Minnesota Waldorf School

The teachers and staff are incredible. The atmosphere and land is beautiful for the children. Students come out out well rounded and highly educated in all aspects of learning. We have had one graduate and currently two children enrolled with phenomenal teachers.
Aug 17th, 2018

Apr 5th, 2018

Great friendly people
Mar 22nd, 2018

Feb 14th, 2018

My children have attended Minnesota Waldorf School 2-3 years and with mixed reviews I will say.   The early childhood education is excellent and I would recommend that program, particularly the mixed age preschool/kindergarten:  4-6 year olds.  The grades curriculum is also above average and emphasizes developmentally-based, hands on learning and outdoor exploring.  The teachers and staff are also caring and attentive.   If you are committed to starting "the grades," and remaining there through grades 1-8, regardless of the annual tuition increases of 2-4% each year, then you will probably love this school and your decision.  5/5 stars then.........However if the tuition, (which is higher than many MN and WI state colleges) or limited public transportation is an issue for your family--like most families-- or if you are unsure you will stay for the full 1st-8th grade curriculim,  read on.If you begin your child's academic career in first grade at MWS and do not complete the grades, your child will be behind mainstream, traditional charter and public schools by Minnesota achievement standards, once they are taken our of Waldorf school.    The pedagogy is beautiful,  however the pre-academic learning,  until really 2nd grade, is what's problematic once you leave the school.  In my parental opinion, it is a disservice to your child's learning and self esteem to start them here and then pull them out-before the grades are completed- and before they are on par academically with their peers.   The children learn other important blocks such as handwork (knitting), movement, french, water color painting--however the reading and writing are where your child will be sadly below average in comparison with their same grade level peers.  I wish I had this warning and knowledge when we began here, as 2-3 years later, we decided to move on, and our 2 children were at a huge disadvantage academically in their new schools.  They caught up fast, but it was very challenging, AND we had to pay an arm and a leg for tutoring to get them up to speed.   Best of luck on your search!  ---A concerned and former parent.
Aug 17th, 2017