Waldorf Academy Toronto will be holding an Open House event on April 13th, from 10am to noon. This event is meant to allow prospective parents the opportunity to speak with Waldorf Academy teachers, as well as current and former students. The institution can manage children from ages two to fourteen, and one parent of Waldorf Academy stated that, “two of her children went from Kindergarten through Grade 8 and both made the transfer easily and well to high school academically and socially.” The school has many satisfied parents and children thus far.
During the Open House, the academy will offer tours as well to prospective parents and students. There will be special events and talks, and previous years have included discussions on literacy and math while puppet shows would entertain JK and SK kids. Parents should expect a warm, welcoming environment, as Waldorf Academy presents itself more as a family than an institution. In addition, the event will be attended by highly engaged fellow parents, as well as capable, committed students and teachers should potential patrons of the school have any questions.
All parents and students will have the chance to meet teachers and get an up-close look at the school. They can expect in-depth conversations and lots of one-on-one time with teachers. Furthermore, a personalized tour will be offered, with teachers—and as upper-grade student ambassadors who have attended this institution for ten years (currently in grade 8)—present to answer any questions. This Toronto Waldorf school tries its best to cater to everyone’s needs.
While parents can book a tour at any time, even throughout the year while classes are in session, it is much more difficult to have such in-depth chats with the teachers and current students during busy periods. The Open House only happens twice a year, in April and October. However, this does not mean parents can only come to one or the other, as there are benefits to booking a private tour in addition to attending an Open House event.
Jennifer Deathe, of the Waldorf Academy Toronto, is also launching a video to provide even more insight for parents so that they know what a year at Waldorf is like. This nine-minute video explains this Waldorf school’s strategy of taking a holistic approach to learning and teaching. The academy focuses not on grades and memorization of facts, but rather on learning an inquiry-based model as well as understanding the process of learning itself. Deathe will also be attending the Open House to personally deliver the video presentation.
This year, the event is tied in with the Waldorf 100, or the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s revolutionary education system. Steiner education is based on the educational philosophy of Anthroposophy and focuses on developing intellectual, artistic, and practical skills to prepare kids for the rest of their lives. According to the Rudolf Steiner School page, this type of Waldorf education is meant to inspire, “ the spirit of the child while eliciting academic excellence through educational artistry.” Students are expected to, “develop an understanding and respect for the various cultures of the world through their experience in the classroom and in the celebration of seasonal festivals of the year.”
The academy in Toronto upholds these standards and strives for a holistic approach to learning. It focuses on helping kids learn to use both their left brain, right brain, and motor cortex at the same time, letting the students enjoy the lesson to the point where they do not realize they are learning.
One of the main programs that this academy has to offer is the private kindergarten school, a five-day program which offers either half, full, or extended days. It aims to guide students through creative thinking and problem solving, as well as maximize their creative capacities. As noted in the Waldorf Academy brochure, many parents, "feel an instant, intuitive connection," with the kindergarten class due to its inviting colors and custom-made toys and activities.
Interested parents may contact Jennifer Deathe of the Waldorf Academy Toronto, or visit the school’s website for further details.
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For more information about Waldorf Academy, contact the company here:
Waldorf Academy
Jennifer Deathe
416-962-6447
jdeathe@waldorfacademy.org
250 Madison Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4V 2W6
