Potomac Crescent Waldorf School

We have had both of our sons at PCWS for kindergarten and grades, and we have found the school to be a loving, imagination-rich environment, providing the right amount - a lot! - of physical activity, and an emphasis on integrated mind-body-heart learning. This school has nurtured our boys at critical moments and has given our whole family a warm community. When it was time for our eldest son, to transition from preschool to kindergarten, his PCWS teachers helped him thrive, despite challenges from his musculoskeletal impairment. He made crucial gains, thanks to the school's emphasis on outdoor time, physical learning, and caring, personalized attention. The sense of community that we shared with fellow PCWS parents and children is not just a balm, it is a source of joy. We can't say enough good things about this wonderful school.

I highly recommend the grades program at PCWS! Our child started at the school three years ago and, at the time, we didn't know much about Waldorf pedagogy. As a parent, what I've seen is that the teachers at PCWS have an extraordinary understanding of the physical, academic, and emotional needs of the students and integrate that into all aspects of learning. Things like multiplication are taught while jumping rope and building manipulatives so that math facts aren't just memorized, they are wholly understood. I can see that my child is learning perseverance, how to think creatively, make observations, ask questions, and solve problems - skills that aren't widely developed elsewhere. Even though we only have one child at the school, our whole family has enjoyed being part of the community.

This is the only pre-school in Arlington, that fully operates in the Waldorf tradition and teaches with head, heart, and hands. The teachers honor the true spirit of the children and receive them with love, not mechanical curricula. My child couldn't be more loved and cared for in any school in Northern Virginia. He is safe and growing, and we have peace of mind. What more can a parent ask for?

Potomac Crescent Waldorf School is a very special place. The early childhood program provides the children with a true childhood, where they can explore imaginative play, help with work in the classrooms, and create beautiful art. In the grades, the teachers understand where each child is, and tailor their teaching accordingly. They integrate art, painting, stories, movement, and music into the learning so that the children learn their subjects deeply, and they develop many facets of themselves.