Wait List Policy

This policy is written with the following considerations in mind: fair and timely assessment of applications[1], and creating healthy classes with a view to long term enrolment stability.

Existing Students

Students already enrolled in preschool, kindergarten and grades programs will have first priority in the program recommended by their child’s teacher for the subsequent year. The teacher will consult with parents prior to making this recommendation. This priority does not extend to the Parent & Child program. A complete preschool application must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for preschool.

New Applications

  • Applications for the school year beginning in September are due by March 15, or the next business day, to be considered for available spaces. All paperwork must be complete and application fee paid for the application to be considered. Applications for Tuition Assistance, if applicable, are due April 15.
  • Teachers will review all applications and then schedule an interview. This interview may be conducted remotely for out of town families. For pre-school and kindergarten applications, these interviews will be conducted in April.
  • Teachers will adjudicate all applications and make final determinations. Teachers consider: date application was received, sibling relationship to enroled students, teacher assessment of a child’s readiness for the program, willingness of family to work with the Waldorf philosophy including the media policy, and commitment to Waldorf education.
  • Students accepted into the program will be offered a place in class or be assigned to the wait pool. Acceptance decisions will be communicated in writing via email.
  • Families are required to complete a financial contract and submit a deposit of one month’s tuition within one week of their acceptance to secure their space in class. Unsecured spaces will be opened to the wait pool.
  • Families in the wait pool will be notified as soon as a space becomes available.
  • Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a case by case basis.

Parents in the wait pool and whose applications are under consideration are encouraged to learn more about the Waldorf education and to attend SWS parent education talks and introductory events.

[1] Squamish Waldorf School is committed to diversity and inclusiveness and will not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, national or social origin, gender, language, religion and political or other convictions (Waldorf Education: Diversity and Inclusiveness: A Declaration of British Columbia Waldorf Schools and Institutions).