Boulder Shining Mountain Waldorf School in Boulder is a unique educational institution that offers a holistic approach to education. This school follows the Waldorf education philosophy that emphasizes the development of the whole child – head, heart, and hands – in a nurturing, supportive environment.
Waldorf education is based on the ideas of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who believed that education should be focused on developing a child's creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills. Waldorf schools aim to create a learning environment that fosters a love of learning and encourages children to explore their interests and passions.
At Boulder Shining Mountain Waldorf School, the curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of each child. The school offers a play-based, experiential curriculum for the younger children that focuses on learning through exploration, imagination, and play. As children get older, the curriculum becomes more structured and includes a strong emphasis on the arts, including music, theater, and visual arts.
One of the unique features of Waldorf education is the use of a main lesson block schedule. Each day, students have a two-hour main lesson block where they focus on a specific subject for several weeks. This allows for in-depth exploration of topics and helps students develop a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Boulder Shining Mountain Waldorf School also places a strong emphasis on developing social and emotional intelligence. Students learn to work together in a cooperative, supportive environment and are encouraged to develop empathy and understanding for others.
The campus of Boulder Shining Mountain Waldorf School is located on 12 acres of land, which includes a farm, gardens, and outdoor play spaces. The school's outdoor education program allows students to connect with nature and learn about sustainable living practices.
Overall, Boulder Shining Mountain Waldorf School is a wonderful educational institution that offers a unique approach to education. The school's focus on developing the whole child – head, heart, and hands – provides a nurturing and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. If you are looking for an alternative approach to education, Boulder Shining Mountain Waldorf School is definitely worth exploring.