What is a Waldorf preschool?

The main features of Waldorf preschool and daycare programs

Find a list of schools

Along with Montessori and Reggio Emilia, Waldorf is one of the main types of preschools offered in Canada. Waldorf preschools tend to be play-based. The focus is on child-centred activities, student interaction, and imaginative learning. Read more


List of Waldorf preschools

 
FILTERS:
Type
Grades
 
Toronto, Ontario
Davenport Rd/Spadina Rd
 
Add to shortlist

"Smaller class sizes and our unique curriculum - infused with arts, movement, outdoor education - allow deeper connections across subjects, at all developmental stages. Waldorf education is “schooling with heart"." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Waldorf curriculum
  • $21,700 to $24,700
Add to shortlist
Waldorf Academy 21700 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Calgary, Alberta
 
Add to shortlist

"Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and engaging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 9 (Coed)
  • Waldorf curriculum
  • $3,890 to $14,850
Add to shortlist
Calgary Waldorf School 3890 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Burlington, Ontario
Appleby Line/Upper Middle Road
 
Add to shortlist

"Halton Waldorf School offers an education that fosters confidence, independence and intelligence. Located on five forested acres, the school has been uniquely designed to support the goals of Waldorf education. Est 1984" —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Waldorf curriculum
  • $11,150 to $18,700
Add to shortlist
Halton Waldorf School 11150 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Thornhill, Ontario
Bathurst St/Rutherford Rd
 
Add to shortlist

"Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics, arts and movement while addressing the intellectual, physical, emotional and social aspects of child development from preschool to gr. 12." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Waldorf curriculum
  • $18,000 to $21,000
  • Day school
  • 360 students
Add to shortlist
Toronto Waldorf School 18000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Below, we outline some of the main features of Waldorf preschools and daycares. Keep in mind, though, that these programs can vary in terms of aims, policies, teaching approaches, and more.

Features of Waldorf preschools 

 

Preschool questions (read our in-depth answers)

Answers to the question “What is a Waldorf preschool?” from school officials

“Waldorf education offers an experiential and academically rigorous approach to education that integrates the arts in all academic disciplines to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf curriculum respects the pace of childhood development, inspires lifelong learning, and encourages children to fully develop their unique capacities. A curriculum that is developmentally appropriate means that it is based on exactly what is happening in the child’s physical and emotional development at that time.” Lylli Anthon, faculty chair of Halton Waldorf school, in Burlington, Ontario

“The main question parents need to ask themselves about the Waldorf curriculum is: What is being taught if it is not math work sheets, early readers book series, or desk work? What is experiential learning like in preschool and kindergarten? For math and reading it looks something like this:

Series: Waldorf Schools

In the spotlight:


Latest Articles

The days before summer at Waldorf  
(June 12, 2019)

Christmas time at Waldorf  
(May 15, 2019)

Waldorf Schools  
(March 11, 2019)

Waldorf vs. Reggio Emilia schools  
Comparing Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools in Canada (February 25, 2019)

x

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All right reserved.