Whidbey Island Waldorf School has provided a comprehensive, whole-person, arts-integrated education on south Whidbey Island, Washington since 1985. We are blessed to be situated in the midst of a 100-acre forest preserve.
The world is changing. What today`s children need in order to thrive, both now and in the future, is based in creativity, critical-thinking, and collaboration, not memorization, testing, and competition. At Whidbey Island Waldorf School, our students learn to work with others to develop knowledge and wisdom. They learn to express themselves and their ideas clearly, confidently, and creatively. They learn who they are and how to use their strong moral character and will to positively impact the world. They learn to learn, and they love to learn.
Our early childhood, elementary and middle-school programs are designed to meet the needs of children in each phase of their development.
Our school and teachers allow for the creation of a family-like intimacy in the classroom, nurturing each child -- body, soul and spirit -- that they might bring their individual gifts into the future.
Together they journey through an artistically integrated academic program that recapitulates the social and cultural development of humankind, awakening interest in the other.
We also foster individual and social growth by working in a non-hierarchical, collaborative fashion -- Board, Parents and Faculty.
Our efforts create a healthy social life in the school, which is reflected in the activities of the children who bring to the greater community love through human service, beauty through artistic expression and inspiration to light our path into the future.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked WA School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 173 students
- Yearly Tuition: $15,400
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Whidbey Island Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1985
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
173 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
5%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$15,400
Tuition Notes
WIWS offers Tuition Assistance to families from Nursery - Grade 8. Some 35% of our families
receive Tuition Assistance. See our website under Admissions and Tuition for more information.
Tuition varies - Early Childhood offers full days, half days, full week, part time week. Tuition reflects the varied schedule.
% on Financial Aid
35%
Admissions Director
Karina Bergen
Admissions Associate
Amanda O'Banion
School Notes
- We the Whidbey Island Waldorf School community come together for the education of children -- hands, heart and head. Our unique island environment and the school's forested surroundings enliven the experience of learning. Our early childhood, elementary and middle-school programs are designed to meet the needs of children in each phase of their development. The school, teachers and teachings allow for the creation of a family-like intimacy in the classroom, nurturing each child -- body, soul and spirit -- that they might bring their individual gifts into the future. Together they journey through an artistically integrated academic program that recapitulates the social and cultural development of humankind, awakening interest in the other. We also foster individual and social growth by working in a non-hierarchical, collaborative fashion -- Board, Parents and Faculty. Our efforts create a healthy social life in the school, which is reflected in the activities of the children who bring to the greater community love through human service, beauty through artistic expression and inspiration to light our path into the future.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Whidbey Island Waldorf School cost?
Whidbey Island Waldorf School's tuition is approximately $15,400 for private students.
What schools are Whidbey Island Waldorf School often compared to?
Whidbey Island Waldorf School is often viewed alongside schools like Wellington Day School by visitors of our site.
Does Whidbey Island Waldorf School offer a summer program?
Yes, Whidbey Island Waldorf School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Whidbey Island Waldorf School's ranking?
Whidbey Island Waldorf School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Whidbey Island Waldorf School?
The application deadline for Whidbey Island Waldorf School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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The nearest high school, elementary school and preschool to Whidbey Island Waldorf School is Island Christian Academy (4.6 miles away)
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School Reviews
5 3/31/2022
This school is providing something rich and different for children. It feels like an international education in our backyard. We feel lucky to have this place as an opportunity for our children.
5 8/12/2018
We love Whidbey Island Waldorf School. The setting is stunning - 100 acres of forest trust land. We have a Golden Forest Outdoor Kindergarten, and all the kids are out on the land at various times over the course of each week - from Nursery all the way up to Grade 8. Our teachers are wise, giving, able to hold so much, seeing each child for the whole person they are. The community is wonderful too - supportive and inspiring and friendly. Jonah takes all the main lessons in math, english, science, geography, history, etc., and he also takes movement/games, Spanish and handwork (painting, drawing, knitting, crochet, needlepoint, leather work, wood work, clay work, etc). Each student takes music, and each student after Grade 3/4 picks up an instrument, usually violin, viola or cello. So each child is both in the choir, and in the orchestra. Deep and enriching education! Each class puts on a play every year, and there are yearly field trips, sailing trips, archery, orienteering, service and community projects... I could on and on. The education here is truly innovative and made for where we are in history now, and who we are, and who these young people can become. I feel very lucky, and very grateful, to have our child in this school.
5 11/9/2017
We LOVE this school! The setting is absolutely stunning. The community is warm and welcoming. The teachers are incredibly dedicated, and the staff is wonderful. We love our little school in the woods!
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