Tucson Waldorf School

Tucson Waldorf School is a community dedicated to joy in learning. We believe in engaging each child through meaningful experiences, attuned to the unique stages of childhood. Tucson Waldorf School graduates approach life with purpose, intention, and commitment to social responsibility, confident of their place in the world.

Educational Philosophy
Waldorf education is a developmentally attuned and experiential approach to education based on the insights and principles of human development outlined by the world-renowned writer, scientist, and artist Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Waldorf Education evolved from Steiner's profound understanding of human development to address the needs of the growing child, and of society.

Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to awakening an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child, precluding the need for constant competitive testing, academic stratification and behavioral rewards as motivational tools, and allowing the unfolding of a child's natural confidence and sense of belonging. The keen interest in both the inner and outer worlds that a Waldorf education seeks to inspire serves to engender the capacity for joyful life-long learning.

Tucson Waldorf School is an independent, tuition-based school and does not receive funds from federal, state, or local government. Tuition at TWS is outlined in the Tuition and Fees section.

An important goal of Tucson Waldorf School is that families of all income levels may participate in the school. Financial Assistance resources are available to all students in Grades 'K' through 8 through the Arizona state STO tax-credit program, i.e. Arizona Tuition Connection, or the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA).

TWS is an accredited full Member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).

Testimonials

Niche Review: "I went to Waldorf preschool all the way through 8th grade. I didn't realize how good of an education I was getting in around fourth and fifth grade, but by eighth grade I realized that I was much more ready for the real world than most my friends who went to public schools. Every single teacher is so focused on every single student, I always felt like I had a place at Waldorf."

GreatSchools Review: "This is excellence in education! All of the students from early childhood through 8th grade are truly engaged in the work -- which is interesting to them. They are also engaged in play -- the primary "job" of children -- which makes them happy and healthy. There is academic rigor through a classical education presented in beautiful ways -- it is never tedious for them. Our kids were in accelerated math and reading in their previous school and this curriculum meets them perfectly and deepens their skills. Never in our parenting or personal experience have we encountered faculty that are more dedicated to their students. There is a real connection there that makes the educational experience excel. There is an integrity to it all which is so refreshing. The faculty, administration and parents communicate very well. Tucsonans are fortunate to have a Waldorf School -- an educational model of interest given the recent high profile press (cover of NY Times and featured on NBC Nightly News). Our children are being given an outstanding education -- and we believe this is one of the best parenting decisions we've made."

Great Schools Review: "Tucson Waldorf has had an incredible and positive impact on the lives of our two children. I feel that the school is helping my son and daughter grow up as free-thinking, socially conscious, creative people. I am so grateful that we discovered this school and were introduced to the pedagogical methodology of the Waldorf education."