My son completed first grade this past year at Ashwood and had a wonderful experience. I find the teachers to be amazingly caring and committed to their work and the structure of Waldorf education is remarkable. The classrooms are beautiful and the campus is nestled in nature.With attention paid to the seasons there is this wonderful rhythm to the year. They are outside every day and I distinctly remember needing to pick him up early one day and waiting in the parking lot as his whole class (with a racing teacher at the head) came careening down a hill with their faces pink with effort. My son has many sensory challenges and just through the type of learning that they do many of his needs are met. They are up out of their chairs for a good part of the day--they have movement class which is active and handwork which is calming. They have painting and French. They learn their numbers and letters at their desks but also through circle games and chants. Their teacher is creative and funny and really inventive in the way that he presents the material. There are two parent conferences a year that are in depth and not rushed. There are parent evenings at least 4 times a year where we gather and learn more about each other and what the children are learning. There is opportunity to really become close with the parents and be involved in the classroom. The only downside I see is the cost. We have 4 children and I would like to send them all. Even with full tuition assistance it would be unattainable. I do see that the administration is doing their best to find ways to make it more affordable for more families so I am hopeful that by the time all our kids approach school age there will be a way to make it happen. read more

As a single mom of two children who attend Ashwood Waldorf School, I give it high marks. My children's teachers invest great care in learning of their students' needs, and in providing attention, sensitivity and specific focus to insure that the children learn according to their own pace and ability. I had never understood the Waldorf approach before my son began 1st grade at Ashwood, but have come to appreciate it more and more each year. The focus on head, hands and heart offers a balanced education, enriching the students socially and spiritually while enlarging their academic learning. The emphasis on the arts has been a wonderful help to their learning. I, too, have gained a great deal as I've interacted with the Ashwood community, and treasure my contacts there with administration, faculty, parents and students. As in any school, there are always things to work out and learn from, and no one school is right for every child. That said, I'm as grateful as I can be that Ashwood has been the right fit for my son and daughter. read more

I have two children in this school and am continually amazed at the quality of education in the Waldorf model. My children are thriving and blossoming. It was once described to me that Waldorf is "child development-focused" versus Montessori's model as being "child-focused." It's possibly an oversimplification, but is a useful distinction. For us, Waldorf education has helped meet my kids at their stage of development and nurture the whole child. The older generation is always very impressed with my kids' manners and poise, something I attribute fully to their education in this wonderful school and this lovely, supportive community. read more

Our daughter will graduate next year after 8 years learning from engaged, dynamic teachers propelled by strong academic-driven curriculum in a beautiful natural setting. Ashwood has well-prepared her and her classmates for the academic and social challenges of high school and life beyond. Go and see for yourself the incredible Ashwood Waldorf School. "A Walk Through the Grades", offered several times throughout the school year, allows you to visit all the grades to see teachers and students in the classroom. read more

My son is in a mixed 2nd/3rd grade class and our family has found it to be a wonderful learning environment; one that is academically challenging without ignoring the importance of the arts. He is learning with his whole body and not bound to a desk all day. The school is located in a beautiful spot in Rockport. The teachers are creative and inspire the children to do their best. The more I learn about Waldorf education, the more satisfied I am that we made the right choice in where to send our son. read more

Our daughter recently graduated from Ashwood and we cannot say enough positive things about this school. Her classmates and their parents as well as her teacher became like our second family. Now that she's in public school, she stands head and shoulders above her classmates who were not able to attend Ashwood. Truly an unbelievably wonderful educational experience. We miss it!!!! read more

I was not at all satisfied with this school for my daughter. There is a lack of communication, integrity, and leadership. Without warning my daughter was dismissed. The teacher was not briefed on the policies. No one was brave enough to stand up for this act of discrimination. The tuition money that I prepaid was not returned. read more