I'm delighted to share my heartfelt review of Camellia Waldorf. It brings me immense joy to witness my daughter flourishing and coming into her own within the nurturing embrace of this remarkable institution.The campus itself is a haven of warmth and welcome. From the moment you step onto the grounds, there's a palpable sense of community and care. The environment exudes a sense of joy, creating a space where children can truly thrive.The classrooms are a testament to the school's commitment to providing a holistic and enriching education. They radiate warmth and comfort, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth. It's evident that the teachers at Camellia Waldorf School are not just educators but nurturing guides who understand the unique needs of each child.One of the standout features of the school is the comforting presence of the teachers. They go above and beyond to ensure that every child feels supported and valued. Their dedication to fostering a positive learning experience is truly commendable, and it reflects in the happy faces of the children.What also sets Camellia Waldorf School apart is the emphasis on creating an environment of joy. Learning here isn't just about academics; it's about instilling a love for learning and cultivating a sense of curiosity and wonder in every child.The school places a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of unity and partnership between educators and families. The result is a community that goes beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Family involvement is not merely encouraged; it's celebrated as an integral part of the educational journey.Parents and guardians actively participate in various school activities, events, and initiatives, creating a network of support that extends far beyond the school gates. This collaborative approach not only enriches the educational experience for the children but also creates lasting bonds among families.My experience with Camellia Waldorf School has been nothing short of wonderful. It's a place where children not only receive an excellent education but also where they are encouraged to embrace their individuality and express themselves. I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my daughter's growth and development. If you're seeking a school that prioritizes a holistic approach to education and fosters a joyful learning environment, Camellia Waldorf School is undoubtedly a shining example.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2020
We have made many wonderful friends here and appreciate the time outside each day for the children. I'm not sure that we'll continue through middle school as we have some concerns. Our friends tell us that there is more accountability at public Waldorf schools.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2020
We transferred to Camellia Waldorf School from a public school, and although I loved my public school and I love and support the idea of public schools, I cannot deny that CWS is a wonderful place, on a totally different level in terms of thoughtfulness with school culture and social/emotional issues. I will not deny that the academics feel less rigorous, but I still recognize that my children are learning, and going off the fact that the children from this school go on to perform very well at public and private high schools, I have faith that the academics are thoughtful and meaningful, and possibly just taught in a different way than I am used to. My children will most likely go to a public high school, and I am not concerned at all that they will be ready when the time comes. Things I especially love: the after school program; the movement (p.e.) class; the way children are allowed to move, and how the fact that children need to move around is incorporated into the way things are taught; the small classes and friendliness of the teachers; the way the older grades are given responsibility to help the school as a whole and the younger children; the responsibility all grades have to help keep their school clean; the recess area for the younger grades; the way the morning drop off time feels at the school; the emphasis on learning history (really not present in the STEM-heavy atmosphere of many schools today); the fact that children go outside every day.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2020
Our children are very different from each other - one excels academically and self-manages very well and the other is a social butterfly who works hard and needs extra support because of diagnosed sensory processing challenges. Both of my children's needs are being very well served at at Camellia Waldorf School.Because Camellia focuses on all aspects of children's development: academic, physical and social - and in an environment that makes them feel cared for and safe AND challenged, they are thriving.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2019
Wonderful. With three thriving, happy, daughters at Camellia, we couldn't recommend it more. They are happy to go to school every day! They love what they learn, and they love the process of learning. We are so grateful that our daughters are receiving an education of the head, heart, and hands, in such a supportive, inclusive community. I couldn't recommend it more!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2019
We enjoyed our first few years at Camellia and really tried to make it work, but our daughter is so far behind academically and lacking confidence and excitement about learning. Also, the class sizes are so small that it's hard to make friends. We'll be making a change to our local public school next year to help her get caught up. As much as we like the arts and music, it has not been a good experience and well rounded doesn't mean no learning.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2018
We can't say enough good things with this school. Our oldest daughter started in preschool and did 2 years in preschool and is on her second year of kindergarten (every child does 2 years of kindergarten starting when they are 4) and she is blossoming - she is a very quiet child and Waldorf is a perfect fit for her - she can be outside and really have a chance to explore the world. Our middle daughter started preschool this year and is loving it also - I love that she is outside all day - not cooped in a classroom - they give them so much independence at this age, but within such a safe and loving framework and environment. We have loved our 4 years so far with Camellia!
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2018
My daughter is doing extremely well in a high school honors program after being prepared at Camelia.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2018
Our experience has been perfect, or as close as you can come to it. Our children are happy, thriving, and learning skills they otherwise would not have in standard public schools.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2018
We couldn't be happier! Camellia is a really special place, and I'm so glad we found it! My daughter is in 6th grade now and it has been a wonderful experience.
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2018
Perhaps Camellia is still in a period of transition, but we are still waiting for the quality Waldorf experienced that we anticipated. While there are many nice families in the community, many of our friends have left, and more continue to leave every year.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2018
We are very satisfied with this school. Our child comes home happy and wants to share her experiences with us. Children seem engaged and are exposed to many creative and educational activities. The curriculum encourages a well-rounded development. Young children learn to enjoy engaging in skills useful in everyday life, such as cleaning up after play or washing dishes. My kindergartener enjoys cleaning at home!
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2018
I appreciate every teachers of this school, and love the community!
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2018
We are currently at Camellia Waldorf and continue to be very excited by the approach employed at the school and the level of commitment at the school (administrators, teachers and parent community) to the programs and the overall experience. Great opportunity for families who want a little more from elementary school programs and have the strong sense that they are not getting it in the public school system.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2017
My children attended Camellia from toddler years up through 7th grade for one child and 5th grade for another child. Overall, a great experience. We put a lot in as a family and got a lot out after having been there for 11 years. Pre-kinder and kindergarten teachers were knowledgeable and had excellent parent education and communication skills. In the grades, my children developed critical thinking skills; a love for reading and learning history, science, and music; and became comfortable with public speaking and performance. The curriculum was integrated at each level, engaging “head, hands, and heart,” as some might say. Though Waldorf pedagogy seems esoteric at many steps of the way, it is advisable to understand the basics. Having received a strong foundation at Camellia for their lifelong educational journey, my children recently transitioned to a school with mainstream academics and are doing well. I hear Camellia now offers advanced math opportunities and a cyber civics course for middle school kids. As with any school, if you aren’t satisfied with something, ask questions; a perfect school does not exist. In retrospect, if we had to do it all over again, we still would have selected CWS for their education.
Submitted by student on June 04, 2017
It is not a good education, you will be wasting your money.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2016
Our children are thriving at Camellia Waldorf School. It's approach builds a strong foundation in the skill areas critical for academic, social, and professional achievement. Camellia is providing our children with an excellent education that will serve them throughout life.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2015
Camellia Waldorf School graduates some of the most well adjusted young people you will ever meet.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2015
Our family has been at Camellia for six years now, and it has been such a wonderful place for our two girls to grow, learn and flourish. The teachers are so warm and caring, and the teaching method is extremely engaging - my 6th grader especially has been so excited about what she has been learning lately, at an age when a lot of kids are hard to engage. Camellia teaches kids to have a life-long love of learning, a deeper depth of understanding, and excellent critical thinking skills. It is not just rote memorization of facts that they will soon forget. Due to the small class sizes, teachers also can really cater to the interests of the children in each class.But more than that, Camellia helps kids grow into wonderful human beings. When my husband got his haircut recently, he was chatting with the woman cutting his hair. When it came up that our girls go to Camellia, she said "I can always tell when [I'm giving a haircut to] kids that go to that school. They always have something interesting to talk about." That kind of sums it up!
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2015
When we chose Camellia Waldorf School for our children, I was confident that it would be a warm, loving environment for them in preschool and kindergarten, and an increasingly challenging and engaging environment as they progressed from first through eighth grade. This has proven to be true and our children are thriving. What I did not realize, was how much this school would influence my entire family for the better. We used to be a family that came home from a long day of work and daycare, heated up something from the freezer, and watched TV. We were too tired to do anything else and I think I missed out on many precious moments with my children because of my adherence to the "daily grind" mentality. But, at Camellia Waldorf School, I met so many families who had found other ways to organize their family life, that I became inspired with possibility. My spouse and I found a way for me to work part time, and now I spend a lot more time with, and have more energy for, my family. This evening, after dinner, the TV was off, as it is every weeknight now, and we played board games and danced to some old pop tunes. My son and daughter were exuberant and joyful as they flew around the room. This is now a nightly occurrence at our house. I am so grateful to the Camellia Waldorf School community for being welcoming to my family from the very beginning. It is an extraordinary place for children - and parents!