Shining Mountain Waldorf School

999 Violet Avenue

Boulder, CO 80304

59 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 02, 2025

A Truly Magical Place for Growth, Learning, and DevelopmentShining Mountain Waldorf School is an extraordinary place where children are not only encouraged to grow academically but are also nurtured in their emotional, social, and spiritual development. The moment you step onto the breathtaking campus, you sense the harmony between nature, creativity, and thoughtful, holistic education.What makes Shining Mountain so special is its ability to foster a deep sense of connection—to oneself, to others, and to the world around us. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, children develop a sense of wonder and reverence that extends beyond the classroom. The school’s approach encourages not just intellectual curiosity but also spiritual growth, helping each child explore their own unique path in the world.The teachers, staff, and community at Shining Mountain are deeply committed to supporting every child's journey, guiding them with love, care, and respect. They create an environment where each child is seen as an individual with unique gifts and potential. As a result, children grow into confident, creative, and compassionate individuals.One of the most remarkable aspects of this school is how it encourages kindness, empathy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Shining Mountain fosters an environment where children are not only taught to understand and express themselves, but also to recognize the importance of justice, fairness, and caring for others. It helps raise children who are deeply committed to making the world a better place, and who believe in the power of kindness and social justice.If you are looking for a school that nurtures the heart, mind, and spirit of a child while preparing them to be thoughtful, kind, and responsible citizens of the world, Shining Mountain Waldorf School is truly a gem. We are incredibly grateful for the positive, life-changing impact it has had on our child’s growth and development.
Submitted by parent on December 23, 2024

I appreciate the values and holistic approach to education at Shining Mountain. We have been at the school for 9 years and have 2 kids there. They teach the kids how to love learning, how to get in their creative minds. This school has been such a gift for our entire family.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2024

Our first child started at SMWS in 2019 and we now have 3 children attending (kindergarten, 1st grade and 3rd grade). We absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this school. The teachers are amazing! We also love the community of other families, the campus, the Waldorf teaching philosophy, the festivals and ceremonies and special rites of passage... we just can't recommend this school enough. Our kids literally can't wait to go in the morning and don't want to leave when it's time to go home. I never imagined that a school could have this affect on children because I always dreaded going to school as a child. Sending our kids to SMWS is 100% the best thing that we have done for our children, without a doubt. They are confident, creative, and in tune with their own learning style so that they actually enjoy learning and learn in the best possible way for themselves personally. We also love how they spend a lot of time outside, and doing handwork, crafting, playing instruments, creating art etc. and learning experientially. The new director is amazing and super positive. All of the teachers at SMWS are incredible. We are so grateful for our kids to have the opportunity to attend SMWS and to be a part of the SMWS community. HIGHLY recommend!
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2024

Being a part of Shining Mountain Waldorf School's Early Childhood program has been an exceptional experience for my daughter and our entire family. My daughter has blossomed into a confident, playful, curious, and adventurous 5-year-old in the loving care of her teachers. The beautiful campus, nestled in the foothills, offers ample opportunity for free play in nature and daily walks to visit the school chickens, gardens, and a nearby lake. Inside the classrooms, natural materials of wood and silk create a beautiful and comforting space to learn and play. Kindergarten classes provide nourishing, organic food to the children daily. Overall, the school has a rich tradition of story and song, as well as meaningful festivals that build a thriving school community. We couldn't be happier at Shining Mountain and look forward to continuing through middle school and high school.
Submitted by other on December 14, 2024

Shining Mountain Waldorf School's campus is absolutely stunning. The cottages for each grade level are a beautiful space for children to experience Waldorf pedagogy with loving and skillful teachers. My niece is thriving in the kindergarten program - she sings the sweetest songs she learns at school, often related to the changing of the seasons and the natural world. She feels safe and secure going to school every day and is developing deep, meaningful relationships with her teachers and classmates. I highly recommend Shining Mountain Waldorf School.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2024

Shining Mountain is a truly incredible school and center for community. The Waldorfeducational model is holistic and developmentally aware and really meets children where they are as they unfold. It’s a place the honors the unique individuality of each child while working to support character development and a value in community and connection. I have 3 children learning and growing there and am truly delighted by who these kids are becoming-Their creativity, intellectual rigor, and skillfulness paired with a huge curiosity and love of learning is astounding.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2024

We are so very happy with the education our three kiddos are getting at Shining Mountain. Truly a home base for each of them. They are thrilled to go to school every day and sad when the day is over. The education is so rich and meaningful. The kids are able to fully integrate what they have learned and share it with us all throughout the elementary years which is incredible. We are so grateful to be a part of such a warm and special school.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2024

I am so pleased with Shining Mountain for my son.He is thriving at school. He is excited about the academics. He tells me he loves math, reading, German, Spanish and playing his instrument the most at school. This all coming from a spirited boy who I was afraid wouldn’t sit still.There is a lot of support and emotional availability from the teachers. The school community is also something that feels so important to us. We feel like we are a part of something.I highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2024

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is a truly extraordinary place. As both an alum and a current parent, I cannot imagine a more nurturing, inspiring environment for my children’s education. Watching my son thrive within the thoughtful, intentional, and beautifully crafted curriculum has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The teachers are deeply compassionate, pouring their hearts into their work with unwavering dedication and love.Beyond the classroom, the school fosters a rich and dynamic community for families. The seasonal festivals and special events create meaningful opportunities for connection and celebration. These gatherings weave a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences, making Shining Mountain not just a school, but a home where lifelong memories are made. I feel profoundly grateful to be part of such a remarkable community.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2024

As my son is about to turn 21 years old I am watching him thrive in his life as an adult now because of his Waldorf Education and how it taught him to celebrate who he truly is and what his gifts and talents are. He is resourceful, creative and focused on what’s possible with a positive, self motivated approach to his work and life. His boss tells me that they don’t see this in young professionals anymore. His ability to look people in the eye, converse about a multitude of topics and be curious about others in a genuine and truly caring way has made him an exceptional employee wherever he has worked. He became a manager when he was still in high school of a restaurant given his maturity and self confidence. Waldorf education is a unique experience for everyone in the family to become your highest potential and thrive in this demanding world. As a child, my son never wanted to miss a day of school. It was fun to learn, engaging, challenging and met him where he was as a whole person through all the stages of his life. I wish every child had this foundation as the world demands high resilience and self confidence to know who you are and what you came here to do. Educating from the inside out is Waldorf’s bumper sticker. Words can not truly capture the full scope of what this education can offer to your beloved children.Education is one of the most important gifts parents can give a child. I highly recommend exploring the unique educational and life experience Waldorf can offer to you. We moved to Colorado to attend Shining Mountain for it’s exceptional campus, teachers and amazing nature. It’s a K-12 campus with a brand new high school to support the needs of our world today.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2024

My children have attended Shining Mountain for the past 3 years. Each of their teachers genuinely cares for not only their learning, but for their emotional well-being. As students, they love their school and their experiences there. As a parent, I feel like I am a part of the greater school community through parent evenings and seasonal festivals. Moving our children to SMWS was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our kids.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2024

My son has been at Shining Mountain for years, with a temporary break for a couple years in Middle School due to the pandemic. He is now in 9th grade and absolutely thriving in the environment. He has mild dysgraphia and absolutely every teacher meets him where he is at with his needs around this and they allow him to make adjustments in order to thrive. I also work at the school supporting events and community engagements. I feel passionate about my work here as this school is a place that deeply desires to educate and nourish the whole child and the whole community. I've always felt such a sense of relief knowing that when my child is here in school, he is being loved and cared for in a unique way that is not typical within school settings. Because I work here, I often get to walk through the school and witness first hand the engagement of the teachers with the students. The teachers within our school really see our kids as something special, as important parts of society and culture, and treat them as equals. They really value the children's insights. Here is what my son (9th grade) says about Shining Mountain: "It's smaller and you get to know everyone really well. The teachers are really supportive and nice and help me with my dysgraphia whenever I need it. We always get to do fun activities. I really enjoy the curriculum, we get to do a lot of different things you don't get to do in other schools. I just really love Shining Mountain." I really feel in this world giving our kids the gift of an education like this is essential to preparing them for this intense world we live in. This education nourishes all parts of who they are and who they are becoming, allowing for them to be centered in their creativity and understanding of the world and how everything is connected. I know tuition can sound scary, but we have CHAT program that allows for families to really request what their financial needs are in order to make it possible for kids from all financial backgrounds/needs the opportunity to study here. I really cannot say enough about Shining Mountain and the true gift it is to our Children. If you are on the fence, I recommend coming and experiencing it. Bring your child in to shadow. Our kids are all so sweet and are always ready with a warm welcome to any new kids coming in!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2024

Our experience at Shining Mountain has been incredible. The school’s commitment to nurturing a lifelong love of learning with respect for a healthy developmental path is why we chose Shining Mountain, and our daughter is thriving here. She loves coming to school and is inspired by her learning. The Waldorf curriculum and community life are so rich. We feel very fortunate to be able to give her this gift.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2024

My children have been at SMWS from kindergarten through high school. Shining Mountain has given them a place to truly be themselves, with teachers who care about who they are intellectually, emotionally, and socially. They are both thriving academically, have kept their curiosity for the world, and show up 100% in their work. They have been engaged in a way that inspires them to be their highest selves. They love the STEAM programs in the high school, the arts like blacksmithing, pottery, and stained glass, the theater program, Spanish, and math. They come home ready to engage in conversations about their philosophy class and the literature they've read. They are both thrilled for the international trips to Mexico and Guatemala. I would recommend Shining Mountain for anyone who wants their children to grow up authentically themselves, with confidence, compassion, and curiosity.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2024

Satisfied beyond my highest expectations. I see my children excelling at academics and with intra and inter personal skills. Combined I believe they will possess a strong sense of self, the creativity, imagination and curiosity to excel in life.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2024

Shining Mountain Waldorf School has been a blessing for our family, and our journey from the early childhood education program to now entering middle school has been nothing short of extraordinary.One of the standout features of Shining Mountain is the exceptional diversity in programming. Early exposure to foreign languages, architecture, astronomy, and other unique subjects has broadened our son’s horizons and fostered a love for learning that goes beyond the conventional classroom setting.Equally impressive is the emphasis on the arts at Shining Mountain. From ceramics and handwork to orchestra, choir, and woodworking, the school provides a canvas for creativity that allows students to explore and express their artistic talents. Athletic activities at Shining Mountain are not just about traditional sports like track, basketball, and volleyball; they also include unconventional and exciting activities like circus and amazing class trips. This unique approach to physical education not only keeps our child engaged but also fosters a sense of teamwork and resilience in a fun and dynamic way.However, what makes Shining Mountain truly exceptional is the culture that the community actively curates. The school offers so many ways for families to be involved in their child's education, creating a sense of belonging and connection. The seasonal festivals that involve the entire school body and each family have become cherished traditions for us. These events not only celebrate the changing seasons but also reinforce the sense of community and shared values that define Shining Mountain.Additionally, we are thrilled about Shining Mountain's investment in the future of its student body, exemplified by the construction of a beautiful new high school on the already extraordinary campus nestled in the foothills of North Boulder. The administration and faculty at Shining Mountain deserve special praise for their unwavering commitment to providing a place of wonder and awe for all children.Our family feels incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Shining Mountain Waldorf School community. The school's commitment to diverse academic programming, rich artistic experiences, unique athletic offerings, and a community-focused culture has created an environment where our child thrives.If you are considering a school experience in Boulder where your child can thrive, you owe it to yourself to visit the campus and feel what Shining Mountain is all about.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2024

Shining Mountain Waldorf High School is an amazing, supportive high school. This year, as well as the last two years we’ve been part of SMWS, I am witness to the dedication that this school has to their students and families with a strong board and administration. They are dedicated to providing tuition assistance to those who need this in order for enrollment to be an opportunity for any family who desires this education (for lower school and high school). The curriculum at SMWHS, taught by a diverse and innovative faculty, is solid and well rounded. It is expansive and challenging, giving students opportunities to be self directed and build confidence in their learning experience. The school also supports extra activities and clubs including STEM and advanced math.Most importantly, I see how both of my children are comfortable with themselves in this supportive high school environment—and that means a lot for high school! They are given many opportunities for creative expression in each and every class, including math! They are challenged appropriately and are learning what it means to be an engaged, thoughtful, inclusive, creative, and unique person in this world. There is no doubt in my mind that they will be beyond prepared for college!
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2023

It's taken me a long time to write this review. There's no question that Shining Mountain is a good fit for some kids and some family. For us, I deeply regret that we sent our child to Shining Mountain for as long as we did. Kindergarten was wonderful, ages 3 - 6. After that it got stranger and stranger. Looking back now, it feels like a bad dream. I kept wanting to believe, because I love the idea in theory. The reality was messed up. We left for middle school, and a psychologist diagnosed our daughter with PTSD from her grade school experience at SMWS. I know two adults in their 20s who are in therapy in Boulder from trauma from Shining Mountain. For us, it was such a disorienting, confusing experience. Our daughter has thrived in her new school. Socially happy, academically on fire, truly thriving. It is night and day, and we're so thankful we made the switch.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2023

As a parent with two children attending Shining Mountain Waldorf School, I am beyond happy with this school. From the moment my kids stepped foot on campus, they have been filled with excitement and enthusiasm for learning. One aspect that I truly appreciate about Shining Mountain Waldorf School is the school's commitment to providing a balanced curriculum. The emphasis on academic subjects, including science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, ensures that my children receive a well-rounded education. Not only are they gaining a solid foundation in core academic subjects, but they are also encouraged to explore their creativity and develop critical thinking skills through artistic expression.The faculty at Shining Mountain Waldorf School deserve high praise for their remarkable dedication and genuine care for the students. It is evident that they go above and beyond to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can thrive. They foster a love for learning, encourage individuality, and are always available to provide guidance and support when needed.The academic strength of Shining Mountain Waldorf School is truly commendable. My children have shown significant growth and achievement in their studies, thanks to the school's rigorous academic program. The teachers employ innovative teaching methods and engage students in interactive and experiential learning, making education both enjoyable and effective.Moreover, the sense of community at Shining Mountain Waldorf School is second to none. Parents, teachers, and students come together to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The school organizes various events and activities--including regular festivals--that promote a sense of belonging and encourage family involvement.I wholeheartedly recommend Shining Mountain Waldorf School to any parent seeking an exceptional educational experience for their children. With its strong academics, balanced curriculum, dedicated faculty, and nurturing community, this school has exceeded my expectations. My children's excitement for learning and their overall growth make me confident that they are in the best hands at Shining Mountain Waldorf School.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2021

I have two children attending SHINING mountain. We have had a wonderful experience. I love how the teachers really understand how my children learn. I watch how my children enjoy going to school and they enjoy what they are being taught. It has been such a gift to our family.