City of Lakes Waldorf School

As a public school teacher I was skeptical about bringing our only daughter to City of Lakes Waldorf School.  Once I saw the classrooms, talked with staff and saw the curricula, I was totally convinced.  I wish public schools could emulate the same system of child-centric education.  What an amazing way for a child to begin her school experience.

When my son started in first grade at CLWS, he had come from a "progressive" charter school (MI) with traditional academics. He came to me one night and asked if he could call his previous teacher at the charter school. I asked why and his answer was that, "I like the way they teach me at this school better... At the old school we had just letters and black lines. At this school, I like the colorful letters!" Both of my children, K and first, are developing a strong, articulate vocabulary and listening aptitude, reverence for what is good and beautiful, physical development woven into learning, love of natural world, care and attention to detail, fine motor skills through crafts and games that they love, care for their classmates, ear for music, poetry and stories, ear for other languages, in a sense of safety and security. My first grader has never asked to stay home from school. Sometimes they want to stay longer. We have had babysitters from this school and met other grads and are always impressed with their poise and ability to connect with us, and they seem successful at their current school/work. We plan for our family to continue at this school for the full course through 8th grade.

Betsy Leighton: We love City of Lakes Waldorf School!  Our three children, ages 13, 10 and 10, have all been here since kindergarten, and have had so many wonderful experiences here.  Our kids have excelled academically, while learning two foreign languages, playing a stringed instrument, doing art such as watercolor painting, drawing, modeling, and spending lots of time outdoors.  I'm so glad they get the physical activity their growing bodies need in a time when other schools are cutting recess time.  Our kids are becoming well-rounded individuals who can express themselves, and have compassion for others and the world.  I can't say enough good things about City of Lakes Waldorf School!