A Waldorf School of DuPage alumna fondly remembers her time at the school, emphasizing the importance of nature, creativity, and hands-on learning. “The school didn’t find its true home until I was in 6th grade, but no matter where we were, it was always a priority to have a nice space for play in nature—recess forests, outdoor activities, etc.,” she shares. Her early connection to nature had a lasting impact, and it continues to shape her life today.
She values the school’s focus on creativity. “I really like that the school emphasizes different disciplines and creating things with your hands,” she recalls. Her memories include crafting with beeswax, drawing, carving wood, and learning handwork skills like knitting, crocheting, and sewing. One of her favorite experiences was the 3rd grade farm block, where she raised animals and grew a garden—activities that fostered a deep connection to nature.
As a member of the first-ever 1st grade class at Waldorf, she grew up in a small, close-knit class, forming lasting friendships. “I’m still very close with Emily. I met her in preschool when we were 2. I was literally texting her yesterday,” she laughs. The class, typically consisting of 5-12 students, made for a unique and supportive learning environment. Her teachers played a significant role in shaping her positive experiences. “I had the same teacher from 1st to 3rd grade,” she says, “but my 4th-grade teacher (Mr. Barlow) was FANTASTIC. He taught us fractions with pizza and baked us cookies.”
Transitioning to High School
Transitioning from a small Waldorf school to a large public high school was challenging. “It was hard to go from knowing a handful of names to having to know 800,” she admits. Despite the adjustment, her Waldorf education prepared her for critical thinking, which helped her navigate high school’s academic demands. “I didn’t feel at the same math level as my peers, but I had the critical thinking skills to manage high school classes,” she explains.
Waldorf’s Influence on Family Life
Now a full-time stay-at-home mom, this alumna continues to carry the Waldorf philosophy into her family life. “I was a director for Customer Success,” she shares. “When I was pregnant with my oldest I didn’t want to return to full-time, in-person work so I found a remote-first career and did very well working from home while also being with my kids. For a long time, I was raising them all and working from home. I’ve been a full-time stay-at-home mom for about a year now due to a lay-off, and it is nice to watch all 4 without also juggling work for the moment."
Their family intentionally avoids excessive screen time. “Literally everyone I know now, their kids have tablets,” she says. “We do not give much media time. I just flew to New Jersey with all four kids, and they did great on the plane without tablets!”
Instead, the family enjoys activities like reading, singing, coloring, and imaginative play. “We try to have as many wooden toys as possible,” she says, though admits they have a few toys that beep and flash. They also spend a lot of time outdoors, visiting playgrounds and enjoying nature. “We purposefully bought a house with a walking path, and we have a big backyard,” she adds.
Waldorf Today
When asked how she’d describe Waldorf to a parent, she sums it up: “Waldorf is about holistic learning, connecting with nature, and allowing kids to be kids, away from constant media exposure.” She continues to embrace the school’s values by bringing her children to school festivals like Mayfaire, Harvest Fest, and Elves' Market, and appreciates the vibrant community, colorful atmosphere, and strong music program. Her children also love coming to Camp Waldorf here, at WSD! In fact, it was one of the most requested activities this summer.
Her Waldorf education continues to influence her approach to family life, creating a legacy of creativity, nature, and love of learning that she’s passing on to her children.