OUR ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Walk Through the Grades
We are now holding Virtual Walk Through the Grades, every second Wednesday of the month at 10:00am. This is an opportunity for prospective families to be introduced to Waldorf philosophy and curriculum at Sierra Waldorf School.
Please contact enrollment@sierrawaldorf.com to be added to the next VWTG list.
About Our Process
Appropriate admission for Sierra Waldorf School involves the determination by the school that both the family and the individual student will be served without detracting from the healthy functioning of the individual class or school community.
Families best served at SWS are those whose values are compatible with the culture of the school as an educational community, who share SWS’s educational goals, and who seek the unique character of Waldorf Education for their children. These families recognize and accept the role of parents in supporting the pedagogical and community work of the school and the children enrolled.
Suitable applicants for the Early Childhood Programs are those children whose developmental, social and learning potentials are such that they may be able to function harmoniously within groups of twenty or fewer, depending upon their age, and whose parents are willing to work with the teachers of the program for the well-being of the individual child, while keeping in mind the needs of all the children within the group.
Appropriate applicants for the SWS Program of Grades One through Eight are students who are capable of functioning successfully in groups of twenty-four or fewer without requiring exceptional attention for behavioral issues, work habits, or academic limitations. The school is able to accommodate students with special needs in limited numbers. If such students can be accommodated, and resource services are required, the parents may be required to provide the services as a condition of admission.
During the application process for Grades 6, 7, and 8 we will require two positive recommendations from former teachers that particularly address evidence of a respectful attitude towards both teachers and peers. We will also request a copy of the student’s cumulative file from his/her former school as well as attendance records and a sampling of the student’s work.
It is tacitly understood that re-enrollment for any given year requires that the above criteria continue to apply at each subsequent level beyond initial enrollment in the school. If it should become evident that the criteria are no longer met, the school would counsel the family to seek a more appropriate placement either for their own values or for the student’s needs.