Educational Philosophy

Waldorf education is an inspiring and empowering method for educating future leaders which recognizes the genius in all people and seeks to draw out the unique gifts and talents of each student through an individualized, arts-integrated approach to learning.

Whole Child Development

Waldorf education emphasizes the development of the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and physically. By nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills, Waldorf schools empower students to become well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in today’s complex world. In Waldorf education, this is referred to as the “head, heart, and hands” approach. Through this balance of development, students learn more than academic skills, they also learn what it means to be human beings and contributing members of their local community, broader society, and the global community at large.

Social and Environmental Stewardship

Waldorf educators teach their students to care for and respect the earth by involving them in the care and upkeep of the classroom, play yard, gardens, and the creatures and plant life in the surrounding outdoors. These small, regular practices support global responsibility and promote environmentally conscious living.

Seasonal Festivals

In celebrating seasonal festivals such as Michaelmas in the Fall, the Lantern Walk and Winter Spiral in winter, and the May Faire in spring, children experience the seasonal cycles of their environment and are drawn to live in harmony with the world and its natural cycles.

Low-Tech

When curriculum is delivered by a human being through stories and creative endeavors, education ignites true curiosity for learning, forming intrinsically motivated students. At North Star Waldorf Academy, children will learn from their teachers’ own creativity, inspiration, and through beautiful, colorful chalkboard drawings rather than from iPads and whiteboards. This model of education enriches the senses and inspires the intellect.

Educating Free-Thinkers

While much of main-stream education follows an outdated model founded by Horace Mann around the middle of the 19th century, which was modeled around standardization, and prioritized development of the intellect above all else, Waldorf education encourages innovative, creative thinking through an individualized curriculum delivered by passionate and enthusiastic teachers who recognize and respect a wide variety of unique gifts, skills, and learning modalities within a diverse student population.

Guiding Principles

North Star Waldorf Academy will be guided by the core principles of public Waldorf education. Waldorf education places humane values at the center of the curriculum. All schools following a Waldorf approach to education will be guided by the following five principles:

• Respect for the integrity of each student, the class community, and the natural world
• Recognition of the central importance of lifelong learning
• Educating with reverence for each student’s unique character and individuality
• Cultivation of intrinsic motivation, compassion, and enthusiasm within each student
• Commitment to the improvement of our common human culture.

Support Northstar Waldorf on June 10th!

Join us at the North Star Charter Petition Hearing to show your support for our proposed charter!

Encinitas Union School District office.
June 10th at 6pm
101 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd, Encinitas CA 92024

We look forward to seeing you!

Warmly,
Melissa Nilsen Ph.D.
Lead petitioner, North Star Waldorf Academy

Interested in Enrolling Your Child? Let us know!