Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Aspiration Statement

Approved by the Governance Council and Board of Trustees June 2018

“The process of becoming culturally responsive to all our students is essential to the continued growth of Waldorf Education in North America and around the world. It is the moral responsibility as human beings and as educators to meet the needs of all our students.” – Vicki Larson, Green Meadow Waldorf School

At Shining Mountain Waldorf School we commit to creating and sustaining an equitable, diverse, inclusive learning community. We are taking up this work with inspired commitment and intention.

Shining Mountain Waldorf School adheres to the philosophy of education and pedagogical indications initiated by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 out of a response in part to the First World War and the rise of industrialism and materialism. Steiner’s goal was to establish an education with a culturally rich, age-appropriate curriculum that would educate the body, mind and spirit of children. Steiner intended Waldorf education to focus not only on what knowledge must be acquired to enter society, but also to awaken capacities in children that would bring renewed impulses into society: love, awe, devotion, compassion, and trust. These are the qualities consciously cultivated at Shining Mountain Waldorf School from early childhood through adolescence. We believe that a lifelong love of learning and a curiosity to ask deep questions are vital to this process. Our graduates leave school having developed independent thinking, warmth of feeling, and a strength of will that propels them toward moral courage and social responsibility.

At Shining Mountain Waldorf School we strive to create equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations. We will accomplish this by having equal access to and participation in educational programs, professional development, and community resource networks. These programs and networks provide resources to help close the demographic disparities in education and leadership roles in all spheres of institutional functioning.

We define diversity as the range of human differences that can be engaged in the service of learning: personality, language, learning styles, life experiences, race, ethnicity, class, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, country of origin, ability status, cultural, political, religious, military or other affiliations.

We experience inclusion as the act of creating a community that honors and recognizes the worth and dignity of all people. An inclusive community promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members. The Shining Mountain Waldorf School community strives to embrace differences and offer respect in words and actions for all people.

A diversity of human experiences and viewpoints in our learning community enriches the educational experience of all members of the community, and requires that we grow and stretch ourselves as individuals. We aspire to create and support equity, diversity, and inclusivity as we honor and serve the dignity of the human being, using the insights of Anthroposophy. We must expect and seek change and transformation. We are taking up this work in the following ways:

Creating space for all individuals and groups to express themselves in the community and through the curriculum:

  • Accurately placing who we are in the world setting by illuminating biases and dismantling unconscious prejudices and stereotypes as we evolve our community
  • Serving as allies for any community member or group in need
  • Studying inclusivity within the pedagogy through curriculum review and providing alternative resources for teachers when needed
  • Engaging and connecting with the greater Boulder community
  • Encouraging new paths of accessibility to Waldorf education

In order to address and achieve these ideals, we are committed to implementing:

  • Ongoing training and education opportunities for the entire community, including curriculum for high school and middle school students
  • Building community partnerships through outreach and events
  • Reviewing and updating all school committee charters, policies, and marketing materials for inclusivity
  • Researching the community’s experience of equity, diversity and inclusivity
  • Developing leadership that is inclusive, reflective and supportive of the diverse needs of our greater community


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