Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Waldorf School of Lexington | Preschool to Grade 8 Education
Founded in 1971, Waldorf School of Lexington has been dedicated to nurturing young minds through a holistic, arts-integrated educational approach. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to align with children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development, fostering a foundation for lifelong learning. We prioritize meaningful human connections and experiential learning, weaving values like civility and kindness into daily activities. Our faculty undergoes specialized Waldorf training, ensuring a consistent focus on creativity, ethical development, and academic rigor. Located on a historic campus adjacent to 185 acres of conservation land, we provide a unique environment where students from preschool through grade 8 thrive.Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures every family feels respected and valued. Through programs like our Forest School and biodynamic gardening initiatives, we emphasize hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. We prepare students to become ethical, active citizens who contribute meaningfully to society. Our community-driven approach and focus on individualized attention have made us a trusted educational institution in Massachusetts. With over five decades of experience, we continue to innovate while staying true to Waldorf education's core principles.
Services
Preschool Programs
Elementary Education
Middle School Curriculum
Forest School
Summer Programs
After-School Athletics
Parent-Child Classes
Biodynamic Gardening
Language Instruction
Music & Arts Education
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer a developmentally based Waldorf curriculum tailored to each stage of childhood.
- Our teachers receive specialized Waldorf training and emphasize arts-integrated learning.
- We maintain a 100% commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
- Our Forest School program provides immersive outdoor learning in 185 acres of conservation land.
- We cultivate ethical, active citizens through values-based education and community engagement.
What people say
Eager to go to school
Outstanding teachers
Close-knit community
Perfectly in tune curriculum
Thriving students
Services
Forest School Program
Our Forest School immerses children ages 3-6 in nature-based learning through imaginative play and outdoor exploration. Students spend two or four mornings weekly in 185 acres of conservation land, developing motor skills, social-emotional intelligence, and environmental awareness. The program emphasizes seasonal rhythms, storytelling, and unstructured play to support holistic child development.
Elementary Education
Our elementary program integrates arts with core academics, teaching humanities, mathematics, sciences, and world languages through creative methods. Students engage in choral music, visual arts, and hands-on projects that align with developmental stages. This approach cultivates curiosity, deep comprehension, and a lifelong love of learning while building foundational academic skills.
Middle School Curriculum
Middle school expands academic rigor while addressing pre-adolescent needs through specialized subject teachers and expanded coursework. Students explore advanced sciences, literature, history, and mathematics while maintaining arts integration. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and social responsibility to prepare students for high school and beyond.
Parent-Child Classes
Designed for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years, these classes focus on free movement and self-directed play within structured routines. Parents participate in guided discussions about child development while observing their child's natural learning process. This program establishes foundational social and motor skills through play-based exploration.
Biodynamic Gardening
Students engage in hands-on gardening and beekeeping activities that teach ecological stewardship and food systems. Our biodynamic garden provides produce for school meals while teaching seasonal planting cycles and pollinator conservation. This program connects classroom learning to real-world environmental responsibility through experiential education.
People
Pauline Kelly
Head of School
Pauline Kelly leads Waldorf School of Lexington with over 25 years of Waldorf education experience. She previously served as a class teacher and administrator, bringing deep expertise in child development and school leadership.
Laura Moy
Director of Academics & Student Services
Laura Moy oversees academic programs with a focus on Waldorf pedagogy and student well-being. She holds advanced degrees in education and has taught in Waldorf schools for over 20 years across multiple grade levels.
Sarah Bettencourt
Director of Admissions
Sarah Bettencourt manages admissions and community outreach, connecting families with Waldorf education. With experience as both a Waldorf parent and educator, she provides personalized guidance through the enrollment process.
Maureen Ryan
Forest School Teacher
Maureen Ryan leads our Forest School program with 15+ years of Waldorf teaching experience. She specializes in nature-based early childhood education, creating immersive outdoor learning experiences that align with Waldorf principles.
Kim Ayan
Director of Development & Community Life
Kim Ayan coordinates community engagement and fundraising initiatives. She has managed nonprofit development programs for over a decade, focusing on building inclusive educational communities through strategic partnerships and donor relations.
Questions
What grades does Waldorf School of Lexington offer?
We serve students from preschool through grade 8, with specialized programs for parent-child classes up to middle school.
Is Waldorf education religiously affiliated?
No, Waldorf education is nonsectarian and welcomes families of all cultural and religious backgrounds.
How does technology integration work in Waldorf classrooms?
We introduce technology thoughtfully, focusing on age-appropriate learning. Screen time is minimized in early years to prioritize hands-on experiences.
What is your approach to diversity and inclusion?
We maintain a 100% commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through our DEIJ committee and inclusive admissions policies.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes, we provide need-based scholarships through our Susan Cody and Mendenhall Scholarship Funds to ensure accessibility.
What outdoor learning opportunities exist?
Our Forest School program offers daily outdoor immersion in 185 acres of conservation land for ages 3-6.
Reviews (6)
Kathleen Williams
Mar 03, 2021
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I highly recommend the Waldorf School of Lexington. Dedicated teachers, a curriculum that meets the children where they are developmentally, lots of outdoor time, and a focus on integrating arts and academics. The results speak for themselves--creative, curious, kind, resilient children who love to learn.
Heidi Schauster
Jun 29, 2018
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My now-8th graders have been students since age 2. The Waldorf School has been a wonderful place for my daughters to grow, learn, and thrive as individuals. I am so grateful for the foundation that these years have provided for them.
Nahur Fonseca
Jan 05, 2018
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Every time I drop my child at this school I think to myself - Oh my, I wish I had gone to this school when I was little. The kids are very happy and care free. The classes and corridors are filled with liveness and harmony. The Waldorf School has a unique style of teaching that is refreshing.
Itai Rolnick
Sep 15, 2017
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Wonderful school and community. I'm fortunate to give this education experience to my kids. Waldorf sets the stage for the rest of their lives as it lets the children develop curiosity, independence and social bonds alongside strong academic skills.
Paulo Milko
Aug 06, 2017
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Our family love the school. After trying different schools, this is the only one that educates the whole kid. Teachers are really committed, there is healthy discipline and kids learn to learn, not just to do well in tests. The community is strong, parents really get involved. All graduated kids I know are confident and excellent students in high school.
Devin The Ted Talk Whisperer
Jun 21, 2017
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Everything about this remarkable school... is well, remarkable. Outdoor recess; hands-on crafts and activities; kids running *into* the school day; the love and respect of older children for the youngsters... the best decision that our family has made!
