Toronto Waldorf School

” I truly appreciate the excellent education and care from the teachers. With great facilities and a focus on both academics and well-being, it’s a fantastic place where children thrive. “

” My grandchildren have been attending TWS for the past few years. At first, I was not convinced that this private school was suitable to give my grandchildren the competitive edge/uniqueness (morning verses and outside play??) that is required in today’s world but I quickly was convinced that this is the answer to today’s broken school system, where we need laws in place so that cell phones can’t be used in class in grade school, where children are slouched over IPADS in kindergarten and taught math with calculators, only relying on technology as a foundation to learning. The calmness of this school is something that you feel when you enter the building and see on the faces of the school children. There is something special in the air. At TWS, there is a culture of support, where class parents make pacts to not allow their children to own cell phones until a certain age, where teachers go out on week long camping/portaging trips with their middle school classes and come back smiling, & where students are given the tools to bring out their best self. The school is not perfect and there are always things to improve. Yes, some teachers need more constructive feedback. Training through Teacher’s College in the traditional way does not make better & more passionate teachers. Many go this route because of the benefits, not because they are passionate to teach unlike the Waldorf teachers I have met who give their whole selves to this profession. What is perfect anyway? Don’t look for it here, it doesn’t exist anywhere. Is it suitable for every child and every family? No. If you are looking for that calm environment, where your child can be themselves and become a mentally strong and caring individual who looks you in the eyes and says good morning, thinks critically and creatively, and is able to carry on a conversation and be a good human (lacking in this crazy world), then this is the place for your child. Teachers are extremely passionate, student-centered and motivated something that I don’t hear about in other schools. I have met a number of TWS grads. who are thriving academically and emotionally. They say that it’s because of this school that they are where they are today. I have heard of a number of families who complained about the school and came back after a break. I am extremely grateful that this school exists and have seen the positive affects on my own grandchildren. “

” We’ve been part of the Toronto Waldorf School (TWS) community for over 12 years, and while the early years were special due to the assistant teachers’ genuine care, things changed drastically in grade school. Despite warnings about the decline in care and lack of standardized academics, we held onto the positive memories from the early years. TWS grade school teachers are not qualified by Ontario Ministry of Education standards and haven’t attended Teacher’s College. Instead, they go to Steiner School, which doesn’t match the rigor and competitiveness of Ontario’s teacher programs. Many teachers seemed burned-out, depressed, and some regularly yelled at students. Some continue teaching beyond their capacity, lacking awareness and consciousness. In contrast, teachers outside TWS are student-centered, motivated, and passionate, qualities we rarely saw at TWS. Some TWS teachers dismissed or ignored parent concerns, and we sensed a lack of support from the administration to address these issues. TWS also struggles to manage disruptive, challenging students, often accepting them without offering proper support, motivated by financial incentives. This becomes especially problematic in high school, where students with behavioral and emotional issues are accepted but not helped. The high school environment is even worse, with dark, uninspired halls and rigid control over students. The curriculum is lacking, especially in social sciences and humanities, which hampers critical thinking and cultural awareness. Despite boasting a 100% university acceptance rate, many TWS graduates struggle academically and emotionally in higher education. Our family spent too many years in this flawed system, but since leaving, our kids are thriving socially and academically at their new schools. We’re grateful for the change and advise others to think carefully before choosing TWS. “

” One of the best thing my husband and I have done is to send our 3 children to this school. The staff and teachers pour out their love and care to students. Their dedication for wholeness of education is beyond measure. I see the differences in my own kids compared to other kids. “

” I am forever grateful for the incredible school, community, and teachers who have made such a difference in our lives at TWS. When my eldest child faced challenges during JK at another institution, it prompted my wife and me to seek a place where our child could thrive authentically, without the pressure to conform, and, most importantly, to feel cherished. Our child’s unique learning style, characterized by tactile and kinesthetic exploration, was quickly recognized by his Grade 1 teacher, who went above and beyond to accommodate him. Setting up a hammock in the classroom, she created a space where he could relax, swing, and absorb the lessons simultaneously. We were deeply moved by the love and dedication she showed in nurturing our child’s spirit. He has truly been enriched by an abundance of what we call “love medication.” Furthermore, we have observed that our children benefit not only from the affection they receive from the faculty and staff but also from the active involvement of my wife and me in school activities. It warms our hearts to see how happy our children are when they spot us on campus. The school provides ample opportunities for us to participate, engage, and contribute to the vibrant community we’ve become a part of. Therefore, I wholeheartedly encourage all parents to connect with the staff, teachers, and community, and extend a helping hand to the school. I truly wish that every child could experience such nurturing education and environment. With heartfelt gratitude, Nam “