Madison Waldorf School

6510 Schroeder Rd

Madison, WI 53711

29 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 24, 2024

Our children had wonderful teachers and enjoyed their curriculum. However, we had extremely frustrating communications with the school board and administrator - when we voiced deep concerns over a change in school policy, we were ignored and no one even responded. Additionally, their current staff consists of teachers who have posted anti LGBTQ statements on social media. If you choose to send your child here, please be deeply cautious of the values of those who are also attending and are caring for your child.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2024

Sadly, this Madison Waldorf School does not embody what a Waldorf education is supposed to be. Teachers and administrators rule this school and do not take feedback well. Parents who have concerns are ostracized from the community and deemed "not a good fit" for the school, even when the concerns are reasonable and valid. Many families have left this school, leaving the school low on financial resources. Beware.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2024

As a dedicated volunteer and parent at MWS, I was heavily invested in the school's success. Unfortunately, my partner and I had to disenroll our child due to the school's handling of serious concerns about child safety and the refusal of staff and board members to address these issues appropriately.One major issue was the school's strict nap policy. Children at MWS are forced to lie still in a dark room for up to 90 minutes daily, with no alternatives for those who couldn't sleep. This policy was not properly disclosed to parents. Concerned, we sought advice from a licensed child psychologist and other Waldorf schools. The psychologist flagged the policy as developmentally inappropriate and potentially harmful for 5- and 6-year-olds, as the majority of which will have have outgrown naps by then. Other Waldorf schools were surprised and concerned about this practice. Despite presenting this information to MWS in a collaborative way, our concerns were met with defensiveness and dismissal.We also raised alarms about the impact of this nap policy on the emotional health and safety of children. Our concerns, and those of other parents who shared their own concerns, were met with further dismissal. After the school board reluctantly agreed to an external review, they chose an “anthroposophical psychologist” over a licensed child psychologist. This reviewer, a former Waldorf teacher with no psychology training, stated that while practitioners of “mainstream psychology” might be concerned with the appropriateness and safety of the current MWS naptime policy, Waldorf educators “know what’s best” for their children -- and that that should be sufficient to put any concerns to rest.The situation worsened with increasingly aggressive communications from the school community. One individual, vying for the school’s open admissions director role, urged the board and administration to expel us and another family for questioning the practices of a Waldorf teacher. Their memo also pressed for what was then an ongoing investigation into child safety concerns be quashed immediately. That individual was subsequently hired.We ultimately withdrew our child from MWS for their safety. Connecting with other families later on revealed a disturbing pattern of dismissal, denial, and bullying, far beyond just naptime issues. I urge current and prospective families to be vigilant and to critically assess what type of environment they want for their child and family.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2024

I can wholeheartedly recommend this school to anyone looking for a holistic education that values creativity, critical thinking, a deep connection to the natural world and fosters a love of learning. My children are absolutely thriving at this school. The classrooms are beautiful, warm and incredibly calming. Having had a fine experience at a different preschool prior, I didn't realize just how much more thoughtful and intentional a Waldorf school would be. I knew very little about Waldorf education initially but I have learned and continue to learn just how valuable and special it really is. My children are seen for who they truly are and the care and attention they receive from their teachers is completely individualized. All of the teaching staff and assistants in the early childhood department are warm and nurturing and highly qualified in their roles. My children are exposed to music, creative works, nature and free play every day. Social emotional development of the child is prioritized. At an early age, my children are developing a sense of inner calm and reverence. Learning happens naturally and in a mixed age program there is opportunity for both anticipation and leadership. The younger students are met at their developmental readiness while striving to reach the skills of their older classmates. The older students are given various opportunities to develop leadership skills as their responsibilities and expectations are appropriately challenging to them. The sense of comfort and the natural confidence building that comes from this model has been remarkable to witness. I also have to speak on the opportunities the school provides to nurture community among the families and staff. Several special events are held and highly anticipated every year. The school community as a whole is invited to come together through food, music and celebration. The magic of each season is celebrated in various ways throughout the year. For someone who is newer to the Madison area, this school has fostered so many meaningful relationships in my own life and I'm so grateful for the friendships we have cultivated. The staff is passionate and welcoming, cultural differences are celebrated, and in a world full of screens and noise this place reminds us to hold space for simple joys and beauty in the everyday moments. At its core, Waldorf education focuses on the whole person and the development of a strong sense of self.
Submitted by other on January 13, 2024

I usually don’t write any reviews but I feel compelled to express my admiration for the Madison Waldorf School (MWS). As a community member, a volunteer, and a grandparent of two students at the school, I have witnessed tremendous personal and academic growth in them.I attribute this primarily to the holistic teaching that is present the moment you enter this school. This is especially apparent in the early childhood classes where I have personally observed highly qualified teachers deal with so many classroom situations in the most caring and nurturing ways. Thus ensuring that all students feel safe and providing a loving learning environment. The students are encouraged to demonstrate their creative independence. Seeing my grandchildren’s enthusiasm for learning is a genuine joy to behold.Working in a traditional school setting since 2001, has allowed me to be appreciative of the hands-on learning that I have seen at this school. It allows all children to find meaning in their life and to develop a love of learning. The rich experiences that my grandchildren have been exposed to at MWS are so much more valuable that what I observe every day at work when I see passive students spending the entire school day in front of a Chromebook.I see a love and support among this Waldorf community, from students to teachers all the way to the parents, that is rarely seen in today’s schooling of children.If you are looking for a school that will provide a well-rounded education while encouraging your children to become confident and tolerant human beings, I encourage you to tour and seek out the Madison Waldorf School (MWS).
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2023

I can definitely not recommend the Madison Waldorf School (MWS). MWS is expensive and unsafe. The best advice I can give is to not send your children. The second best advice I can give is to pay month by month. If or when you decide to take your child out mid-year, you don't want to be stuck paying the rest of the tuition, as other families have. We removed our child (5-years-old) mid-year in order to protect them from unsafe practices, including a forced nap period that was scheduled for 90 minutes. The actual time children were forced to lay still and quiet in a pitch black room, with no sitting up, no humming, no whispering, and no quiet play, could range from 45-75 minutes. Another parent recalled what it was like when she went to a friend's house at age 6 and was forced to lie still and quiet for 45 minutes: "It felt like torture. I never went back."This forced nap policy was implemented with kids up to age 6. Most children give up their nap between the ages of 3-5. A practicing child psychologist stated that the forced nap policy can cause anxiety, and it is inappropriate for 5-year-olds.We raised all these concerns. MWS brought in their own supposed expert, who was trained in their brand of spiritual teaching, anthroposophy, and not trained in any field of child development or psychology. She was quoted saying, about child psychologists, "I personally would not trust their point of view." The forced nap policy was not changed.State law dictates that "child care workers shall permit a child who does not sleep after 30 minutes and a child who awakens to get up and to have quiet time through the use of equipment or activities which will not disturb other children." MWS is not licensed, so there is no oversight or accountability from the local or state level. Staff were not trained on how to be mandated reporters. Therefore, the environment was ripe for maltreatment to go unreported and essentially swept under the rug.MSW prides itself on providing extensive outdoor time for children. Unfortunately, the outdoor space is small and unsafe. In the winter, there was an open fire in the younger children’s play area, sometimes without an adult visibly nearby to supervise. The older children play in the parking lot.There were also complaints of maltreatment by teachers in the upper grades, and we are certainly not the only family to have removed our child mid-year to protect them. Our child is now thriving at another school.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2023

I cannot recommend this school. I am deeply saddened but feel a moral obligation to inform prospective families about things I wish someone had told me when I first visited the school.It is my unequivocal professional opinion that children in the kindergarten are experiencing emotional harm in the form of fear, shame, and intimidation. (Use caution: identifying emotional harm can be complex and counterintuitive, especially as the teachers present as extremely gentle and caring, and may, in fact, have caring intentions.)It is my experience that the school is utterly unwilling to address legitimate parent or professional concerns. There seems to be no oversight, leadership, accountability, or effective mechanism for parents or professionals to bring important questions, concerns or issues. Both myself and another licensed psychologist raised concerns and were summarily dismissed.I must add that we love and respect Ray Eckenstein as the brilliant, constantly conscientious, and open-minded grade 2/3 teacher.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2022

Now in 8th grade my son has had the wonder experience of growing as a whole person through the Waldorf education program. I often get comments on how perceptive and intelligent he come across. For a child who has dealt with a lot of anxiety this school has been a godsend. His teachers have taken special care throughout the years to make sure he is well cared for and involved. We feel so lucky to have found the school while he was still young! I highly recommend looking into the school for anyone's children - no matter what their situation; it's nice to be a part of a system that recognizes the growth of the whole person.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2022

Our family recently moved to Madison and joining the Madison Waldorf School has made this transition to a new community incredibly easy. My children quickly connected with their peers and teachers and feel like this school is the place they have always belonged. My grade-schooler loves her school work and delights in sharing with us the songs that she has learned with her class. My preschooler enjoys spending the bulk of every day engaged in deep play outdoors - and she can now put on all of her outdoor gear independently.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2022

We are currently in our fifth year at the school with our two children in kindergarten and 4th grade. We love the school and the community and couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2022

Madison Waldorf has a wonderful school community. Teachers are caring and responsive. We have been very happy with our child's experience in the play-based and outdoor-focused kindergarten program. We can't recommend this school enough!
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2022

My two boys love going to school! They both started at MWS in early childhood and now are in upper elementary and middle school. Two of their favorite subjects are handwork and woodworking. One of their favorite blocks is the class play every year. The school does a wonderful job integrating the arts into the core academic subjects. My boys are thriving. The parent community is strong. We have made really good friends whom we consider like extended family. The class parent-teacher meetings are a great way to keep the parents involved and engaged.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2021

The Madison Waldorf School has provided a truly wonderful environment for our children. I have three daughters ranging from pre-school to middle school, and they have all been well served. The teachers are passionate, and care for each student individually. And the emphasis on social and emotional learning has been truly life changing for my kids. This is a school and community like none I've seen.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2018

My child attended the early childhood program for 2 years at Madison Waldorf School. For financial reasons, we then tried public kindergarten. We brought her back to Madison Waldorf School half way through the year after the ever more stressful academic achievement push of public school was causing anxiety issues with my 5 year old. As soon as we brought her back, she was her old self again. She is now in the grades program and has an excellent teacher and still loves school. We also love it as a family because (among many reasons) the school is like home and teaches age appropriate curriculum that is nature based and educates the whole child.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2017

My family has been a member of the Madison Waldorf School for the last 7 years with 3 children. It has been a truly life changing experience. Over the years we have witnessed this developing school's struggles and achievements. I say developing school because it is not a fully accredited Waldorf school yet. The school is only 10 years old. It takes many schools 20 to 30 years to become accredited by AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America). Each year this school is reviewed and mentored by AWSNA associates, and according to them, Madison Waldorf School is excelling in its accreditation process. Although the grounds may not seem ideal at first glance, (only one small portion is blacktop and used for games like basketball and 4 square) you would have a hard time finding any child that didn't love it. The classes also utilize a nearby park and conservancy and spend more time in nature than most rural schools do. The best thing about Madison Waldorf School is the people it helps to produce. You can notice that the children are different. They are confident, show empathy, and have a positive attitude toward learning. I would not have done it any different.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2017

Truly and amazing school. The curriculum is wonderful and not only that they teach children how to be well-rounded people. I couldn't imagine a better place to send my children.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2017

Could not believe my eyes- this school is not a traditional waldorf school. The building isn't conducive to healthy learning environment. Set in a very urban location- the kids have pavement to play on and that's about it. So disappointing to see this is Madison's only Waldorf school. I really hope something changes here.
Submitted by other on February 08, 2017

Building and grounds are extremely lacking. Kids play in the same parking lot that parents park in. This school is not accredited and acceptance is not garunteed- despite the hearty 100$ application fee. If this school intends on holding true to Steiner'S Waldorf philosophy it has a lot of work to do!!
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2017

First of all, I feel it's unethical to send my kid to a school where the teachers don't receive a living wage or health insurance, despite the ridiculous tuition they charge. High turnover of teachers (duh). Location sucks; kids play in a very small playground or in the parking lot. Community not so friendly and behavior issues not properly addressed. I love the Waldorf philosophy, but Madison Waldorf has a lot of soul searching to do before it becomes a decent school.
Submitted by other on January 27, 2017

Is it weird that 6 of these positive reviews came within the span of one day? This school isn't accredited yet, that wasn't made clear to my family and we nearly signed a contract with them. They're working towards accreditation but aren't there yet. Luckily we found a better suited, accredited school. Go to an open house before you apply. The school is very urban- not much out door space at all.