Davis Waldorf Elementary School is recognized as one the area's best private schools. Starting with our Waldorf parent child classes, children then progress to our play- and nature-based preschools and kindergartens which feature spacious classrooms and large open playgrounds. Our lower school program engages our students physically, emotionally, and socially in order to lay a strong academic foundation.
Our middle school program is academically rigorous with required classes in math, language arts, science, geography, history, Spanish, music, woodworking, handwork, gardening, drama, and physical education. Founded in 1986, we are located on five beautiful acres, three miles from downtown Davis.
Our middle school program is academically rigorous with required classes in math, language arts, science, geography, history, Spanish, music, woodworking, handwork, gardening, drama, and physical education. Founded in 1986, we are located on five beautiful acres, three miles from downtown Davis.
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We are located in North Davis on a beautiful five-acre campus amidst grassy play spaces, gardens, herbs, wildflowers and plenty of shade trees. We serve over 200 children from birth to eighth grade in our parent child classes, preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle schools. Our school offers a developmentally appropriate, experiential and academically rigorous approach to education.
Davis Waldorf School (DWS) was founded in 1986 by a group of parents who wanted Waldorf education for their children. The first kindergarten opened in the fall of 1986 in the living room of a parent's house in Dixon, California. The school soon moved to a temporary site in a farmhouse west of Davis.
Waldorf curriculum unfolds throughout the stages of childhood development to provide a rich, dynamic, and multi-faceted education. In the grades classes, each students' day is filled with different experiences and activities that encourage engagement and development of the "head, heart and hands." A child's day is filled with movement, music, mathematics, composition, drama, storytelling, painting, and creating!
Thank you for considering the Davis Waldorf School! We are located on a beautiful five-acre campus amidst grassy play spaces, gardens, herbs, wildflowers and plenty of shade trees. We serve just over 200 children from birth to eighth grade in our parent child classes, preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle schools.
As Waldorf parents and teachers, we are joining together in a special partnership for the care and development of our children. We invite and encourage you to engage in supporting your child's education. There are many ways this is possible. Learn about and embrace the principles and curriculum of Waldorf Education.
Reviews (15)
Trista S.
Jan 13, 2022
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My son has been attending since preschool and the curriculum encourages social and academic growth. I was looking at some of the other reviews and yes reading is underdeveloped until second grade however they begin in math, memorization and IQ building activities. By third grade the kids all read well beyond the third grade level. My son is in the upper grades now and reads about two grades ahead. The community of parents and teachers are supportive and the kids are not bullies. We had an incident of bullying and the school took it very seriously; they also created a committee to help the child
Erin B.
Oct 31, 2019
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I have three children at Davis Waldorf school and it is by far the best decision I have ever made for them. I know that when they're there they are learning and having the time of their lives. the teachers are caring and treat your children as if they were their own. It is truly the most nurturing school And the music and art program is exceptional. They give each child individual attention that allows them to grow in their own unique way while learning to be decent human beings and truly learning the value of communication between each other. I highly recommend Davis Waldorf school
Richard F.
Oct 10, 2019
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Mary N.
Sep 07, 2019
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Our daughter attends Davis Waldorf, and we are so happy with the education she is receiving. It is giving her a solid foundation to discover who she is as an individual. She is learning to be a good human, in addition to her academics. Waldorf education is bringing her out of her shell, and she is thriving. Such a great community of people that we plan to keep as lifelong friends.
Lindsey K.
Jul 11, 2019
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Christina G.
Feb 23, 2019
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John R.
Jul 23, 2017
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Michelle Byars
Jun 25, 2017
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Tina A.
Jan 21, 2016
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Both of my children have been at the Davis Waldorf School since kindergarten. Initially we were not quite sure what we were signing up for, but we knew that older children that had attended the school could speak to adults in a coherent and mature manner, making eye contact and speaking with clarity and confidence. Each time we met a Waldorf teen, we were impressed with their intellect and demeanor. So, we thought we'd give it a try. Now that our children are in the upper grades, and I can look back on this journey, I can't say enough about this school. We heard grandparents worry that
Justin D.
Feb 13, 2015
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My daughter has been a Waldorf for 3 years and it is by far the most amazing school in the area. I wasn't sure at first because the Waldorf philosophy is different. But after a few interviews and observations my concerns have turned to gratitude. This school empowers each child to be creative and in turn expands the capacity to learn. Davis Waldorf is fantastic!
Jeanne W.
Jul 25, 2012
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My children have received excellent academics in a multi-faceted curriculum that educates the whole child.
Upon transferring into public school in 9th grade, my daughter was ahead in multiple subjects, science, language arts, and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. The school responded quickly to concerns about math not transferring well, and has changed the curriculum effectively.
In addition, she received education in art, music, drama, literature, handwork, woodwork, movement.
Upon transferring into public school in 9th grade, my daughter was ahead in multiple subjects, science, language arts, and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. The school responded quickly to concerns about math not transferring well, and has changed the curriculum effectively.
In addition, she received education in art, music, drama, literature, handwork, woodwork, movement.
Mary N.
Jul 24, 2012
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In my opinion, this is the best school in Davis. My children went all the way through here and have since graduated from College. They look back at their education at DWS with love for the way they were taught and with gratitude to their teachers and us, their parents, for the gifts they received. My husband and I feel that providing our children with a Waldorf education was one of the best decisions we ever made. You can look long and hard and never find a more dedicated and capable group of educators and administration.
Kartheen Y.
Feb 26, 2012
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This school has brought my niece nothing but joy. The teachers and students are kind, knowledgable, unique, enthusiastic, and friendly. ALL of the teachers try to get to know each student individually and treat the kids as If they were their own. The teaching style is creative and fun. The campus is beautiful. This school is wonderful.
Gisela B.
Nov 10, 2011
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This school does not, in my opinion, reflect well on the overall Waldorf method because it is very poorly run and supervised. The principal reigns supreme and makes arbitrary decisions, hiring unprepared and incapable teacher to save money (one assumes) or due to nepotism. The members of the board are in a conflict of interest with the very principal they are supposed to supervise, because their children get tuition breaks from said principal. The school is appallingly badly run. -- That said, some teachers are outstanding and do a wonderful job (especially in Kindergarten) but the overall environment
Teri C.
Aug 10, 2011
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After leaving this school and having my kids tested, I would never go back again. You think your paying to give your kids a head start while passing on the love of learning, come to find out 6 years latter your really crippling them in "this" program. (Test scores showed, child three years behind due to lack of instruction. When child was instructed the scores jumped two grade levels in a 6 month period.)
Davis has incredible public schools, that help children excel academically and have a lot of the same feel as this place, once did.
Check out one great school, Patwin.
Davis has incredible public schools, that help children excel academically and have a lot of the same feel as this place, once did.
Check out one great school, Patwin.
