Thank You for Considering San Francisco Waldorf School

There is something different about San Francisco Waldorf School and the difference is extraordinary. Our students are intelligent and caring human beings, imaginative problem solvers, and creative thinkers who are ready to take on the world. Our educational approach is carefully considered, designed to understand every student at every age. Our unique perspective is guided by understanding, balance, experience, and community.

This is where the journey begins.

First Steps - Explore

Complete an Inquiry Form

Complete an Inquiry form to sign up for a Parent Tour or Open House, request additional information about financial aid, and receive our monthly admission newsletter.

Attend a Tour or Open House

Parent Tours are held on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, October through January, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Tours give parents a first-hand look at Main Lesson classes in progress. Main Lesson is a concentrated morning academic period scheduled in blocks; subjects include the sciences, mathematics, and humanities.

Adult-Only Open Houses are held on Saturday or Sunday mornings. They are a full program and include sample interactive classes, tours, refreshments, and a chance to hear from faculty, staff, parents, and current students.

NOTE: These events are reserved for parents/guardians of students who will be eligible for the 2020-21 academic year. If your child is not eligible to apply for the 2020-21 academic year, the Admission Office may reschedule your visit.

Schedule your Visit

Next Steps - Apply

Submit Online Application

Create an account on San Francisco Waldorf School's Admission and Enrollment Portal.

Complete and submit an application. The portal will allow you to edit, review, and save an application form until you are ready to submit.

Application Fee: $75

Application deadline is January 15, 2020 at 3PM COURTESY DEADLINE DECEMBER 6, 2019 TO FACILITATE SCHEDULING OF INTERVIEWS/PLAY DATES

Apply NOW

Application Requirements for 2020-2021

Nursery (Preschool)

Ages: Nursery children are at least two years six months at the time they begin. Birthdays for children entering Nursery in the 2020-2021 school year fall between June 1, 2016 and March 31, 2018.

For younger children, we welcome participation in our Parent-Child Classes designed for children birth to three years of age and their parents. Please note that participation in a Parent-Child Program class does NOT guarantee admission to SFWS Nursery Program

The number of available spots for the incoming Nursery class varies year to year. We have 3 groups that range in size between 8 to 16 children each. Each class is mixed-age, i.e. consisting of younger and older children.

Play Date

A Play Date is scheduled for parents and child by the Admission Office after application has been processed. Play dates take place in a nursery classroom with up to 9 other families. This is a required event.

Kindergarten

Ages: Kindergarten children are at least four years old prior to June 1st of the entry year.

Birthdays for children entering Kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year fall between June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2015.
Birthdays for children entering Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year fall between June 1, 2014 and May 31, 2016.

The number of openings for the incoming Kindergarten class varies from year to year depending on the re-enrollment of students coming from our Nursery program. We have 3 classrooms varying in size between 18 to 25 students each.

In addition to the online application, a confidential evaluation must be submitted by your child’s current teacher. The evaluation form is available on your Parent Portal.

Family Interview

A Family Interview may be scheduled for parents and child by the Admission Office after application and evaluation has been processed. Interviews take place in a kindergarten classroom. This is a required event.

Grades 1-8

Space permitting, we will consider applications for grades 1-8. We have 1 class per grade with the average class size of 25 students. Mid-year transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Children are placed according to the developmental, academic, and social needs of the child at the time of enrollment. Public school grade level may or may not correspond to Waldorf grade level. Our birth date cut-off date is generally earlier than public schools and other independent schools.

Ages: Below are the birth date ranges for entry into the 2020–2021 school year. Exceptions are sometimes made for transfer students with summer birthdays in grades 6, 7, and 8 or students coming from a mainstream school system who have already successfully completed the grade proposed by our school.

Grade 1	June 1, 2013 - May 31, 2014
Grade 2	June 1, 2012 - May 31, 2013
Grade 3	June 1, 2011 - May 31, 2012
Grade 4	June 1, 2010 - May 31, 2011
Grade 5	June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Grade 6	June 1, 2008 - May 31, 2009
Grade 7	June 1, 2007 - May 31, 2008
Grade 8	June 1, 2006 - May 31, 2007

In addition to the online application, class reports/transcripts are required.

For grades 1-4, one confidential evaluation must be submitted by your child’s current teacher.
For grades 5-8, two confidential evaluations must by submitted by your child's current English or humanities AND math or science teachers. If the same person teaches both subjects, please find another teacher/tutor/principal to complete the second evaluation.

These forms are available on your Parent Portal.

Interview

A Family Interview may be scheduled for parents and child by the Admission Office after application and evaluation has been processed. This is a required event.

Student Visit

After the interview, the student may be invited for a Multi-Day Visit with the class.

Decision Letter

Student selection is determined by the Admission Committee of faculty and administration.

Special consideration is given to qualified children who are: children of alumni, faculty or staff; siblings of enrolled students, coming from another Waldorf school, or who have attended a San Francisco Waldorf School Parent-Child class. Special considerations do not guarantee acceptance.

Decision letters are sent on the same day for all applicants of a particular grade level.

Decision letters for the 2020–21 school year are emailed according to the following schedule:

Nursery (applicants born June 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018): Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Kindergarten (applicants born June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016): Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Kindergarten (applicants born June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015): Thursday, March 19, 2020
Grades 1-8: Thursday, March 19, 2020

These decision dates are in compliance with the notification dates set by the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (ISSFBA).

Applications received or completed after the January 15 deadline will not receive decision letters on the dates listed above.

Enroll

Enrollment contract and non-refundable deposit are required by the following dates to secure your child's spot for the 2020-21 academic year.

Nursery (applicants born June 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018): Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Kindergarten (applicants born June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016): Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Kindergarten (applicants born June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015): Thursday, March 26, 2020
Grades 1-8: Thursday, March 26, 2020

Non-Refundable Deposit

Deposits for 2019-20 are listed below. Deposits for 2020-21 will be established by the Board of Trustees in February 2020.

Nursery: $2,500
Kindergarten-Grade 8: $3,000

Statement of Non-Discrimination

San Francisco Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, handicap, or any other legally protected status. This policy of non-discrimination covers school programs and activities, including, but not limited to academic admission, financial aid, educational services, and employment.

Principles of Good Practice

As a long-standing member of the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (ISSFBA), San Francisco Waldorf School adheres to the Principles of Good Practice.

Thank You for Considering San Francisco Waldorf School

First Steps - Explore

Complete an Inquiry Form

Attend a Tour or Open House

Next Steps - Apply

Submit Online Application

Nursery (Preschool)

Kindergarten

Grades 1-8

Decision Letter

Enroll

Non-Refundable Deposit

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Principles of Good Practice

Admission Dates

A World of Wonder

Building on Tradition

Discover Waldorf Education

Experience For Yourself

Work, Play and Observe

Join Fellow Parents

Days of Exploration and Imagination

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Foundations for Literacy

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