The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay

I wish I was lucky enough to attended a Waldorf school. The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay is amazing! My son has flourished in the short time he's been at the school.

The moment you drive onto the campus you're transported to another place. All the trees and the plants make it feel like the Garden of Eden. The children are outside running, playing, climbing, exploring, and learning in ways that are natural to them.

The life skills my son has obtained in only one year are fantastic! He loves to help cook, clean, and be part of the family in a bigger way. "May I put away the utensils?" "May I help fold the laundry?" My husband and I are always ready and happy to say, yes!

His imagination has also found a resurgence. The school has a "No media" policy, which we knew when we enrolled. Once we took away the tablet, the television, and other screens, our boy became more engaged with life. He missed the screens for a couple days, then he didn't care. He was too busy pretending to run a car wash he made out of a box, or water painting a picture for his grandmother. When we go out to eat, he's enjoying conversation with the people he's with, not staring at a phone or tablet. Sometimes we ask him if he wants to watch television to see what he'll say. He always says, no. This alone is worth enrolling into the school.

The Waldorf education was new to us. A lot of families have known about, researched it, and studied it. That wasn't us. We wanted the best school for our son. Where he can be a child. Learn, explore, and develop into a whole person. Not someone who sits in a classroom for hours on end to learn how to take a standardized test.

The school offers Parent Education sessions every month. These are not mandatory, but they are extremely helpful. The teachers (who are so dedicated to the children) and guest speakers present topics ranging from understanding why there is a no media policy to how movement is beneficial and important for your child. I never miss them.

The teachers and other families we've met are wonderful. Very supportive, encouraging, and wanting the best education and experience for their children.

We highly recommend The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay. We cannot imagine our son going to any other school.

I've observed such wondrous growth w/in my daughter since she started attending The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay. Her social skills, imagination and even concentration tangibly improved. Sofia smiles w/ her whole being on our drive to Waldorf because she enjoys being at school so much. She especially loves her teachers because she feels the genuine care they have for her (special shout out to Mrs. Kosima and Mrs. Connie for being exceptional). As a parent I couldn't be happier.

We've also become a healthier household by attending the parenting curriculum the school holds regularly. The school brings authors and educators from around the nation to educate parents so we can create a home life which truly supports our child's optimal development. We just simply feel blessed to be part of this school and bright, loving community.

I love that the school goes beyond academics and offers a holistic education. The teachers are trained to look at your child’s development as a whole. For instance, it’s not just about how many math answers they get right—but also about how they are able to go both inward, into their imagination in quiet play and focused attention, but also go outward socializing with peers. The teachers here really see your children. Plus, they carry themselves with a grace and self-awareness that are worthy of imitation—and that’s what you want in a teacher.

Then there’s the beautiful, peaceful campus, the festivals, the parent enrichment series, and a strong sense of community that I haven’t experienced at other schools.

For years, we knew we wanted to send our kids to a Waldorf school; to give them a loving and nurturing environment with organic snacks and wholesome activities. We toured several Waldorf schools in the MA and RI, as well as in Costa Rica. The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay has totally exceeded our expectations. The teachers and staff are truly aligned with the Waldorf philosophy and their passion is evident. Our kids, LOVE going to this school. What surprised us, was how amazing are the community of parents who also prioritize their children's education and health the way we do. We are so grateful for this school!

If you want educators who truly treat each child as an individual and help them to become the best version of themselves, then you have come to the right place.

My daughter (3 years old) blossomed at the Waldorf School of Tampa Bay. Day by day, I watched as she became happier, able to articulate her feelings and thoughts consistently and thoroughly, more social, more artistic, and most importantly, thrilled about going to school every day. This school, its administrators, and its faculty embody what every parent dreams of: a safe, nurturing, meticulously attentive environment packed with hands on learning and one which cultivates learning in a way that inspires wonder, an appreciation of the arts, a holistic understanding of and passionate interest in the world around them.

My daughter developed an impressive vocabulary through the songs and stories she would hear in class. She learned to be more outgoing, braver, and in control of her environment from her experience in the really magical and aesthetically pleasing environment outside, where she spent a good deal of learning as well. She also learned how to handle the intense feelings children can have from time to time. Her teacher understood her so well that she taught me helpful observations about my own child that I could then take note of and implement to become a better parent. The amount of thought and care that goes into each child's experience and unique way in which each child is treated so that he or she can learn and grow is second to none.

Ms. Kate, Ms. Christa, Ms. Fernanda, Ms. Melissa (and many others) - they are such wonderful, extremely intelligent, dedicated professionals, and I felt they comprised the village that everyone speaks of it taking to raise a child (but that so few have found)! So attentive to my questions, so helpful with direction, so genuine. These women treated my daughter with the respect, admiration, energetic effort, and affection that they would treat their own and, for that and for everything I have said above, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity and the privilege to have my daughter attend this school.