OWS is a small reasonably priced inclusive school. The program focuses on educating the whole child. The educational curriculum is developmentally appropriate and addresses not only cognitive skills and academics but, biological, social, emotional, spiritual, and sensory developmental skills as well.
... Read more Children can develop their full potential in a community and family focused environment. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/03/09
There is nothing like this school in the area. If you want a school with a holistic, arts based curriculum, a true understanding of child development, and with a strong sense of community, this is it. For seven years we have put our heart and soul in this place. We wish there was a Waldorf high school
... Read more close by so we could continue the journey even longer. Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/08/09
I am a parent whose daughter is getting ready to graduate from the Olympia Waldorf School this June. The overall quality of this school environment - faculty, staff and parent participation - has provided a fabulous education for her. She is a confident, polite, problem-solving young lady. Her classmates
... Read more are equally capable individuals who have been uniquely grounded in a society where many young people at this age are self-centered, self-conscious and lemotionally ost. Our experience with Waldorf education has been very positive and we wish that there was a local Waldorf high school for her to attend. However, I know she is ready to join public education and known that she will shine in that environment as well. Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/08/09
this school is the best thing that ever happened to my children. It teaches all the things you want and none that you don't!
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 09/10/08
Choosing a school is about finding a good fit for you and your child. Waldorf education is not about 'keeping up', especially in the early grades. It is about treating the children as whole beings. I know some people have had unsatisfactory experiences at OW, but it has been a most nurturing place for
... Read more my two girls. I am so happy that they are having this experience Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/09/08
Proud parent of three OWS students for the past 5 years. We love the school and he community.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 06/08/08
OWS is an amazing place for the growing child. Like many parent-initiated Waldorf schools, OWS faces making the leap from 'survival' to 'sustainable' and is raising the bar on all aspects of the organization. The problem with small schools like OWS is that when someone leaves the school--for whatever
... Read more reason--they are more apt to be reactive because of the emotional investment required in being a Waldorf parent. After reading the reviews on this site, I can't help but think that there must be an active campaign to tarnish the efforts of this organization to grow, serve and deepen its development. My children attend the school and we relocated in order to provide this education for them. It's lived up to our standards--and we are invested in doing the emotional work involved in living in community. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/28/08
My children are thriving at the Olympia Waldorf School. The curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of the children. The children experience the subjects they learn about. It is avery differnt way of educating children than public school where you read a subject, memorize it, and get
... Read more tested on it; only to forget what you memorized. Last year's 8th grade class returned to speak at the school in January- these children now attend Olympia High School. Many are in the advanced placement classes at the High School. Their Waldorf Education gave them a brpad educational foundation and their curiousity and desire to learn were fostered and is still alive in them in high school. The teachers at Olympia Waldorf School are excellent; they are dedicated, caring, and work hard to provide the challenge each child needs and to hold the children accountable for their work. Lori Salo Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/24/08
This school will love you as long as you keep your pocketbook open and your questions to yourself. Or if you're on scholarship, then they can pat themselves on the back and believe that they are really 'making a difference' in the life of a child and the community. There is no accountibilty, many
... Read more of the goings-on of the school are done in a secretive underhanded manner. The school has a sullied reputation and does not attract top applicants, mostly they have no choice in who they hire, they hire the only poor soul who applies. There are children there who's needs can't be met, educationaly and behaviorly, but rather than say so and loose the tuition, issues are swept under the rug. These children take time and effort away from the rest of the class. After years at OWS, my children are thriving in public school. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/05/08
The 'pretty package' that first draws you in is very decieving. It's an easy place to fall in love with! The underlying dysfunction is overwhelming. There's a huge lack of supervision on the playground that leads to accidents and bullying. Some teachers seem disgruntled by the pay and despite their
... Read more best efforts, it shows. Parents are asked and asked for money and it seems to go into the same black hole over and over. The best 'they' can do to keep you enrolled is to keep you in fear about what your children might face in the dreaded Public School System. Waldorf Education is lovely and it makes alot of sense.....this particular school just falls way short. Read less
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Olympia schools — Olympia Waldorf School is located at 8126 Normandy St Se, Olympia WA 98501. 8126 Normandy St Se is in the 98501 ZIP code in Olympia, WA Olympia Waldorf School is a Private school that serves grade levels K - 8.
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