The heart of the Waldorf method is that education is an art-it must speak to the child's experience. To educate the whole child, his heart and his will must be reached, as well as the mind.
-Rudolf Steiner
When you visit Shade Canyon School, you are likely to see a lively buzz of activity, where minds, hearts, and hands are joyfully at work: sowing seeds, building a shelter, illustrating a lesson, sweeping the floor, reciting a poem, or sharing a meal with friends. Learning at our small tuition-free charter school is active and engages students in the thinking, feeling, and doing of learning as we nurture young minds, bodies, and hearts.
Head
Learning at Shade Canyon is both rigorous and imaginative. We foster critical thinking and a genuine love for learning by honoring each child’s natural curiosities and interests. Our daily Main Lesson is a blend of storytelling, artistic expression, songs, and poetry that engages students in subjects like math, language arts, and science.
For example, history may be taught through storytelling, helping complex concepts and events come to life for young minds. Students also create and illustrate these stories in their Main Lesson books, which become beautiful, personal records of their learning journey. Our approach aligns with California State Standards while cultivating deep understanding and joy in learning.
Heart
At the heart of learning at Shade Canyon is a profound respect for each child's emotional and social growth. We hire certified teachers who build trusted, caring relationships, fostering a community where students can explore and express themselves freely. Our small class sizes and practices like looping—where teachers remain with the same group of students for multiple years—strengthen these bonds.
Activities in our daily rhythm promote empathy, compassion, and community, such as caring for the classroom environment, partner and small group work, and outdoor play. Unstructured playtime helps build social skills and a sense of belonging, while time spent outdoors cultivates an appreciation for the natural world. By creating an environment where emotions are valued and connections are nurtured, we support students in developing resilience and a strong sense of self
Hands
At all grade levels, children at Shade Canyon engage in hands-on activities such as gardening, cooking, and handwork. These practical tasks are integral to our curriculum, helping students develop fine and gross motor skills while fostering a deep sense of accomplishment. Activities like beeswax modeling, clay sculpting, painting, and woodworking are not merely supplementary—rather, they lay the groundwork for life-long skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and a sense of agency. Additionally, ample time in nature supports both physical and mental growth, providing students with the fresh air and natural environment needed to thrive.
A tuition-free education that engages a child’s head, heart, and hands is possible in Kelseyville. If you would like to join our thriving, child-centered community, enrollment is open for the 2024-25 school year. 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 a 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 🌿
Comments