The writer and environmentalist Annie Dillard once said that “how we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” While the administrators at Trillium Waldorf may not think in exactly those terms, that’s an idea that’s at the core of the school. Yes, learning is about working through the curriculum, acquiring new skills, honing old ones. But being at school should be about living well, too, and Trillium has made that at priority since it was founded in 1996. From day one it was an expression of the community that gave rise to it, begun by a number of families that wanted something better, something maybe a bit more caring for their children. There were 21 students in the first year, and a single grade, though it’s grown since then, mainly because of the community that formed around the school. The current property was supplied by an alumni family, which nicely continues the theme. This is about people teaching children how to find their way in the world, to have fun, to enjoy the company of others, and to live fulfilled lives.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"At Trillium Waldorf School, reverence for childhood underpins everything we do. This starts in the early years with a pace that allows children to fall in love with the world around them and continues in the Grade School with a curriculum that engages not only our students' minds but their hearts. Our academics are interwoven with movement, arts, hands-on skill building and the experience of observation and discovery, which keep our students not only engaged but critically and creatively thinking for themselves."
Teachers stay with their class through many years, better enabling them to reach each child
Whole child focus - mental, physical and emotional learning are equally weighted
Vibrant community brought together with seasonal celebrations which nourish the whole family
Movement, games, field trips and time in nature are emphasized which support the academic experience
K-lower grades classrooms free of digital technology with very selective use in middle school
Exposure to many cultural perspectives via storytelling and a broad history & language curriculum
Rich music offerings and class plays bring joy and foster confidence
Arts are woven throughout the day (painting, drawing, woodworking, knitting, and more)
Math and science are kept vital and alive with experiential learning and discovery
Our graduates leave well prepared for high school and to advocate for themselves in the wider world
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At Trillium, we place a high priority on social and emotional learning, knowing that when students are regulated and feel good in their relationships with teachers and peers, they...(more)
"At Trillium, we place a high priority on social and emotional learning, knowing that when students are regulated and feel good in their relationships with teachers and peers, they are much more likely to get the most out of the lessons and activities of the school day. Our teachers maintain a position of warm authority, allowing students to feel safe in classrooms that well held. Through our restorative practices, children learn to take responsibility for their actions, set appropriate boundaries, and work through conflict, ultimately developing the resilience and relational skills they will need to grow into healthy, thriving adults."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Trillium Waldorf School was established in 1995 by a community of caring parents who were concerned about the educational and societal trends at that time. Through their...(more)
"Trillium Waldorf School was established in 1995 by a community of caring parents who were concerned about the educational and societal trends at that time. Through their determination and inspired action, Trillium opened its doors to 21 students, Kindergarten-Grade One, in September 1996. At the time we were located in a local church and went on to rent from the Guelph Youth Music Centre as well before finding our home in the north-east end of Guelph.
It was through the good will and dedication of one of our early families who took it upon themselves to secure this land and build our lovely school to provide us with the security of a long term rental where we could flourish and set roots.
In 2022, we hit a major milestone and had the incredible opportunity to become proud owners of our campus after raising over $1 million in donations and $896K in investments through the generosity of hundreds of school supporters."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Families seeking a strong emphasis on early academics or those aiming to prepare their children for a specific post-secondary path may not find our approach appealing, as it is...(more)
"Families seeking a strong emphasis on early academics or those aiming to prepare their children for a specific post-secondary path may not find our approach appealing, as it is designed to support children in reaching their unique potential on a timeline that allows for an unrushed childhood."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"At Trillium, our students have the advantage of learning through direct experience, free from the influence of computers and digital technology. Parents appreciate knowing that...(more)
"At Trillium, our students have the advantage of learning through direct experience, free from the influence of computers and digital technology. Parents appreciate knowing that their children are in a media- and screen-free environment, learning instead through methods such as oral storytelling, time in nature, creating their own textbooks, observing natural phenomena and learning to knit. These time-tested approaches not only keep children interested and engaged, but also support critical thinking, which is essential for embracing the tools of technology later in life."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Families often know us for the hands-on experiences that our students get, for our choice to deliver education without the use of screen technology and for being a school that...(more)
"Families often know us for the hands-on experiences that our students get, for our choice to deliver education without the use of screen technology and for being a school that allows students to be fully themselves. We are known for our annual class plays and for the Grade 8 Project in which our oldest students engage in study on a topic of their choice with a mentor from the broader Guelph community. Many people know us for our annual Spring Fair which is a joyful experience for all and one which families return to again and again, even when their children don’t attend our school."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"At Trillium, our students have the opportunity to be seen and known by their teachers. Smaller class sizes, and teachers who “loop” (move through the grades with their class)...(more)
"At Trillium, our students have the opportunity to be seen and known by their teachers. Smaller class sizes, and teachers who “loop” (move through the grades with their class) allow for the type of relationship where teachers know how to get through to their individual students and students are able to see that their teachers really care.
These long term relationships also allow for true collaboration between teachers and parents, benefiting our students in myriad ways. It is often said that Trillium graduates are notable as teenagers for their willingness to converse with adults and to advocate for their own learning once they move on to high school and beyond."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Many Trillium parents are pleasantly surprised by the profound impact of the ritual components of life at Trillium and the emphasis on nurturing our student's strength of...(more)
"Many Trillium parents are pleasantly surprised by the profound impact of the ritual components of life at Trillium and the emphasis on nurturing our student's strength of character.
Rites of passage, such as our Grade 1 students “going under the rainbow bridge” at the opening ceremony each year, serve as meaningful milestones that punctuate the passage of time while offering parents a chance to be fully present for their children’s growth and development.
Traditions like our Grade 8 students embarking on their wilderness canoe trip only after crafting their own paddle the previous year teach patience and perseverance. These practices offer an antidote to the modern world of instant gratification.
Equally powerful are the daily rituals that frame the school day. Whether it’s reciting a verse together each morning before beginning their lessons or lighting a candle at lunch, these simple acts of reverence ground the student experience and soothe the all-to-common hurried soul."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Gr. 1 (current) — The atmosphere at Trillium Waldorf is like the storybook school we long for. My son's favorite aspect is definitely the outdoor space and the amount of time he gets to spend there. Unfortunately, his public school only had a small blacktop and a climber that you weren't allowed to use during the winter months, regardless. Trillium features a giant sandpit and little streams, allowing my son to engage his engineering mind and social skills by collaborating with other children (from various grades) to build elaborate forts and waterways. We took one semester off to navigate some life changes, and returning to the same teachers and classmates made the transition back much simpler (at least that's how I feel). He may occasionally complain, as kids do, about teachers or school, but honestly, he's started urging me in the morning to get to school early and always wants to stay in the aftercare program. When I've asked him, he says his complaint is that 'sometimes the teachers can be very silly about little things that don't matter.'
K (current) — Our daughter has enjoyed bonding with her teachers, finger knitting and drawing. She has always loved crafts, but Waldorf has helped her find new mediums of expression such as assembling bouquets on nature walks, modelling beeswax and making candles. In the winter, it is very difficult for us to get her outside every day, but since outside time is such a big part of the school day, we know she is getting at least a few hours outside. There is a peace and calmness in the school that is tangible; as parents, we feel it whenever we visit the classroom or attend community meetings. The kindergarten rooms, especially, foster a loving and protective environment for the children. Our daughter has struggled with rest time; 20-30 minutes a day of quiet time lying down is difficult for a restless five-year-old, but we think it is good for children to have time alone with themselves, and, specifically for our daughter, it is good for her to face this challenge.
Our children both thrive at Trillium Waldorf.
My daughter is in grade two and loves every day. Her favourite subjects are handwork, games class and practical arts. My son is in his final kindergarten year and is eagerly waiting to join in the grades. Both children love going to school and always have. The teachers care for them like their own, and I believe the children can really feel that.
Our daughter was always very timid and takes a while to give her trust to others. The teachers she’s encountered have all given her respect and the time and space she needed without pushing. It’s made all the difference in her confidence. She now greets her teacher daily, making eye contact which is so huge and we’re so grateful.
The most enjoyable aspect of school for my daughter is visual arts classes which have been taught by a variety of instructors over the years. A wonderful discovery of the colour purple in her SK year was a highlight: she came home one day saying "mom blue and red make purple, look!" and then proceeded to show me the different purple values of the colour wheel. Instead of teaching the children that blue and red make purple, the students discover these colours on their own. Her love for creating beautiful pictures has not stopped. The second thing my daughter really enjoys at school is the outside playtime and outdoor excursions whether this be to the local farm for apple picking or feeding the ducks on the pond close to the school, or mucking about in the sandbox when she was younger and discovering gems, carefully placed there by the teachers ahead of time to add some mystery and magic to the day.
My son appreciated the intimacy - at times he longed for a bigger school and a gym and a library- but over time he realized the gifts of the class sizes. He was still nourished and stimulated. He really loved woodworking and the love his woodworking teacher brought to class. He really loved all the art woven into class and subject workbooks. The festivals and celebrations are things we will never forget and create a real community feel. The meaningful interactions and opportunities for leadership in the older grades were very important to his sense of self. He has made lifelong friends at Trillium and has had his imagination stimulated. He appreciates the critical thinking skills he has developed through the grades.
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