The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay

1857 Curlew Road

Palm Harbor, FL 34683

32 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 02, 2023

We were so excited to go here and our child was too then immediately went downhill and over the months seen a huge change and the school blamed our child for everything and never had once claimed responsibility for any of the things they brought home. We love the values the school was "Supposed" to bring but didn't as we were removed along with dozens other students and even a teach was removed. That alone alarmed me and shows what we went through. Look elsewhere this place shines from looks but is rotten to the core of the individuals running it.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2023

My opinion at the Waldorf School of Tampa Bay was worthless, you have to listen and there is no debate about anything. Administrators' children are polished, and rest are treated like dust. The tuition is very high for the quality of teachers (mostly not trained and parents), and amenities they provide. The school has huge endowment, but still harassing parents with mandatory donations on the top of tuition, mandatory 30 hours of volunteering at the school, and endless fundraising. Unlike other schools, at this one nobody knows where money goes or who are board members. Education wise, I tested my child, and she is 1-2 years behind in math and reading. And gap widens as they progress to higher grades, and this is the reason this school has barely any kids after Grade 3. Early childhood is all about gnomes, pseudo religion, mythical staff and teachers are more interested into pushing anthroposophy believes on kids and parents than providing an excellent childcare.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2023

My kids (currently in Kindergarten and 2nd grade) are now the second year at the WSTB. They are so in love with the school, the amenities and the teachers, they are really sad if they have holidays (that´s not a joke!).My son loves at the early childhood the snacks they cook or bake each morning (soups, porridge, buns...), the playtime in- and outdoor and the circle time.My daughter loves at school especially the free drawing time, in general the daily schedule and practical arts where they now built bird houses.I love it that both but especially my daughter in the school get enough movement and recess between the lessons and that she is learning also german and spanish.And the meadow is such a peaceful (I even want say )magical place there- I am thankful for my children letting them go through the waldorf education where teachers look at the children more individually surrounded by the magnificent nature at WSTB.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2023

My child has attended The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay for many years. The curriculum is rich with the study of art, music, foreign language, handwork and practical arts. My child wakes up each morning excited to go to school and eager to learn.
Submitted by other on September 16, 2023

My experience of Waldorf Tampa Bay has been formed over almost 3 years of working with various teachers, staff, and students. The site is beautiful and thoughtfully provisioned, from outdoor Kindergarten class spaces to outdoor Grades spaces to gardens to stages to Gaga Ball pits. The teachers are caring, knowledgeable, and interested in continuing their professional development. The students are eager to learn, respectful, internally motivated, funny, socially gregarious, and empathetic. The vibe on the campus is light and joyful which makes learning feel pressure-free.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2023

When we first arrived at the school grounds, we were mesmerized by the beautiful, serene, green setting. It instills a sense of calmness and wonder, two characteristics I want my child to feel every day. We are new to this school but so far, we are extremely happy. Our kid is excited to go to school every day from day 1, and in the end, that’s what a parent cares about!
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2023

The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay is amazing. We have been at this school for 8 years. The intentionality of the curriculum sets this school apart. As a parent, I am continually impressed with the approach to teaching. It's always engaging with the meaning of why subjects are important to master.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2023

This is very bad school. Specially for boys as there is nothing interesting for them. They cannot play sports, tag or anything boys like to do.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2023

We were part of the school community as parents and initially had a very positive experience. However, our perception changed when the school decided to hire a teacher who had publicly shared artwork with violent themes. When we, along with other parents, questioned the school's decision, we were met with extreme hostility, reminiscent of a totalitarian regime. Ultimately, several families were expelled, many others chose to leave, and the entire community was left feeling intimidated by the administration.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2023

The most important aspect of education for my husband and I is that our children are WELL-ROUNDED. We have no idea what skills they're going to need in 10 or 20 years to be a successful adult. So it is essential to us that they can do A LOT, feel competent that nothing new is beyond their reach and have the resilience to bounce back from anything and not fear failure. Along with traditional subjects in the grades, this school exposes our children to Spanish, German, music (flute, choir, violin and musical notation), sports and games, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, gardening, woodworking, furniture making and earth stewardship, along with fascinating field trips. And I am sure I am forgetting something! We also love that technology is introduced very slowly in the upper grades, along with cyber civics and true technology education (I never learned 0's and 1's! I was just told to sit at the computer and type!) If you're looking for a school who teaches the whole child, this is it.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2023

The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay got captured by ideological institution, thus over half of grade families left in summer 2023; and most who stayed will not reenroll. Also, the school has a serious diversity issue (diversity of race/ethnicity and thought) along with serious communication issues. Your child will be behind educationally and socially.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2023

Waldorf is amazing, but in the hands of a school run like WSTB it can become the worst nightmare for your family. This school represents the opposite of what an authentic Waldorf school should be like - tyranny with families that think differently than the main admin/school-narrative has been witnessed in various occasions during our time at the school. "If you don't agree with us - you don't deserve to be here, thanks for giving us your money and time but you can go now." seems to be the bottom line. Families who plan to give their children a private education should really think twice before enrolling at WSTB. But if you still decide to sign up, check your contract with a lawyer, the school-rules, etc. Read the contract carefully and analyze each point, because by signing it you give them green light to expel you without giving you an explanation, in addition to keeping your money. Look for references, not just those from Google. Why? Because the school manipulates Google reviews.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2023

My 4 year old kid was bullied, they called him “little” and teachers allowed it. It become his nickname and we have to take him out. Later learned that bullying is considered by Waldorf teachers to be part of a child's karma. I think this is not ok, specially at this young age.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2023

Please make sure you fully understand what you are getting into when enrolling in this Waldorf school!
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2019

Suncoast Waldorf School is lovely. It has a strong community of teachers, faculty and parents that work together to benefit the students as individuals. There is a calming beautiful environment for the children to learn and grow while benefiting from small classes, hands on curriculum, while enhancing their imaginations. My son is eager to go to school everyday.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2019

Our son has been attending Suncoast Waldorf School for several years now. In this time, we have gained wonderful insight into the daily practices that take place in and outside of the classroom, and we could not ask for more out of a school/community. When we meet with our son's teachers, we are always so impressed by how deeply they look at him, and how they are considering all the aspects of his young life. They work on his character, his ability to solve both academic and social conflicts, his physical faculties, and his emotional state. And they put all of these reflections into a comprehensive knowledge base and use what they've learned to get through to him in the most efficient and useful way. SWS is a very special school that offers small class rooms, emphasizes outdoor play multiple times a day rain or shine, offers hands on learning, and most importantly fosters independent thinkers who grow to truly know themselves. I've met graduates of the school, and they are not only extremely impressive with their academic accomplishments, but they are most impressive when you listen to them speak. They are self-aware. They are kind and passionate, and are self-driven to learn because they were taught in a way that allowed them to appreciate the process of learning. They don't worry about just getting the answer and passing the test and moving on. They want to know the subject in depth, and understand it's impact. I look forward to many more years at this school, and invite any parent considering it as an option to just stop in for a visit. When you feel the peaceful ambiance, listen to the eloquence and kindness coming out of the children so genuinely, and see the quality of work the students produce, you'll start to understand why myself and other parents are so passionate about it. I said a lot, but can't ever say enough about this school! :)-A Very Proud and Lucky Parent.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2019

My husband and I became familiar with Waldorf education in Los Angeles, long before we had our daughter. We attended a wonderful Waldorf pre-K in LA, and then decided to move to Florida. We specifically choose Clearwater because of its proximity to Suncoast Waldorf School (the only Waldorf School within hundreds of miles to Tampa Bay,) and have never looked back.As soon as you drive onto campus, you will feel like you have arrived home. The grounds are magical, as are the individual classrooms. No harsh lighting. No plastic. No blaring visuals on the walls. Everything is just as it should be for the pre-k through Grade 6 crowd: Serene. Nature-based. Nourishing for the soul.If you are not familiar with Waldorf education and Anthroposophy, do take the time to research it and feel out if it is right for your family. But for us, there was no question that Waldorf schooling would be the only formal education our daughter would ever see. We want a school, and even more importantly, a *community*, that educates the WHOLE CHILD. We want her body, imagination and emotional intelligence developed in conjunction with her mind. We want her to learn creative problem solving, an appreciation of the Arts, critical thinking skills and self-introspection alongside reading, math, science, etc.With Waldorf, you get it all. There is no compromise. Children are thoroughly prepared for middle school and beyond because they know how to think, reason, deduce, create and solve. They are confident in their bodies and their minds. Our daughter celebrates each morning she attends school. Walking on to the SWS campus is a joy. Attending school with ethnically and financially diverse, but like-minded parents who prioritize movement over worksheets, nature over screens, and community over the self, is invaluable. We are now in our third year, and have seen the school grow and evolve so much already. The school is expanding in their 21st year, additional leadership is coming in to support a growing faculty and staff, and the communication between faculty/staff and the parent body is better than ever. If you are looking for a holistic, alternative school for your child, do take the time to schedule a tour, and experience SWS for yourself.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2018

Wonderful school. My kids are so happy here! Excellent teachers, great community. Tons of opportunities to get involved.
Submitted by other on June 29, 2017

There are some very well-intended people at this school, however, our family found this school to be very unprofessional and misguided in many ways.Sadly, many families do not stay for more than a few years which for such a small school which often states that your child may be behind if they leave before completing 5th grade should be a RED FLAG . The lack of testing, homework and lack of consistent boundaries between parents and staff gives the school too much latitude without enough accountability. It seems like many families use an excuse when they leave like the cost of the school, but then tell a different story in private. Even the teacher turnover rate is high for a school of this size where the teacher moves along with the children.There is an unhealthy embrace of non-evidence based philosophies which have no basis being interwoven into the curriculum of a professional educational establishment - let alone one that claims to be secular. It distracts from the education and is confusing to parents and children. Examples are things like the Waldorf Temperaments, experimentation with introducing Therapeutic Touch into the school, and Eurhythmy to name a small few. There are many other examples. Just do a search on Waldorf pseudo-science and you will bump right into what you will face from grown adults and educators who teach at the school. Even if as a parent, you don't believe in testing, or regular homework(umm), assign yourself some: Talk to ex-Suncoast parents who have left the school not just those that are currently there. Research the school, culture and Waldorf philosophy. You are very unlikely to get the whole story up front from “green” parents or the school staff.Or you could save yourself some trouble, and run don’t walk….
Submitted by other on September 23, 2016

Suncoast Waldorf School is wonderful place to learn. My daughter goes there and she loves to stay.