Da Vinci Waldorf School

My now high school junior had a wonderful experience at Da Vinci from Pre-k through 8th grade. She was very well rounded and confident when entering public high school. Two of her AP teachers noted in conferences how inquisitive and thoughtful her approach to learning science and history was. While many things create the success of students, I believe this school was instrumental in forming her attitude, connectedness, and critical thinking skills.

I am a parent of two children. One currently in 2nd grade and the other in Kindergarten. My wife has been a strong proponent of a Waldorf education for a long time but my path was slower. I am the owner of a software company and I am a product of Public Schooling. We also live in Barrington where the schools are excellent. As much as I loved Waldorf for my kids in Pre-K and Kindergarten, I thought public school would be a better option come first grade.I ended up reversing paths and am sending my kids to Waldorf for the grades as well. I couldn't be happier with my decision and I am starting to see the benefits of a Waldorf education. Specifically, I see a passion and love of learning in my children that just seems to grow and grow. Because a Waldorf education is so hands on and experiential, I see my kids soaking in the lessons and then creating on their own. Example: My son has recently become an avid reader. But, beyond just reading, he is now also drawing his own pictures for the book series he fell in love with and he is also writing and binding little books for us to read.I've head stats thrown around that 80% of the jobs our kids will have, don't yet exist today. While that number seems high to me, there is a strong point here all the same. We don't know what the future holds. I want my children to always have a thirst for knowledge and I want them to be able to grow and think and create for themselves. With these skills, they will make good decisions and be an asset to any team.

My daughter attended Da Vinci Waldorf School (formerly Water's Edge Waldorf School) from preschool through 8th grade. She now attends our local public high school. She loved school at Da Vinci and never wanted to miss a single day. She took this love of learning with her to high school, and she was very well-prepared. At Da Vinci, she learned two foreign languages, learned to play several instruments, sing, and write music, learned to knit, speak before an audience, debate, act, paint, sculpt. All this in addition to receiving an excellent classical education in history, the sciences, math, and English that prepared her for the honors track in high school. I cannot say enough about this wonderful school.

This is a wonderful place. My children love going to school every day and cry on the last day. It gives them so much more than just an education. My children are turning into the kind of young adults that I only though happened in dreams.

My daughter is a living example of the quality results this school produces. After struggling in 3 public and private schools, she entered Da Vinci in the 7th grade. She graduated a confident and mature student ready to enter high school. The individual, one-on-one attention she received is unparalleled. I strongly encourage any parent considering private education to visit Da Vinci and take a tour. This is the gem of an educational experience you''ve been searching for.

This is a little school with a big heart! Excellent service learning opportunities for my children, theater productions, academically engaging experiences, and a music program that has enlivened my children. The love their peers and teachers.