Waldorf Academy Announces "A Year In the Life Of" Campaign

Waldorf Academy Toronto has announced their "a year in the life of" campaign that offers a look at what a year at the private school is like. Its purpose is to demonstrate how the school takes a holistic approach towards nurturing the child’s learning experiences. As a way to make it easier for parents to visualize how that is accomplished, Waldorf Academy has created a video showcasing what one year of studying in the school is like.

Jennifer Deathe, admissions manager at Waldorf Academy, explains, “It’s a unique approach, so many parents are hesitant. We can provide school tours, of course, but it is still difficult for the parent to understand the experience. You only get a brief snapshot of the approach in action without hearing about the results and impacts this approach has on children. We’ve decided to condense a year into a 9-minute video that gives so much more information than an hour-long tour ever could.”

The video shows several people being interviewed to explain the approach used at the Toronto private Waldorf school. Teachers discuss the unique experience parents will have when they enter a classroom in Waldorf, in contrast to entering a public school classroom. Parents of students express their appreciation of the impact that Waldorf Academy has had on their children while alumni relate their experiences while attending the school. The video is made up of excerpts of these interviews combined with video clips of educational events and classroom lessons, offering parents a way to see what they could expect their children will experience in the private school.

Julia Wyncoll, a parent, had left a review on Google to share her experience. She said, “Two of our children went from kindergarten through grade 8 and have both made the transfer easily and well to high school academically and socially. As importantly they are interesting and inquiring young adults who we are eager to watch make their mark on the world.”

In another review from a parent, Maria Spiegel said, “Since our son transferred to the Waldorf Academy in Grade 2, we have watched him transform. He went from being from a child who hated school to a positive and engaged student. He is accepted by the teachers and fellow students and feels part of a community. At the Waldorf Academy, the Faculty truly care about the students and support them to succeed. Education is not rushed. It is holistic. The focus is not test scores or rote memorization of facts. Students learn through inquiry based model, one which will serve them best throughout life. Less emphasis on acquisition of facts, more about learning how to learn. There are many benefits of Waldorf's approach to education and child development, and we have been delighted by our son's academic and social development since joining the school.”

What makes the teaching methods at Waldorf Academy different is that they affect both the left side and right side of the brain simultaneously while also engaging the motor cortex. The result is that the students get to enjoy the lesson in a way that it doesn’t feel like the usual learning process. This is because in the traditional classroom, the teacher does most of the talking. In contrast, a teacher at Waldorf Academy will assume the role of a guide. This is an approach that is focused on the child, which avoids the test and grade format of learning. This teaching method encourages the child to use critical thinking, which is a key quality that colleges and universities require in their students. And most of all, the students at Waldorf Academy learn the importance of teamwork and in making worthwhile contributions to a community. The children will be able to use these traits when they become adults, allowing them to cultivate healthy friendships and relationships.

Those interested in gaining an insight as to how a year at Waldorf Academy looks like can take a look at the Waldorf Academy Toronto YouTube video, or contact the school by phone or email.