Until recently, the Waldorf education model existed primarily in expensive private schools, but with the advent of public charter schools the model spread into the public sector. Today roughly 40 Waldorf charter schools serve public school students across in the United States.
Journey School, located in Aliso Viejo, California, perfectly demonstrates how the Waldorf education model helps all children succeed. Like many charter schools, Journey School opened as a result of a parent-driven push to create an alternative for the families in the community. Nearly 20 years later, this high-performing charter school offers parents a public education alternative for their children.
In 2013, the federal government awarded the school the prestigious Green Ribbon Award. The award requires schools to demonstrate excellence in reducing environmental impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff, and providing effective environmental and sustainability education.
Gavin Keller, the current executive director, spoke with the National Alliance about what makes his school a success. As a former teacher, he noted that teaching social emotional literacy may seem like a distraction from traditional material, but pays off when it comes to student achievement. He finds that classrooms see less disruptions, while students feel safer, more empowered, and achieve greater focus when teachers use a holistic approach to education.
Like private schools using the Waldorf education model, Journey School emphasizes the arts. Students follow the traditional Waldorf path by learning music and a variety of hands-on skills from weaving, knitting, and crocheting to woodwork.
They also follow the Waldorf “looping” method, whereby teachers follow the students across multiple years. Keller noted that students and teachers benefit from this approach because teachers develop close relationships with students and do not need to waste time each year getting to know one another.
Learn more about Journey School’s accomplishments.
Jamison White is the manager of data & research at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
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