Washington Waldorf School

4800 Sangamore Road

Bethesda, MD 20816

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 29, 2024

We love this school and it has been amazing to see how our kids' growth and learning has been nurtured in so many phenomenal ways here. The teachers stay with their class for several years and really get to know each kid and their class deeply, so they really see and know our kids and can support their development all around as intelligent, thoughtful, kind people. We also love that the curriculum explicitly focuses not just on academics but also on social-emotional development, learning how to work collaboratively in a community, nurturing creativity, self awareness, and self expression, and with an understanding of where our kids are in their mental/psychological/physical development. The fact that they don't use technology in the kindergarten and the lower grades has also really helped our kids stay present and focused - both at school and at home. Our family had to make a whole bunch of changes to make it workable to send our kids here and it is no exaggeration to say that I am happy about that and grateful for what this school is providing my kids every single day.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2023

My family has had the most wonderful experience at WWS and all three of my children are thriving there. There are a few things that have really stood out to me as unique and special about WWS. The Waldorf philosophy engages the child as a whole as they learn with their head, heart, and hands. This means every learning style is supported, movement and the arts are integrated into every traditional subject, and children are more likely to retain what they learn. Testing is deemphasized because teachers have the time to get to know each student and even follow them through the grades. The emphasis on being in nature and using natural objects is such a refreshing departure from most schools where more technology is being introduced at younger ages, and it not only fosters a love of nature, it grounds and relaxes the children. I have seen what a difference this more intimate, lower-stress environment has had on my children - they are more confident, curious, outgoing, and excited to learn new things. Finally, I love how the WWS community regularly comes together to celebrate beautiful traditions and festivals, cheer on the various WWS sports teams, and lend one another support on a daily basis. What a gift it has been to become a part of this community - I can't recommend WWS highly enough!
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2023

WWS has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence. The curriculum is well-structured and provides a strong foundation for students' learning. The teachers are knowledgeable and dedicated, ensuring that students receive a quality education.One of the standout aspects of WWS is its supportive environment. The staff and faculty go above and beyond to create a nurturing atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged. The school promotes inclusivity and diversity, fostering a sense of belonging among the students.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2023

Our child transitioned smoothly to the Washington Waldorf School in 6th grade and has enjoyed learning there for the past three years. He looks forward to school every day. The lessons are thoughtfully delivered by caring teachers and the content is immersive and comprehensive. Our child appreciates the warmth of this smaller school environment.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2022

This review relates to the high school. Teachers tend to be arrogant in their dealings with families. They do not operate in the spirit of collaboration. The school curriculum is unapologetically white eurocentric. Queer kids and kids of color are accepted but the faculty is not universally capable of understanding how to diversify their own interactions and curriculum to be relevant to a a diverse group of families, let alone the fact that white kids need more than a eurocentric approach and curriculum. Understanding of neurodiversity and learning differences is limited. Lots of good stuff in their advertising but completely lacking in substance. Discrimination occurs, is ignored and dismissed. We were a long term family.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

Our daughter has thrived at the Washington Waldorf School since joining the first grade in the Fall of 2020. The educational experience offered by WWS has nurtured all aspects of our daughter’s life and personality. The emphasis that WWS places on skills beyond basic reading, writing and arithmetic has been critical to her growth as a person and increased confidence in herself and abilities (both mental and physical). The basic curriculum is certainly taught - and taught well - but the use of movement, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor activities to teach and enrich has made all the difference. WWS's guiding principle is the education of the whole person; as our daughter experiences the highs and lows of life, we feel this will serve her well. We are excited to watch our daughter's progress as she continues her education at WWS.
Submitted by student on July 18, 2018

Looking back, I cannot imagine my life if I had not gone to Waldorf. Now as a "lifer" (attended pre-school through 12th grade) it is hard to say what my experience would have been like at a different school, but, Waldorf education worked wonders for me. The teachers were fantastic and I still communicate with many of them today ten years after graduating and I still feel support from the community to this day. If I have children they will definitely be going to the Washington Waldorf School. Both the educational experience and community are truly unbeatable.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2016

Our two children have been at WWS for 8 years and I highly recommend this amazing school. My husband and I have been very impressed with the well thought out curriculum, the quality of the teachers and respect they show every student, the quality and depth of our children's work, and how this school is helping them grow into well spoken, confident young women. Our children ENJOY school, ENJOY learning, and ENJOY reading. They are learning at WWS how to be well rounded, creative thinkers. The community is wonderful and I keep hearing wonderful things about graduates from WWS - Fulbright Scholarships and how impressed colleges are with our applicants ++. It's too hard to summarize here - WWS is a place where the more you learn the more you are impressed - so go take a look at the website and visit in person.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2015

We have been at the school for six years and feel it is the best place for our children. The preschool/kindergarten program is nurturing, engaging and active. I love that the children are outside everyday and given space to play. I really appreciate the attention to whole child development - all children develop their academic, artistic and physical sides. It is amazing to look at the artwork or see performances - you see the talent in each and everyone of them. There is a positive sense of community that is fostered in the lower school classes. Children learn to cooperate and work together as they stay together for eight years. The children in the high school are some of the nicest, most confident, well-adjusted teens I have seen, which says a lot about the school.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2015

WWS is a wonderfully warm & substantive place to learn. Our kids have been there for 6 years; our oldest is now in high school. They love it. I can't imagine a better place to be--the teaching is thoughtful, the curriculum rich and delightful, and the parent community deeply kind. Check it out!
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2014

This will never be told to you at school visits or by the admissions. This school is run by teachers who make a religion out of anthroposophy. If they see your child has allergies, any behavior issues, or is wetting the bed the teachers push therapeutic EURYTHMY. When I asked my father who is a physician, he said it is complete bogus practice. But for those of you who are wise, you can research more about Steiner believes on the internet. I was charmed by the beautiful surroundings of the children's garden, the organic food, time outdoors. But there is a totally different hidden world that the school hides from the parents.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

WWS is a pre-K -12 grade school that teaches kids how to think, not what; instills a love of life-time learning, not if. For young children, 2-9 years old, kids are allowed a sense of wonder and childhood delight in learning. For middle-school through HS years, they are charged with inside-out, whole-to -part learning, instilled with self-confidence that they can solve new problems, and can communicate clearly. Unlike other schools that I know in the area, for all students, academics are supported, investigated through the arts as well: drawing, painting, handcrafts, movement, and music. Its an amazing education. And, my two children love to come to school every day.
Submitted by other on June 10, 2014

WWS has a great approach to learning, I greatly credit it to my success in middle and high school. The main drawback of it is there is a lot of bullying, I got bullied a lot in my five years at WWS, unless you get a good teacher and a class without bullies this school can be a great experience.
Submitted by other on January 14, 2014

I like to play. I do not like to be alone. Teachers are cool. I prefer to play than being alone. I have a lot of friends in Washington Waldorf School. I do not really like the food but I like the bunny that there is in Washington Waldorf School. From a student (5 years old)