Boulder Valley Waldorf School

Our oldest son is about to finish his first year at BVWS in their "Transitional Kindergarten" classroom. We have been very happy with the program offered at BVWS and what sticks out to us the most is the sense of community that we have experienced this past year. We felt so welcomed from the very beginning by both teachers and families. Our son thrived in this environment; loving the outdoor exploration, developing strong relationships with both the students and teachers, and cultivating a strong desire to learn.

I can't say enough about how wonderful BVWS is. We arrived when our daughter was in second grade and stayed through 8th. Relationships with teachers are critically important to how my daughter learns, and having her surrounded by BVWS' knowledgeable, loving teachers was so impactful. In addition, the Waldorf tradition of having the classes travel for overnight field trips catapulted her independence. I could not be happier with our experience.

This is a great school. As an engineer, I was skeptical at first, but watching how our child not only learned but enjoyed learning convinced me. The school also seems to be a sort of qualifier for families, and the relationships we have with the other parents feel like a true village. The teachers and curriculum are second to none.

Boulder Valley Waldorf School is the Best! My daughter started during the Pandemic and is having the best experience. Her teacher is kind, and thoughtful and truly cares that she is thriving. We have made many friends in the community and couldn't be happier with our decision to switch to Waldorf educat ion. Highly Recommend!

We love BVWS! The teachers and staff are kind and caring. They take safety measures during covid seriously and it shows by the lack of spread within cohorts. I feel safe sending my toddler here. The outdoor experience for the kiddos is incredible!!

Boulder Valley Waldorf School, established in 1993, is a small, private, non-profit school located on a unique 38-acre campus in Niwot, Colorado. They provide a world-class education for the Parent and Child, Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary as well as the Middle School-aged child. Boulder Valley Waldorf School offers developmentally age-appropriate curriculum which allows children to grow and learn at their own pace. This approach better prepares children for a lifetime of academic success and inspiration. There are many things I love about Boulder Valley Waldorf School. Most importantly, my child goes to school happy and I pick her up happy. The tuition is affordable, the staff is highly qualified & the community is friendly, down to earth, and easily accessible. I live in Boulder and do not mind the drive to school. The school farm setting is very calming for my nerves. Call or email Ruth Godberfforde for a tour: (303) 652-0130 enrollment@bvwaldorf.org

This is an incredible school. I have 2 boys that attend and I feel both children are really challenged to grow as people and scholars. The teachers wealth of knowledge in regard to child development as well as their dedication to providing a multi sensory approach to learning is wonderful. The rich foundation in a full liberal arts curriculum with handwork, arts, music, and practical learning ensures that my children do not need to spend their after school hours developing their interests and talents. In addition the dedication to not only ensure that my children have a well rounded academic education but are also developing a strong moral compass and social etiquette. There is a strong community of families who support each other.

I am thrilled with the education my son is receiving at Shepherd Valley. I love the richness and fullness of his week: he does everything from knitting, to complex math, to singing in the choir, to studying ancient Greece, to playing cello, and on and on (really!) The campus is beautiful, his classroom is beautiful -- jeez, even his academic notebooks are beautiful. I love how Waldorf pedagogy allows the child to grow and develop at her/his own pace, and this is held beautifully at Shepherd Valley. For example, my child learned to read naturally, in his own rhythm (without perhaps even knowing that he was learning.) First he began learning to read through all the writing and copying off the board he was doing... It was only in 3rd grade that he and his classmates received specific reading instruction, and they all were so developmentally ready for reading that there was very little struggle. There was no competition, no being told he was ahead or behind, no pressure. Nowadays, I find myself often saying, "You can't just sit around and read all day!" Anyhow -- I love this school, for a million more reasons than I can share here...

For all that I could wish for my child, at Shepherd Valley, his teachers are right there with me, supporting the whole goal. They really support my child's development as a whole person. And this isn't just lip service–the teachers take this very seriously. The entire curriculum is designed with the whole child in mind. The teachers receive thorough training in this. They pay attention to the child's academic development, his artistic and creative development, his moral development, his emotional development, his social development his physical development, and on and on. They pay attention to all the traits that truly make a person happy and successful in life. As one small example, at teacher conferences, we discuss not only how my son is doing at math, but also how he is doing as a math helper. I feel the teachers really understand my child and see him for who he is, and who he can become. I''ve compared notes with parents whose kids are in mainstream schools, and it just isn't the same.