Policies for Children with Learning Difficulties
Waldorf education is artistic, interdisciplinary, multi-sensory, academic, practical, and social. Our curriculum unfolds according to the educational and emotional needs of the child’s developmental stages.
The foundations for working with a challenging curriculum in the middle and upper grades are laid in the in the Children's Garden, in the early grades, and in the home. Academics are strengthened and deepened in the middle grades.
Social skills are expanded and individual responsibility is encouraged. In the high school years the education builds on good work habits and emphasizes creative, independent thinking. Throughout, parental support of Waldorf education plays an essential role.
We consider a student’s history and development, emotional and social well-being, health and sensory organization, intelligence, and academic stage in determining whether he or she can be best served at the Washington Waldorf School.
Parents are required to provide the school with all reports and documentation of any conditions that may affect their child’s ability to learn. We may require, at the parents’ expense, testing or assessments that will help the teachers better understand the student’s particular learning challenges.
Students are expected to fulfill their academic requirements. Some students may need outside professional support, such as tutoring, at their parents’ expense.
Our educational practices may not serve the needs of some students with learning difficulties. We cannot serve students who require a high level of individual instruction, are unable to control their impulses, or who present ongoing behavioral problems.
We are not able to serve students whose needs conflict with our pedagogical approach or overextend our staff.
