The Bay School`s mission is to provide an education that engages and nurtures the whole child, inspiring a balanced growth of heart, mind, body and spirit.
We are committed to developing in our students` inner confidence, responsibility, self-motivation, a love of learning, imagination, creativity, and intellectual clarity.
The educational ideals and values of the school, rooted in the Waldorf tradition, create a community of children, alumni, parents, faculty, friends and neighbors imbued with reverence for others and the natural world.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 96 students
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Mar. 1 / Apr. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Language-based and mild-moderate learning differences
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
96 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
3%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
20 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Mar. 1 / Apr. 1 / rolling
% on Financial Aid
45%
Admissions Director
Marcia Diamond
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
School Notes
- The Bay School is one of 900 Waldorf schools worldwide that interpret the teaching of Rudolf Steiner. In establishing the first Waldorf School in 1919, Steiner began an educational movement that follows distinct developmental phases to address the needs of the growing child. A prolific theorist, Steiner wrote extensively on many subjects, and today, students of his broad philosophy are called Anthroposophists, after a term coined by Steiner himself.
- The Bay School curriculum embraces Steiner`s understanding of child development by offering an education that is not simply studied but experienced. Through this manner of education, teachers engender in their students an inner enthusiasm for learning and work, healthy self-awareness, and appreciation for all that surrounds them. Our work centers on the conviction that the human being has a threefold nature: thinking, feeling, willing; to ensure the full unfolding of the child each of the three capacities must be acknowledged and nurtured.
- Practically speaking, this vision is made real by a faculty, specially trained, often very experienced in the disciplines they teach, who are dedicated to the Waldorf pedagogy. Their patience, expertise and constancy produce a motivated, well-educated and secure student body. Teachers strive to present themselves as strong role models, men and women worthy of imitation and trust. The children witness adults who are committed to their wellbeing as well as the world around them. Respect, consideration, thoughtfulness and kindness are essential components of how we teach. Gratitude and compassion combine with academic rigor and an emphasis on the arts to reveal those truly human capacities that will serve the students well their entire lives.
- Students respond strongly to their teachers` dedication and clear standards. As children endeavor and share in a safe, encouraging learning environment, they are guided not to compete against each other but to recognize and champion one another`s strengths and abilities. They also discover their own capacity to produce beautiful work and find satisfaction in the process.
- The Bay School campus itself is very well cared for, yet another way of demonstrating respect for all we have and mirroring the curriculum`s principles. Furthermore, our Waldorf teaching extends to parents as well: the school community is embraced through conversation, parent forums, study groups, and festivals.
- Lifelong students themselves, Bay School teachers regularly study Steiner`s teachings as a faculty and attend Anthroposophic workshops for professional development. The Director and other delegates participate in semi-annual regional AWSNA Conferences. This faculty work helps keep the Waldorf pedagogy both dynamic and well understood by our families and friends. For more information on Waldorf education we recommend a visit to whywaldorfworks.org.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does The Bay School offer?
The Bay School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country and Soccer.
When is the application deadline for The Bay School?
The application deadline for The Bay School is Mar. 1 / Apr. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Mar. 1 / Apr. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 4/22/2021
I am a graduate of the Bay School and could not be more grateful to have gone there. The Bay School laid a strong foundation for the rest of my education and fostered my early curiosity, something which has been invaluable in my life. My connection with my teachers, peers, and community was/remains strong and gave me the support I needed to become independent.
5 8/10/2019
I'm a graduate of The Bay School and full of gratitude for my excellent experience at the school. The academics, extracurriculars, and community were all outstanding, and I was well prepared for success in high school and after.
5 5/16/2019
This is a wonderful school. Children spend a huge amount of time in their school setting and I feel so good about my children "growing up" at the Bay School. The campus is lovely and the faculty are committed. Its a wonderful community to be a part of.
Endorse The Bay School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.