My daughter loves going to school. If I offer her a choice of staying home with me or going to school, she'll pick going to school. She wants to be there and part of me feels that she knows she's part of a bigger whole and for the whole to work, she needs to be there a contribute. As I mention above, the only area of opportunity I would recommend is more after-school activities.
Waldorf Academy has a rich school life – throughout the year, there are a range of festivals and events that highlight traditions and holidays from around the world and the diversity of Toronto.
My child absolutely LOVES the school, loves his teachers, loves the environment and his friends. This is a true community that looks after and cares for each other. My son spends so much time learning about nature as he is outside for long stretches throughout the day. He gets healthy snacks - not junk food or sweets. He learns new songs and watches new puppet shows every week. He loves the school trips that they've started to take. This year, they went on a field trip to Evergreen Brickworks to explore nature and the different wildlife that live there. He also went to High Park where he made bird feeders and walked on several of the trails. I feel like my son is developing in a way that's true to him and who he is, and yet he is also learning all the things you'd expect at his age.
I think the overall quality of student life at Waldorf Academy is great. My kids really enjoy going there because they are engaged by the curriculum, love their teachers, and enjoy participating in the social life of the school. Their social life is not just limited to their friends at recess, but also the life of the entire school community, which is cultivated through the weekly assemblies, seasonal festivals, performances, student presentations, and sports events. I recommend that prospective families attend some of the festivals at Waldorf Academy (Winter Fair, May Fair, Michaelmas Play, etc.) in order to get some insight into school life at Waldorf Academy. It would also be really valuable to attend the Grade 8 Projects or the Hero Projects, or one of the students plays, to get a sense of what students are capable of.
Our son loved going to school each and every day. The warm and welcoming community accepts and encourages each child to become the best 'self' they can achieve. The children's unique qualities are celebrated. Each morning our child is welcomed by their main lesson teacher in a personal way to show that their presence is appreciated at the school. There is a consistent and comfortable rhythm to each day which the children come to learn and look forward to. Even though the school is located in the city center, they use the surrounding nature to our advantage. The kids look forward to recess in the park and time in the well-kept schoolyards. The kids are encouraged and supported to try activities outside their comfort zone. There are sports, plays, musical performances, and academic pursuits. Something to suit and challenge everyone.
