Chicago Waldorf School, Chicago | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

As a parent who has been involved with this amazing school for 11 years, it’s hard to imagine my children going to school anywhere else. The play-based early childhood program allows children to be children: they develop strong social skills in a nurturing environment with plenty of movement and outside time. The school’s “no media” policy for young children, though it initially felt like a hardship, turned out to be a boon for our family. Our kids understand how to entertain themselves and spend more time creating or reading, by themselves and with other kids.

The grade school has been equally satisfying in every area that I value—social, academic, and artistic. The educational approach that Waldorf embraces really does teach to the whole child. I heard a news story last year celebrating the efficacy of having students jump rope before working on math problems. Waldorf has been using movement as a teaching tool for decades. Taking a tour of the school is really the best way to get a sense of their approach. You actually get to walk through the classrooms and see the teachers in action.

The teaching staff is incredibly talented, dedicated and hard-working; I can say the same for the administrative staff. Sometimes I’m hard pressed to decide who is getting more out of this school, my children or myself. The community of parents and families has been generous and supportive throughout our time here.

Both of our kids (now in 6th and 9th grades) are thriving at the Waldorf school. A friend of mine came to 3:00 pickup time one afternoon, when all of the students were spilling out of the building, and his jaw dropped as he said, “Wow. I’ve never seen a more ALIVE bunch of kids in my life.” If that’s the impression that the students give after a full day of school, there’s something wonderful going on in those classrooms.

The Early Childhood experience was poor. My six year old was forced to nap for up to 45 minutes with little to no alternatives or quiet activities. She and other children were bullied and educators could not communicate the bullying policies, or a plan to address it. She came home with one art project on the entire three months she was there (Sept-Dec). There was a lack of transparency and clarity in the classroom activities. There was violent play in the classroom, with children playing with pretend guns and saying curse words. I removed my child and was not given the opportunity to revised or get out of my financial contract despite my best efforts to no longer be financially obligated on the premise that this was not what we bargained for. I really hope that before anyone signs their children up for this school that they speak with several parents for a proper assessment. This school is way too expensive for such lack. My child is now engaged in several alternative learning experiences and she is happy and thriving, as opposed to crying and begging me not to go to Waldorf school each day. She learned absolutely nothing during her time here.

We are finishing out our second year at this school, and it’s been incredible. My children are thriving, and I can not say enough good things about the warm, loving environment. The parents are actively involved, the faculty and staff are lovely, and I genuinely feel like all the people working there are doing their best for the good of the children. The fact that there isn’t much turnover in the staff says a lot about the culture. I’ve seen alumni come and visit and stay involved in the festivals and bring their children to school there, which speaks volumes. My children are thriving, and even get upset on days when they’re “not allowed” to go to school. If you’re thinking about it, go visit. Speak to some parents. I’ve had only good experiences thus far.