On behalf of everyone
at Central Coast Waldorf School, welcome!

We share in your passion and commitment to provide children with a loving, nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and explore, achieving their greatest potential. Throughout the entire school—Preschool through Eighth Grade —the joy and enthusiasm for learning is seen, heard, and felt everyday. If you are looking for a unique and integrative education, with faculty who strive to transform teaching into an art that educates and serves the whole child, then we invite you to come experience the difference of a Waldorf education. Don't just take our word for it -- visit us to feel the heart, joy, and magic of our program.

We strive to cultivate a healthy community that is rich and diverse in backgrounds, experience, and perspective. We encourage all families to learn more about our school, including our curriculum and methods, and listen to what is in your heart. We seek to welcome families who feel drawn in and ready to commit to and support our school's methods and values.

 

"We have been so thoroughly pleased with our entire experience here... for over 7 years. It has been so impactful for our children. They love the school so much and we love the community. Too much to say!!"

–CCWS Parent

Say 'hello!'

Please complete the inquiry form below to get started. After completing the form the next step in the admission and enrollment process is visiting us for an information session by scheduling an enrollment visit and campus tour (or attending OpenHouse) and learn more about what Waldorf Education can mean for your student and your family. We look forward to sharing our program of excellence, beauty, and heart. Our Administrative Director will contact you following the form submission.

INQUIRY FORM

 

ADMISSIONS MISSION STATEMENT

In enrolling students and families to our educational program and community, we are committed to offering an admissions process that meets the needs of the whole (which includes: students, families, teachers, classrooms, and the school).  We achieve this end by following these guiding principles:

  • To enroll families who are willing and committed partners in becoming educated in Waldorf principles, following our agreements and policies, and striving to be open-hearted and open-minded member of our Waldorf community;
  • To enroll families who are willing to be engaged, both in and out of the classroom through contribution, participation, and volunteerism;
  • To enroll students and families with a diversity of backgrounds that reflects our greater San Luis Obispo county community;
  • To enroll students whose unique needs can be supported while honoring the balance of the whole class;
  • To enroll students and families in a manner that supports the long term stability and resilience of our classrooms and program.

 

age & grade placement policy

Given the emphasis on a developmental focus in determining curriculum and methodology, it is common practice for Waldorf schools to use different age and birth date boundaries for admissions, relative to many other school settings. In particular, rather than the common September 1st cutoff, in alignment with most Waldorf schools, we use June 1st as our benchmark.

Early Childhood:
Preschool students are to be potty trained and age 3 to begin the program.
TK students are to be 4 prior to June 1st to begin the program. These students will be turning 5 during the school year.
Kindergarten students are to be 5 prior to June 1st to begin the program. These students will be turning 6 during the school year.

Grades:
This means that a student needs to have turned 6 by June 1st in order to be admitted into 1st Grade for the following school year (i.e., a student would need to turn 6 prior to 6/1/2023 in order to enroll in 1st Grade for Fall of 2023). This age assignment continues through the grades (i.e., a 2nd Grade student should turn 7 by June 1 of the prior school year).

We understand that, for some families, this policy raises questions or concerns. However, we find this approach is always in the best interest of the child and serves them to achieve their greatest potential. As such, we are not in the practice of making exceptions to this policy. One of our highly trained and experienced faculty or our Administrative Director will happily discuss this topic further with families that would like additional information or context.

 

What is the overall goal of the admissions process?

The admissions process is designed to meet the needs of the whole; students, families, teachers, classrooms, and the school—by welcoming families who are ready to partner with and support Waldorf principles, policies, and community life.

How do we start the admissions process?

You begin by completing the online inquiry form; after you submit it, the Administrative Director will contact you and invite you to an information session and campus tour or Open House.

What kind of families is Central Coast Waldorf School hoping to enroll?

The school seeks families who feel called to Waldorf education, are willing to learn about its methods, follow school agreements and policies, engage through participation and volunteerism, and contribute to a diverse and open-hearted community.

What is the age and grade placement policy?

In alignment with many Waldorf schools, CCWS uses a June 1 cutoff date: Preschool begins at age 3 and potty trained; TK students are 4 by June 1; Kindergarten students are 5 by June 1; and a child must be 6 by June 1 to enter 1st Grade, with this age alignment continuing through the grades.

Does the school make exceptions to the age cutoff policy?

The school is not in the practice of making exceptions to the June 1 age cutoff, as this policy is considered to be in the best developmental interest of the child, though faculty or the Administrative Director are available to discuss questions or concerns with families.

Ready to find out more? Fill out our inquiry form.