Washington Waldorf School?

[Anonymous]

22:20 here. Yes, we're Jewish. I grew up half-and-half but married a Jewish guy, and we're a fully Jewish family. In our class of 23 children, I think there are five Jewish families, two of whom are fairly devout. I definitely don't get the "some of my best friends" vibe at all. There are many Jewish families in the school, and several of the more prominent families (by prominent I mean in terms of leadership within the school) are Jewish.

As I wrote earlier, there is definitely a spiritual sense to the curriculum but not a religious sense (but again - you have to be OK with the idea of your child studying saints and also studying different aspects of religion, though not in a religious sense but more of a cultural sense). In third grade, for example, when the class studied dwellings and structures, the children built a Sukkah and spent the night in it.

[Anonymous]

My daughter is in the 1st grade class at the Washington Waldorf school and we are really thrilled with the hands-on learning and nurturing environment she is in every day. The 1st grade class has only 13 children and an amazing, creative teacher AND an assistant who my daughter gives spontaneous hugs to on a regular basis. We came from a background of homeschooling for the preschool and kindergarten years so we did have some hesitations about school in general but the Washington Waldorf School has really exceeded our expectations and our daughter is so happy to go to school every day. There is a whole team of other specialty teachers who also visit the classroom on a weekly basis - a spanish teacher, a handwork teacher, a games teacher, 2 music teachers, a teacher who specializes in felting, and many other teachers who share stories and games with the children. It truly is the community/tribe we have been looking for and my daughter is developing such special relationships with all the teachers, children, and staff at the school. We feel so blessed to have this community for our family and I strongly encourage those who would like to learn more about the school to contact the Enrollment Director, Lezlie Lawson, at 301-229-6107, extension 154.

[Anonymous]

I'm a secular Jew and have had our two kids there for the last two years. We love the school and don't find it to be Christian in orientation at all. There's a substantial minority of Muslim families as well.

Kids are introduced to the Old Testament in the 3rd grade (hard for any Jew to argue with, even a secular one!) and last year my son learned all about the saints. As a previous poster said, the emphasis is on what drives people to be holy, good, and spiritual, not on some narrow definition of canonized Christian sainthood. Kids of that age are deeply interested in good and evil, so I think it makes sense to address it in the curriculum.

In the 3rd grade the kids build a sukkah, as part of the emphasis in the curriculum on building shelters. There is great respect for all religious traditions from the teachers and the administration.

Please let me know if I've answered your question!

[Anonymous]

To answer the question about religion - WWS is not a religious school. Our family is not religious and have not found a church or place of worship we love yet
and I am so thankful that my children get some idea of a larger idea or wondering at school. It is so general, just a feeling of reverence that is so missing in
society today. They do seasonal celebrations that are so beautiful, simple and touching - very difficult to explain here. Birthdays are also so simple and beautiful.

I am a spiritual person not a religious person and Washington Waldorf is a perfect place to send our children in that regard. They work hard to make
people of all faiths feel welcome. Only if you are not open at all to any general spirituality or sense of wonder then I would say this school would not be for you.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any information about the Potomac Crescent Waldorf school in Arlington?

[Outland]

There's are some thoughtful pieces/ videos about the Washington Waldorf School airing on WTOP today--

http://www.wtop.com/41/3178760/Waldorf-schools-focus-on-distraction-free-education-