Shade Canyon School offers a tuition-free holistic education for TK-3rd grade students in Kelseyville. Inspired by the core principles of a Public Waldorf education, our program seeks to nourish the whole child and inspire a lifetime of learning. Here are 10 reasons Shade Canyon School may be an exceptional choice for your child.
1. Tuition-Free for All of Lake County
As a public charter school of choice, we are open to all students in Lake County. Our mission to cultivate inspired learners is inclusive of all who seek an education grounded in creative expression and the natural world.
2. Holistic Approach
We honor the gift of childhood and individual human development, in a wonder-filled school setting, by engaging the head, heart and hands with a curriculum inspired by the core principles of a Public Waldorf education. We follow the natural rhythms of the child and the seasons as we integrate arts, music, storytelling, core subjects and ample outdoor time into our daily routine.
3. Diverse & Inclusive Community
Shade Canyon School is a place where all students can thrive. Children and families from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds are welcomed into our close-knit community guided by empathy, compassion and cooperation.
4. Early Learning that Ensures a Smooth Transition to School
School days for our TK and Kindergarten students are structured around rhythms that include routines of gathering and transitioning with song, movement, story, and art. The program is play-based and exploratory with plenty of time spent outdoors and in practical life activities like baking bread and gardening.
5. Small & Personal Setting
The heart of our intentionally small school is the loving and respectful relationship between students and teachers. Beginning in first grade, teachers stay with the same group of students for multiple years giving them time to connect with the children and their families deeply so they can best help students unfold their gifts. These strong relationships enable our students to feel more confident, take educational risks, and enter into the social and intellectual life of the class.
6. Inner Life Growth
We honor the unique spark in each child by cultivating the conditions that allow for individual strengths to flourish. Our holistic approach develops students’ sense of worth and belonging, courage, initiative and personal responsibility.
7. Rigorous Academics that Meet State Standards
We believe students are ready for more rigorous learning from age 7, so our 1st grade and up programs weave reading, arts, music, physical movement, science, social studies and math into our Main Lesson, ensuring that California State Standards are met when the child is ready. Core academic curricula are taught through presentations, writing, reading, recitation, drama, painting, and drawing. This multidisciplinary style, combined with a unit approach, promotes active listening, imagination, memory, and vocabulary.
8. Lifelong Learning
By nurturing curiosity and wonder, alongside the inner motivation to learn, we are cultivating lifelong learners who can think critically, engage authentically, and make meaningful, positive contributions to their community and the world at large.
9. Appreciation of Nature
Our students spend ample time in the great outdoors. Through integrated lessons, gardening, field trips, and imaginative play, students learn to love and honor nature. We also bring the outdoors inside by using natural materials in our classrooms that engage students' senses such as wooden furniture, watercolors, natural fiber toys, clay and modeling beeswax.
10. Events, Field Trips & Fun
Families are invited to celebrate the natural rhythm of the school year by participating in traditional seasonal Waldorf festivals like the Festival of Courage, Winter Spiral, Candle Making and May Faire. We also foster connections to our larger community by leading monthly field trips to favorite places like local farms and state parks.
Shade Canyon School is joyfully growing by one grade each year through eighth grade. We are currently enrolling TK-3rd grade students for the 2024-25 year. We would love to chat with you about the possibilities that await your child at Shade Canyon School. Contact us at 707-245-7757 or visit our enrollment page to get started.
About Shade Canyon School
A tuition-free education based on the core principles of the Public Waldorf philosophy is now possible for the children of Lake County. Conveniently located in Kelseyville, Shade Canyon School provides a holistic, arts and outdoor play-based learning program that engages every student’s head, heart and hands. Our small, inclusive school setting nurtures strong relationships and community as we grow the whole child. Enrollment is currently open for TK-3rd grade students for the 2024-25 school year. Come grow with us 🌿
Комментарии