Austin Waldorf School is nestled on over 30 beautiful wooded acres on the edge of the Hill Country. This abundance of nature on their campus is no coincidence: connecting with nature is a vital part of the Waldorf educational philosophy. As the only fully accredited Waldorf program in Texas, Austin Waldorf School offers an education that meets students where they are in their development, from PreK all the way through 12th grade.
Austin Waldorf School: A Unique Educational Experience
Through creative play, storytelling, and experiential learning, the youngest students cultivate a love for learning while their teachers also foster in them a sense of wonder and imagination. At AWS, the goal is for their childhood to last longer, not shorter. One thing prospective parents who visit the campus often say is that they wish they could go back to school—if it meant attending Austin Waldorf School.
A Multidisciplinary and Holistic Approach to Education
The AWS curriculum has been thoughtfully crafted to meet the emotional needs of each child, and to purposefully play into the different developmental stages children go through. They don’t only integrate nature into their education, but also the arts, movement, and practical skills. Along with academic learning, this multidisciplinary and holistic approach helps students develop their full capacity. A Waldorf education aims to unite the “head, heart, and hands”. That’s why handwork, one of the students’ favorite subjects, is so important: more than just teaching them how to make things, it helps them build confidence in managing practical affairs, fosters inner calm, and develops a sense of agency. The woodworking, games, and movement classes work toward similar goals. Ultimately, AWS’s education aims to support the growth of their students into well-rounded individuals. To this end, their expert faculty is well-trained in Waldorf education, and deeply committed to excellence in their teaching.
A Waldorf Education All The Way Through 12th Grade
As students grow older, AWS’s education fosters curiosity and independent thinking, while also encouraging meaningful discussion. Students from 6th grade through high school embrace the power of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship through the robust athletics program, rising to each occasion with a lot of Roadie Pride. Integrating the arts continues to be essential all the way through 12th grade. This includes music, movement, theater, and the visual arts. A landmark report found that students deeply involved in the arts earn better grades, graduate at higher rates, and are more likely to pursue college. The AWS college acceptance rate, for that matter, stands at 100%. Their graduates, after a complete Waldorf education, possess high emotional intelligence and a strong sense of purpose.
Slow Technology Philosophy
An important part of this intentional approach—and one that resonates with more and more parents today—is to embrace a developmentally appropriate use of technology. Rather than introducing screens and digital devices too early, AWS prioritizes real-world exploration, imaginative play, and rich interpersonal experiences in the early years. This “slow technology” philosophy supports the healthy development of critical thinking, laying a strong foundation before technology is gradually introduced as a purposeful tool in later grades. Even then, devices are stored away during the school days, which allows students to develop true human connections with their peers and those around them. Austin Waldorf School continuously engages with parents on this matter, as it truly is a community effort to achieve the full effect of this approach.
Finding Community
The vibrant community is also one of the main reasons why families who relocate to Austin are drawn to the Austin Waldorf School. With a warmhearted and passionate parent body, and several community-led events in the wonderful setting of the natural campus, new families often express their gratitude at having found Austin Waldorf School and its community.
Get in Touch
If you’re interested in enrolling your child at Austin Waldorf School, you are warmly encouraged to fill out an inquiry form or email the enrollment manager at enroll@austinwaldorf.org.
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