Waldorf Academy: A Detailed Report with Information, Reviews, and Insights

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Waldorf Academy

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Reviews

Insider Reviews

Analysis

School overview

Pages in this report:

Grades
Nursery/Toddler — Gr. 8
Gender
Coed
Class Size
10 — 18 students
Tuition
$22,460 to 24,943/year
Language of instruction
English
Associations
AWSNA
Enrolment
130 day students
Curriculum
Waldorf
EBROCHURE
View eBrochure

View address

Next open house
N/A
Application Deadline
February 28 (Day students)

Special Event

Meet Waldorf Academy's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW

The big picture on Waldorf Academy

We summarized the school ourselves

We often consider the ideal student for a certain educational setting, though with Waldorf schools, it's important to also consider the ideal parent. Instruction student directed; benchmarks are less important than engagement. Multiple intelligences, multiple-sensory learning, cross-curricular instruction, visual learning—it's perhaps the epitome of what we think of as alternative education: constructivist rather than didactic. Waldorf Academy is one of the first of its kind in Canada, and was created when a group of parents decided to come together to create the kind of school that they wanted for their children. It's grown since then, and the organization and infrastructure has been formalized as well, including the creation of a purpose-built learning environment. Nevertheless, the core concept remains. The successful student is one who thrives in an interactive, transactional, arts-enriched setting. The ideal parent is one who sees the value in a constructivist approach, narrative-based assessment (letter grades are given in Grade 6 and up) and who prizes a considered and careful approach to the use of technology.

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Waldorf is a global name in academic and arts-enriched education. Our approach integrates experiential learning with academic depth. We value social and emotional well-being and transforming challenges into possibilities. Graduates emerge with a strong sense of purpose, the ability to solve problems and the courage to engage in the world. Nestled beneath majestic Casa Loma in the heart of Toronto, Waldorf Academy provides a world-class education founded on unique and proven methodology."

International Waldorf curriculum in Central Toronto
Comprehensive enriched academic program
Integrated drama, music, visual arts, woodwork, handwork, and movement
Exceptional nature studies program
Strong middle school athletic program
Curriculum builds social awareness, independent thinking, innovation and social engagement
Hands-on science, physics, math, including International Gauss Contest participation
Frequent field trips to enhance curricular content and annual class trips
Strong and welcoming parent community
Ideal Central Toronto location near Casa Loma, local parks and sites such as AGO, ROM, etc.

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"At Waldorf Academy, our approach to learning engages the head, heart, and hands—or thinking, feeling, and doing. This is the basis on which Waldorf teachers nurture and engage...(more)

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"At a Waldorf school, education is not measured only by competition and test scores, but is viewed as a life-long journey. Our younger students are given qualitative report cards;...(more)

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"Waldorf education, founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, applies a unique view of child development to learning, offering a welcome alternative to mainstream education. Over the past...(more)

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"Waldorf Academy welcomes students from all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds. Our curriculum opens doors and keeps them open by offering broad, diverse and well-rounded...(more)

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"Waldorf Academy is the right choice for your family if you are looking for a place that will help your child find joy in learning, build strong social skills as well as academic...(more)

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Our approach to exceptional education, close-knit community, and prime location set Waldorf Academy apart.
Our Approach: Waldorf’s time-tested, innovative curriculum aligns...(more)

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"Waldorf schools are well-known as balanced, holistic and student-centred. The curriculum is academic, but is taught in multifaceted ways through journaling, projects, movement,...(more)

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"Our curriculum is features strong academics with excellent math and literacy foundations in elementary grades, and robust science and nature studies curricula. Our elementary...(more)

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

"Touring families are often delighted by our large gym, our many outdoor spaces and our beautiful music room. Parents are drawn to the interwoven and unique ways we engage students...(more)

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"Waldorf Academy has renovated its Lower Level to create a bright, vibrant and beautiful Arts, Pottery & Woodwork Studio space for our exceptional craft curriculum. We look forward...(more)

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"Centred around community, Waldorf Academy will always remain true to its mission to provide Waldorf education to as many Torontonians as possible. Waldorf Academy has always woven...(more)

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Waldorf Academy: Parent Review from Abi Etches-Raheel

Watch our parent interview with Abi Etches-Raheel to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Waldorf Academy.

Waldorf Academy: Q&A 2020

Watch our Waldorf Academy Q&A discussion with Danielle (Parent), Ali (Alum), Dasana Rose (Alum) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.

Parent, Cindy Waldman (2020)

(4.7)

Our son has really enjoyed his time at Waldorf Academy. Waldorf Academy has a very warm, inviting, and community-based environment. What he likes best is the mix of Nature, Sciences and Arts he gets to experience throughout the year. There is music, singing, handwork, woodwork, fine arts, and movement. He enjoys the deep dive they do into monthly main lesson topics like Chemistry, History, the Renaissance, and Geometry to name a few. He likes the smaller class size and because of their size, the ability to get to interact with all of the kids in the school not just in his grade. The teachers are wonderful. He has gotten to know each of them very well over the years and we feel that they know all of the students equally well too.

Parent, Danielle Marcos (2020)

(4.3)

My children love their teachers at Waldorf Academy: they are truly seen, understood, and valued. The teachers' depth of commitment is remarkable. Because they understand the kids so well, the teachers know how to help my children navigate their challenges with learning. The curriculum is experiential and arts-enriched, including music, handwork (knitting, sewing, woodworking), movement, theatre, and visual art. Art, theatre, and music aren't just taught by specialist teachers - they are woven through all the subjects, making the material engaging and inspiring. As my eldest son moves up through the grades, I am also learning that the Waldorf math and science curriculum is also very rigorous and in-depth. My two kids are very different so they appreciate different things about their school. My eldest loves experiential learning assignments, making ANYTHING, and outdoor education experiences. My youngest loves all the music and theatre, and anything math. Both really love their teachers.

Parent, Michael Bernstein (2020)

(4.9)

My son feels seen and cared for the way a family member would care for him. His individual needs, concerns, strengths, challenges, and many questions are all lovingly attended to by the staff. He loves the exposure to all the different facets of nature - the outdoors, the seasons, the festivals and rituals that are a part of the school. He also enjoys all of the artwork - the hand knitting, the painting, the woodwork, and much more. He also enjoys the rhythm of the school from the songs they sing to enter the school, to circle time, the puppet shows, the stories of the seasons, the different colors representing the different days. He has even brought some of those traditions into our home and we are all happier for it.

Parent, Tyler Hague (2018)

(4.3)

Waldorf Academy has the best elements of a small town school in the big city. Small class sizes, caring and involved teachers and wonderful connections between students. Our daughter’s creative spirit has soared in this environment and we feel her foundational relationship to learning is incredibly strong.

Parent, Caroline Blouin (2018)

(4.8)

Our daughter has found a home away from home, a place where she is loved, nurtured and appreciated for all of the gifts she has to offer. The teachers truly believe in her and she is blossoming.

See all reviews (7 total)

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:Waldorf Academy

School overview

Pages in this report:

The big picture on Waldorf Academy

We summarized the school ourselves

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Waldorf Academy: Parent Review from Abi Etches-Raheel

Waldorf Academy: Q&A 2020

Parent, Cindy Waldman (2020)

(4.7)

Parent, Danielle Marcos (2020)

(4.3)

Parent, Michael Bernstein (2020)

(4.9)

Parent, Tyler Hague (2018)

(4.3)

Parent, Caroline Blouin (2018)

(4.8)

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Waldorf Academy