educating the whole human being

Innovative Thinking | Compassionate Connections | Courageous Action

Understanding Waldorf

With more than 1200 international locations, Waldorf schools are admired, but not always fully understood by parents who want the best foundation for their child’s future success.

Shining Mountain’s sister school in the Silicon Valley, the Waldorf School of the Peninsula, created the film Preparing For Life to bridge the understanding gap — explaining fundamentals of the pedagogy, showing the essence of a student’s day, and sharing the aim and intention of a Waldorf education.

College professors can identify a Waldorf student. Confident, curious, and able to hold a conversation are often qualities attributed to them. What begins with imitation in kindergarten moves to imagination in the lower grades and to the intellect in high school. The arts are woven throughout. The Waldorf style of teaching prepares a student to think in a whole-systems way. As a result, students learn how to learn — a fundamental building block of life.

Our Programs

EARLY CHILDHOOD

A mixed age, play-based kindergarten where imagination and exploration create a foundation for learning. Flexible schedules, from three to five days, with morning-only and full-day options, are available.

LOWER SCHOOL

The curriculum guides your child from the early age of imitation and imagination to a rich immersion in academic learning, world cultures, and artistry. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Curriculum for Grade 6-8 stimulates critical and creative thinking, and renders experiences that broaden perspectives, build community, and encourage self-expression. 

HIGH SCHOOL

Waldorf High School students move from absolute to abstract thought and reasoning as each student discovers meaning and their own unique place in the world.

Our new state-of-the-art high school building now open!
Shining Mountain Waldorf School celebrates 40 years in Boulder
Previous slide
Next slide

high school grand opening

How do you encourage individuality, intellect, and imagination?

Beyond Academic Requirements for College

 

How do you encourage individuality, intellect, and imagination? Prepare a student not just for college acceptance, but self-acceptance and confidence for life. 

High school is more than four years. It is learning to learn for life. It is achievement and life-changing experiences, critical thinking, and innovative work. At Shining Mountain, the Waldorf High School experience is built on four pillars: Experiential Learning, Arts Integration, Global and Local Impact, and the SMWS Explore project — a self-directed, mentor-supported learning program that culminates with a Capstone project.

 

Confidence for Life

94% of Waldorf graduates attend college or university.
42% of Waldorf graduates choose Science or Math as a major.
1200 International Waldorf Schools
65% of Families Receive Tuition Assistance
To promote economic diversity.
Previous slide
Next slide
Discover Waldorf Education

Discover Waldorf Education

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is committed to offering a comprehensive education that caters to the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of our students. Our multi-disciplinary approach integrates science, art, mathematics, music, and outdoor education for a broad-based experience. If you are seeking a school that fosters authenticity, analytical and creative thinking, and a sense of community, take the first step and learn more about our school.

9NEWS Covers Sarah Gillis’ Inspiring Visit to Shining Mountain Waldorf School