Our older son (now 14) graduated from BVWS last year, having been here since his early years. Looking back, we're amazed at how the school shaped him -- not just academically, but as a whole person. He left with a strong foundation in math, science, and writing, but also with creativity, confidence, and a deep sense of compassion. The combination of academics, arts, music, and hands-on learning really gave him a well-rounded education that will serve him for life. Our younger son is now in middle school at BVWS, and he is thriving. Middle school can be a tough transition, but the small class sizes and dedicated teachers make such a difference. He feels seen, supported, and challenged in ways that bring out his best. The curriculum balances academic rigor with opportunities for growth through orchestra, theater, outdoor education, and practical projects -- things that keep him engaged and excited about learning. What stands out most is the sense of community. BVWS feels like an extended family where teachers, parents, and students truly know and support one another. It's a nurturing, values-based environment that helps children grow into capable, compassionate young people. We're grateful to have found a school that educates the head, heart, and hands -- and we would highly recommend BVWS to any family looking for something more meaningful than a traditional school experience. read more

This is not a review disparaging BVWS. It is about the lack of transparency and consideration my family and I were given through the application and enrollment process. My daughter is no stranger to BVWS: she attended in early childhood and has spent a couple of summers there and loved it. When I reached out to the admissions director, (s)he expressed that my daughter would be welcome back and that there was space for her, so I submitted an application and she did a 3-day shadowing. To my surprise, my daughter's application was rejected. I spent several months trying to get a clear answer as to why, unsuccessfully. The following is a summary of events post-shadowing. My husband and I met with the teacher who discussed my daughter's shadowing experience and stated multiple times that (s)he "saw no red flags". I then asked questions about the founder's philosophy including topics that touched upon racism and how they have evolved, as my husband and I come from diverse backgrounds. The teacher answered them with openness and transparency, which further solidified my decision to send my daughter there. A week later, I receive an email, "after careful consideration...we do not feel that (student) is a good fit for our program." I requested a meeting to better understand the decision and sent numerous follow-up emails over the next 2 months to which I received no response, or the admissions director was sick, out of town, or catching up on work. Upon finally setting a meeting, I mentioned that I had emailed the teacher to get more specific feedback regarding my daughter's experience and if (s)he could be encouraged to respond. The response from the admissions director: "to be clear, I will be talking you through the application process...but not discussing re-opening the process". I thanked them and wrote, to "make sure I'm understanding correctly - you will not ask (teacher) to give me information about my daughter, nor will you speak about her experience at BVWS," to which I received no reply. On the call, the admissions director explained that the enrollment process was a collaborative, complicated and nuanced process. It included not just the teacher's opinion, but also input from ALL the Grade teachers, consideration on the age and maturity of the class, and the fact that the teacher is new to Waldorf teaching. If that were the case, then the shadowing, which caused disruption for everyone involved, was pointless and in fact, no new student could join. My insistence on following up was to have an opportunity for an open and transparent discussion regarding my daughter's application. If the teacher had told me during our debrief that (s)he felt the class dynamic with my daughter was not right, I would have respected the opinion. Funny that while my daughter attended BVWS there had never been any concerns raised. I can only deduce from the lack of response and transparency that this decision had less to do with my daughter and more about the questions I raised during our meeting with the teacher. In my last email after our final call, I expressed my hope that this experience be shared with the faculty and board as a learning experience and that I would always be open to dialogue. Since I never received a reply, I assume this issue had been swept under the rug. Though I know no big change will come of this, this experience will serve as a lesson when my daughter is older so that she may learn to advocate for herself with awareness and discernment. BVWS states they support DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and boasts that it cultivates a welcoming, inclusive community. A few qualities of inclusive leadership include fairness and respect, collaboration, empowerment and growth, and emotional and cultural intelligence, none of which I received. It is a shame that fear and avoidance of tough questions will now directly impact a 7-year-old's education. DEI has become very trendy in the past few years but simply taking a training without putting the principles into practice is not enough. Let's do better for our children and set the examples we want to teach them, not just have empty words on a website. That is when you muster the courage to step forward, not back. read more

My kid attended the early childhood program for less than a day before the teacher started raising questions on her ability to transition and adapt to their "rhythms". We were willing to work with them to help guide them and support them in the process. But the teacher was incompetent and unwilling to support my child. The teacher was not available at pick-ups to speak to about my child's day and we had to set up meeting times for discussions, which is a lot for a kid in a preschool program. They were extremely unkind and unwilling to support my child with the transition and were complaining every day for a week before enrollment was terminated. Understand that young kids take time to adapt, and expecting a 3 year old to adapt to a new place, new faces and a new routine in less than a week is quite unreasonable. We lost a steep enrollment deposit of $1500. The teacher and the program seem untrained and incapable of handling children with special needs, and also culturally insensitive. Its unsurprising that the children attending the school are 100% white. Despite the claim that the program had a flexible schedule allowing kids more time to explore and learn through play, they were quite unwilling to be flexible. I would not recommend BVWS. read more

We love the Boulder Valley Waldorf School! Our daughter started here when she was 3 Years Old in the preschool program. Since attending, her imagination has grown tremendously as well as her independent play. read more

We love this school! It's on a beautiful, spacious, and nature-filled campus. The teachers are incredibly dedicated and kind. And our child comes home happy. The kids spend a lot of time outside, their imaginations are nourished, and their social skills are practiced. We're so happy that we found BVWS. read more

We love Boulder Valley Waldorf school! My daughter started here for middle school during the Pandemic. Her teacher is amazing. After feeling lost in a huge public elementary school, she is receiving such personalized instruction and care. We love the community we have found as well. Highly recommend!! read more

BVWS is a warm and inviting community of families. Children can attend from preschool to 8th grade. We have children in both the preschool and the grades and couldn't be happier. Our children thrive on the beautiful campus and spend a lot of time outside exploring. The teachers are thoughtful, caring, and intuitive - teachers see the children as a whole being with needs beyond academics (but the academics are also solid). The parent community is also welcoming and active. read more

I love this school! There is no way to adequately express how wonderful this school is. The faculty and staff are top notch and there is a sincere caring and nurturing for my children. I am amazed at how much my children are learning academically and the wonderful art projects they are constantly bringing home. Currently I have a 2nd, 4th, and 6th grader enrolled at the school so I can see how things they learn in the earlier grades are incorporated into the learning in the later grades. I see how essential it is to really experience this type of schooling from kindergarten through 8th grade. There is a real push towards farming and sustainability at the school right now and I can see how over the next few years it could blossom into something quite special for the children and the community. read more

Boulder Valley Waldorf School was established in 1993. It is a small, private, non-profit school located on a unique 38-acre campus in Niwot, Colorado. They offer world class education for the Parent and Child, Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary as well as the Middle School aged child. Their developmentally age appropriate curriculum allows children to grow and learn at their own pace which better prepares them for a lifetime of academic success and inspiration. What I love most about the Boulder Valley Waldorf School is that my child goes to school happy and I pick her up happy. The tuition is affordable, the staff is highly qualified & the community is friendly, down to earth, and easily accessible. I do not mind the drive because the school farm setting is very calming for the nerves. Call or email Ruth Godberfforde for a tour: (303) 652-0130 enrollment@bvwaldorf.org read more

Shepherd Valley Waldorf School is a Whole-Child Academy. In looking for a preschool for our first child, and touring all types- public and private- I felt that even Montessori, with its child-focused individualized learning could not allow the natural development of many aspects of a child. I wanted an environment that would encourage my child to know her own essence and value as well as her ABC's. Shepherd Valley Waldorf School nurtures the whole child in ways that I did not think were possible in this country at this time. Incredible teachers pay attention to so many aspects of the child. The curriculum is not solely based on test scores, so teachers can teach life skills, rather than factoids. The teachers and staff are truly devoted to the welfare of the children. The preschool environment is extremely calm and supportive. It allows children to grow their social, physical, and imaginative skills without feeling constant pressure to perform. At Shepherd Valley, children can be themselves and grow into their talents together. Preschool emphasizes art, storytelling, vocabulary, simple living, respect and honor for themselves and their spirits. These are integral parts of the Waldorf experience. Respect for all life; the joy of connection to the land; knowing one's deserved place in the world- Shepherd Valley implements these tenets very well. It makes for happy, secure and well-adjusted children. Less exposure to the negativity in the media allows the children to cultivate joy and top-notch academic abilities all through middle school. It is a joy to be alive, and at Shepherd Valley, the children know it. You will see it in the faces of the students- even the middle schoolers. They are extremely competent and confident in their ability to master their world. My 4-year old loves her time at school and I can see, even now, that she is seeing the world and herself in very beautiful way. Shepherd Valley is the above-and-beyond choice that I didn't think I would find so close to home. I wish I'd known about the Sweet Pea parent-tot program! read more

We love this school!!! Our son has the most caring and loving teachers. He has grown so much and really blossomed after going here for a short time. I really feel like that can be attributed to the community that is built at BVWS. I especially love all the time that he spends out side. read more

A fantastic school. We have been very pleased. Now they have a new tuition structure that makes it a lot more affordable, as well. The Waldorf approach really works for us. They teach students how to think for themselves. I think the world needs more Waldorf grads! read more

Our daughter is in the early childhood program and she loves it. She commonly tells me she wishes it was a school day on days she doesn't attend. The program provides much more outdoor time than any other program we looked into and overall we are very happy with the school. read more

Boulder Valley Waldorf School is an incredible place. I have 2 boys that attend and I feel both children are really challenged to grow as people and scholars. The teachers wealth of knowledge in regard to child development as well as their dedication to providing a multi sensory approach to learning is wonderful. The rich foundation in a full liberal arts curriculum with handwork, arts, music, and practical learning ensures that my children do not need to spend their after school hours developing their interests and talents. In addition the dedication to not only ensure that my children have a well rounded academic education but are also developing a strong moral compass and social etiquette. There is a strong community of families who support each other. read more

Our daughter has been going to this school (now Boulder Valley Waldorf School) for two years and we love it! We love the individual attention and care that each child receives in her class, the close relationships that develop between children, teachers, parents and kids. It it not just a school, it is a community! The campus is beautiful with lots of space to be outdoors, and a neighboring farm where kids spend time helping and learning about farming. We appreciate the Waldorf curriculum for maintaining a low-stimulus, nurturing environment, where kids are allowed to be kids, and allowed to develop at their own pace. There is no academic testing or pressure to perform or compete, and classrooms are an environment of creativity, collaborative learning, and fun. read more

Our family feels very blessed to be part of the BVWS community. Our daughter loves going to preschool everyday. The teachers are phenomenal, the classrooms and play yard are beautiful and inviting. The emphasis on nature and imagination has been profound, and our daughter brings this home to share with us. read more

A great small school in Niwot, CO. The kids work hard in the classroom studying two languages, string instruments, math, science, practical arts, gardening, painting, drawing, music--the Waldorf curriculum is extensive and impressive. The school is fortunate to be located on a large parcel of land that weaves seamlessly into the life of the school: there are wonderful outdoor festivals in spring and fall, and the kids spend a lot of time out of doors playing, enjoying sports and taking care of the land. We began at this school five years ago in kindergarten and haven't been able to tear ourselves away! The teachers are gifted and enthusiastic. The parents are energetic and devoted. We love it here. read more

Boulder Valley Waldorf School - 3rd graders planting a 3 Sisters Garden - Elementary Schools Near Me - Niwot, Colorado

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In the course of a school week my 11 year old:   plays cello, plays in the orchestra, plays the recorder, sings in class, sings in choir, is taught painting, draws complex geometric forms, learns German, learns Chinese, is taught movement, writes book reports and poetry, goes sledding, plays hide and seek on the 38 acre campus, knits socks, learns geometry by studying Thales and measuring shadows on campus, draws maps of the US, studies ancient Greece, rehearses for his class play, and prepares for the pentathlon in May.   My experience with the teachers is that they are dedicated, committed, and extremely knowledgeable.   My son's classroom teacher -- actually, all the 6 or so teachers that instruct my son -- intimately know my son (how he learns, what motivates him, what stops him, etc...) and the classroom feels like family.   Needless to say, I love this school and I am very satisfied with the quality of my son's education.  I cannot emphasize this enough: it is worth every sacrifice we make to send him to Shepherd Valley. Also thrilled about the new farm/orchard initiative happening at Shepherd Valley... The 100 or so chicks are well tended in their new coops, and the planting of fruit trees, raspberry bushes, asparagus, etc is planned for early spring.  I am happy my son and the community at large get to deepen our connection to the land. read more

We have one child who has been in the Early Childhood program for 2 years and another in the grade school. We love this school for many reasons, the teachers are wonderful, straight forward, loving and give great advice. The community of the school is close and supportive. The festivals are a beautiful way to mark the seasons. I love that they focus on the whole-child and not just teaching to the test. the campus grounds are gorgeous and the children get to spend so much time in nature moving their bodies. Both my children are experts for dressing for the ever-changing Colorado weather. My child in grades is thriving in his math and inquiry skills and has such a creative mind that has been improved by the Waldorf approach to teaching. The affordability of the school makes it feel a bit more diverse. I am so thankful for their tuition model so that my children can have the opportunity to attend! read more

Waldorf can be a great and beautiful philosophy, but in our experience this was not a great Waldorf school. We experienced issues with bullying, exclusivity within the larger school community, a lack of academic challenge in the higher grades, as well as a lack of recognition for the necessity to address special academic needs in the classroom. I would recommend you visit often and proceed with caution. Be sure this is a good fit for your family before you throw away thousands of dollars on an ideal which in this school did not exist for us. read more

We love this school! Our child is thriving in this rich early childhood curriculum. The teachers love their work and their passion shines through in all that they do. One aspect of SVWS that we love is the focus on play. In the early childhood program, the children spend so much of their time in creative, unguided play. They have a good long outdoor playtime session daily that often involves a walk through the 38 acre campus to visit the pigs, check on the chickens, look for owl feathers or to watch a praying mantis that they might happen upon. Studies tell us that children at this age need to discover their world through play and SVWS allows this to happen. read more