I lived at Camphill Special School for nearly 7 years. It is an incredible place with some very dedicated people. The children and young adults there are held in such a supportive, respectful, and loving way. It is not a utopia, but it is very, very special.
Submitted by other on March 22, 2012
My grandson evolved from an angry, violent child into a well mannered, mellow young man on their program. Every once in awhile, I look at him and wonder where the other child went! Public schools were a nightmare, and couldn't deal with his autism. They discovered he had perfect pitch in music, and is now taking piano lessons, and plays the recorder and hand bells also. With no electronic devices, his communications skills have improved, and he is more sociable. No place is perfect, I'm told, but for him, it is the perfect place.
Submitted by teacher on October 08, 2011
Although I agree that this school fosters a strong sense of community and student wellness and possesses teachers that are truly dedicated to their students, I would have to disagree that this school is nonsectarian. If you research Rudolph Steiner, who developed anthroposophy, and thus the Waldorf curriculum, he was an esoteric occultist. The teaching that infuses this school are based on anthroposophic ideals, which is part of the larger New Age movement. For example, the teachers follow the students through each grade because they are considered to be the child's spiritual guide as they continue on the path of reincarnation. Legends, fairytales, and myths are no longer just symbols and allegory, but realities that are avenues for "spiritual advancement." Please, before enrolling your child in this school, if you belong to any religious denomination, particularly a Christian denomination, research Rudolph Steiner and what the Waldorf curriculum really is and then make an educated choice.