Programs
Setting the Stage for Learning, Naturally
With more than 900 Waldorf Schools internationally, Waldorf education is the fastest-growing educational movement in the world.
Minnesota Waldorf School offers a variety of early childhood programming for children 33 months—6 years of age. Three- or five-day and half- or full-day options are available.
In our Early Childhood Cottage, nurturing teachers gently guide children through a day of play and work, story and song, nature and movement—awakening and celebrating each child’s innate sense of joy and wonder, and laying a firm foundation for academic work in the grades. Seasonal festivals take place throughout the year, and are an important part of kindergarten life.
Led by dedicated and experienced Waldorf teachers, our early childhood program is designed to meet the young child’s developmental needs as they take their first steps into a school experience. Our early childhood program has been certified by WECAN.
"Four- to six-year-olds in well-structured 'play'-oriented preschools develop more positive attitudes toward learning along with better ultimate skill development.”
Pre-K and Kindergarten Morning
8:20 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Children arrive.
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
While children play, teachers engage in purposeful activity worthy of imitation and children’s participation. Washing and carding wool, grinding wheat and baking bread, water color painting and various handcrafts are some of the activities the children will participate in. Children are gently guided through clean-up, circle time, and a healthy snack before getting ready to enjoy gardening, sledding and outdoor time. Each morning ends with a story told by the teacher.
Afternoon (Full Day Option)
12:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m.
Extended Day includes lunch (brought from home), rest, quiet play and outdoor activity.
Extended Care (Before and After Care)
7:30 a.m.–8:20 a.m. and 3:20 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Extended care is available to families, for an additional fee, from 7:30-8:20 a.m. and 3:20-5:00 p.m. Sign-up can be accessed via the parent portal. Extended care for early childhood students is held in the Festival Hall and early childhood play yard. Students are walked by a teacher or assistant to and from extended care.