning period—purposely set at the time of day when children are at their most alert and receptive—an imaginative presentation is given by the teacher and reviewed the following day.
One topic is studied in depth for three to four weeks at a time, with subject matter brought to life through writing, drawing and other projects. Subjects covered in the lesson block correspond to the physical, emotional and spiritual capacities of the child at each stage in their development.
Learn more about the curriculum in the lower grades and upper grades.
“Tamarack Waldorf School is a wonderful community that provides holistic education by expert teachers. Children thrive socially, academically, and creatively at Tamarack. If you are looking for a vibrant school community that educates the whole child, I highly recommend Tamarack Waldorf School.”