ADMISSIONS FAQS

  • Yes! Our Early Childhood program welcomes students on a rolling basis, as space in the classrooms allows. Our 1st-8th grade teachers prefer to accept new students throughout the fall, up until the December break.

    Students new to Waldorf education may experience a learning curve with bodily coordination skills, Spanish speaking, artistic activities, cursive handwriting, public speaking, and playing a string instrument for grades 3-8. We have found that students quickly embrace and enjoy these additional subjects as they are supported by teachers and classmates.

  • As soon as you are ready to apply! We do encourage you to take a parent tour (virtually or in-person) to decide if IWS is right for your child(ren) and your family.

    We accept applications on a rolling basis and do not have an admissions deadline. However, if you are applying for Financial Assistance, the earlier you apply for the following school year, the greater the available award. Returning families submit their Financial Assistance applications for the upcoming school year by February.

  • We strive to make Waldorf education accessible to all who seek it. We offer Financial Assistance that may cover 10-40% of tuition, based on need. Tuition remission is available for employees. Additionally, parents may choose various payment plan options (payment in full, twice annually, or 10 payments from June-March).

  • New York State law provides transportation to all schools, private and public, within 15 miles of a student’s home. If you are in need of a bus, the parent/caregiver must contact the Transportation Services office for your public school district. Please note that in recent years, some district buses cannot arrive at IWS until 9am or later—our school day begins at 8:30am. We have had success with district buses at the end of our school day (3pm).

    Transportation Services:
    Dryden: (607) 844-4221
    Ithaca: (607) 274-2128
    Lansing: (517) 755-3017
    Newfield: (607) 564-9955 ext 4145
    Spencer-Van Etten: (607) 589-7160
    Trumansburg: (607) 287-5610

  • We have students transfer to IWS in every grade–even 8th. In every grade and subject, teachers are prepared to support students in their adjustment to a new learning environment.

    Children transferring to IWS are usually up to grade in reading, math, and basic academic skills. However, they might experience a learning curve with bodily coordination skills, Spanish speaking, artistic activities, cursive handwriting, public speaking, and string instrument skills for grades 3-8.

    Students joining IWS in grades 5-8 participate in orientation gatherings at the start of the school year to become familiar with the materials we use in lessons, the rhythms of our classrooms, the festivals we look forward to, school culture and expectations, and our campus.

  • Early Childhood: We request that the daily experience of the young child not include exposure to electronic media and technology, including computers and cell phones and other hand-held devices/screens. We understand that this may be difficult to honor without fail. Nevertheless, we ask that parents affirm their commitment to expose their young child to media and screen time as little as possible.

    Grades: Many families at Ithaca Waldorf School (IWS) value a screen-free childhood, as do many Waldorf educators. We also understand that for some families technology meets a social and/or creative need in their homes. Screen time for grades children should be guided by parents, supervised, and limited. We understand families may use technology for the options below. When the above conditions are met and a student is participating in the school day appropriately, we support their usage for:

    Remote art or music lessons

    Family meetings via Zoom/Skype/Meet/FaceTime

    Family movies nights and nature documentaries, when viewed together with conversation

    Middle School:
    We don’t allow students to use personal devices in our school, except as needed for specific accommodations, or as part of our curriculum. We also request that students in our middle school do not participate in group texting with any of their IWS classmates—this rule alone has resolved numerous issues that had begun to interrupt instruction on a daily basis.

  • Our Early Childhood classes follow daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms that offer rhythm and a reassuring structure to our youngest students. Each day includes time outside, an artistic activity, free play, practical work, circle time, a shared meal, and more time outdoors.

    Our Grades students begin the day with a two-hour main lesson, taught in multi-week blocks so that classes can delve deeply into a subject or theme. IWS also has multiple Specialty classes including Spanish, Movement & Games (PE), Handwork, Farm & Land Stewardship, String Ensemble, and Music. Skill practice periods with the Main Lesson teacher round out the day, which also includes snack, lunch and multiple outdoor recesses. The grade school week incorporates daily cleaning periods when our students learn to tend our shared environment.

  • No. While we value the development of the soul and spirit of the child as well as the intellectual and physical capacities, we do not adhere to or instruct any religious belief system. Our students hear fairytales and myths from various cultures and celebrate festivals from many of the world’s religions.