Early Childhood
Imagination at Play
Wonder, reverence, and joy are at the heart of our early childhood program. A young child’s day is grounded in exploration, play, and building social connections with teachers and friends.
Our early childhood curriculum emphasizes learning through work and play, meeting the young child in their development with rhythm and simplicity. Based in Waldorf pedagogy, our program fosters imagination through nature based learning, arts, movement, and an appreciation for a diverse world. With freedom to explore and engage in intentional activities and the environment around them, the curriculum develops a foundation for strong academics, social-emotional success, and a lifelong love of learning.
Preschool
Designed for students ages 2.5 – 4 years old, preschool at SWS is all about discovery and play. Students play indoors and out, interacting with the natural world and celebrating the seasonal rhythms. The day is structured to ensure growing independence, socialization, and support for increased group play. Practical work supports care for the classroom and environment and simple crafts engage fine motor skills. Where imaginations begins and curiosity grows!
Meadowbrook Campus
3 Half-day program (T,W,TH)
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
3 Full-day program (M,T,W)
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kinderhaus and Meadowbrook Campuses
5 Full-day program
8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kindergarten
Created for students ages 4 – 6.5 years old, kindergarten at SWS focuses on growing the foundations for learning through movement, daily work, independence, creative problem solving, literacy, and numeracy. The classroom rhythm consists of nature hikes, exploration of the seasons through crafts and festivals, outdoor free play, a rich story-based curriculum, and social emotional capacity building.
Kinderhaus and Meadowbrook Campuses
5 Full-day program
8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Academics
Stories, songs, games, and puppet shows lay the foundation for literacy and numeracy. Yarn work and sanding support fine motor skills to prepare them for writing. Walking and jumping rope support the development of gross motor skills. Celebrating seasonal changes lays the foundation for scientific inquiry.
Arts
Children are immersed in beauty and creativity, from our intentionally designed learning spaces to crafts with natural elements like beeswax, wool, plant materials, and watercolors. Friends sing, dance, and play act their own stories together.
Outdoors
Rain or shine, students are in nature every day. They climb trees, watch wildlife, dig trenches, and stomp in puddles. On daily walks, they develop a sense of direction and adventure. Seasonal celebrations are also held outside—a candle-lit lantern walk in fall, a colorful parade in spring.
Athletics
Safe places to climb, jump, swing, tumble, and roll strengthen young bodies, develop coordination, teach navigation through space shared with others, and support brain development. Longer walks with the class build endurance, stamina, and teamwork.
Central Capacities
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- Nurturing healthy growth of cognitive, social, and physical development
- Natural science observation through the seasons and outdoor play
- Social-emotional learning and development of self-agency through cooperative work, problem solving and inclusivity
- Literacy and Numeracy through activities and play
- Development of imagination and artistic expression with simple mediums
Additional Resources
July and August tours are available by appointment.