Our assessments are qualitative, and we work hard to fulfill the richness of the Waldorf curriculum without falling victim to an impoverished “grades only” view of student achievement. Our goals for students are holistic, broad ranging, research based, and in line with Waldorf education’s picture of child development. Some key features of our approach to assessment are:
A variety of assessment instruments and methods
To be truly effective, assessment of student progress must consist of more than just a set of standard exams. Genuine assessment should take a 360° view of each student using a variety of tools throughout their educational journey. We evaluate students using a combination of games, activities, worksheets, projects, quizzes, presentations, tests, classroom participation, one-on-one interviews and tutoring sessions.
Developmentally appropriate techniques
A healthy and useful approach to assessment must acknowledge that children’s needs and abilities are not constant across time, but rather evolve as children grow and proceed from one developmental stage to another. An appropriate way of assessing students in Grade 2 may not be useful in Grade 5, and vice versa. Too often at other schools, students take the same exams with the same types of questions at the same times of year—for all grades! We believe that such an approach to assessment is fundamentally broken and harmful.
Acknowledging and accommodating individual needs
No two children are the same, even if they are in the same grade. This is why Waldorf education invests so much in getting to know each child as a unique individual—endeavors like the homeroom teacher system, regular teacher meetings, counseling and specialist support, encouraging creative self-expression, mindfulness practices, and an overall emphasis on creating a loving homelike environment. We call this “meeting the child where they are”. We believe that the process of assessing student progress should be guided by the same commitment to understanding and responding to each child’s unique needs and potentials. An assessment technique that works best for one student may not be the best way to assess another: assessment should be adapted to fit the child, and not the child forced to fit the assessment.
Patience and a long-term mindset
In a culture devoted to “instant gratification” and short-term results, it is important to keep in mind that genuine education is a gradual and long-term process. An assessment and educational approach that allows children’s capacities to unfold gradually—without undue pressure or harmful stress––promotes healthy development and life-long learning.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten program provides a nurturing foundation for the growing child through the Pre-School, KG1 and KG2 years. By nourishing the mind and senses through a healthy and beauty-filled environment, our program fosters the development of the whole child.
Elementary
Our Elementary program is designed to help students develop individuality and freedom balanced with cooperation and collaboration. Academic subjects such as math, reading, and writing are introduced in ways that nurture students natural curiosity and imagination.
Upper Grades
Our Middle and High Schools combine the richness of Waldorf Education with the rigor of the American "SAT" curriculum. Led by expert teachers, students think independently and pursue deep intellectual studies. They develop their sense of self while exploring the world at large.