Welcome
We are a premiere pre-K to Grade 8 Waldorf school, and we thank you for your interest. To learn whether Waldorf education is right for your family, we recommend that you experience the warmth, spirit and daily rhythms of our school in person. You may want to attend an open house or book a school tour.
Throughout the year, Squamish Waldorf School regularly presents free public workshops covering a range of topics from the benefits of Waldorf education to parenting. We also offer Parent and Child sessions, and several festivals and events that are open to the public.
We invite you to attend one or more of these events to get a sense of the Squamish Waldorf community. Review our calendar for details on upcoming events.
We look forward to meeting your family!
Steps to Enrolment
Enrolment applications are accepted year-round. These are the steps you can expect to take for enrolment with Squamish Waldorf School:
1. Application
The first step to enrolling your child in Squamish Waldorf School is to complete the SWS Application Form:
As of April 1, 2024 and as part of the Child Care Reduction Initiative, there is no fee for submitting an application for our preschool. Please note that a $100 administrative processing fee will be due upon successful confirmation of a spot in the preschool.
Kindergarten & grades applications are subject to a $100 application fee upon submission.
Applications will be processed in a fair and timely manner, with consideration given to creating healthy classes and a view to long term enrolment stability. Applications are accepted at any time of the year; however, applications received after March 15 will only be considered if there is room. Review our Wait Pool Policy here.
2. School Tour
Coming for a tour of the school is highly encouraged in order to get a feel for the school and the programs as well as ask any questions you may have. Preschool & Kindergarten tours are held by the Administrative Coordinator at 9:15am between Tuesday-Thursday. These mainly take place in the January/February preceding the enrolment start date (e.g. Jan/Feb 2025 for a start date of Sept 2025) in time for the teachers to begin building their classes. Grades tours are held by grades teachers at approx. 3:30pm on weekdays. Please contact info@squamishwaldorf.com to enquire about booking a tour.
3. Interview
Upon receipt of the application, the teacher will contact you to schedule an interview. The interview is designed to assist you in determining whether Waldorf education is the best fit for your child, and to build a relationship with the teacher.
4. Acceptance
The teacher will make a decision based on all of the information gathered. This includes the interview with parents and student, with consideration of the development of the child, as well as the social health of the class. At this time we will request supporting documents such as birth certificate, immunization forms (if applicable) and legal residency, which are all required to complete enrolment.
5. Financial Arrangements
Once accepted, a financial contract that details obligations and payment options will be returned to you as soon as possible. The financial contract for each year commences once the Payment Agreement has been signed. The first payment is due on May 2nd of the year they are enrolling in (e.g. May 2, 2024, for a child starting in Sept 2024). Fees are paid in monthly installments, with a discount available for full payment in advance. If needed, families may apply to the Tuition Assistance program (K-8) or for the Affordable Childcare Benefit (preschool).
6. Withdrawal
Please click here for details on our Withdrawal Policy.
Joyous Beginnings Parent & Child
Inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and Magda Gerber, founder of the RIE principle, Squamish Waldorf School is pleased to offer a gathering place for children and their parents who want to discover new ways of being together.
Visiting Students
Parents with children visiting Squamish Waldorf School who will be participating in a class under teacher supervision must fill out one form per child.