A Waldorf School in the Okanagan. Between Farm and Forest.

Okanagan Waldorf School is a thriving organization that offers Waldorf education from early childhood to grade eight. Located on a working farm, the School provides strong academics through purposeful experiences in the classroom, in nature, and on the farm. Okanagan Waldorf School is dedicated to providing elementary education that ignites the love of learning and supports children on their way to becoming confident, creative and contributing community members. The Waldorf curriculum, which is rich in hands-on learning, languages, music, and art, strives to engage each child in academically rigorous work. The School provides the children of the Greater Vernon area a place to grow, learn, and be inspired. The culture and the policies are all meaningfully developed in support of the School’s vision of “Enlivened education for the whole child.”

Parent and Child programs are a gentle introduction to the world beyond home for the child (18 months to 4 years old). Up to 8 children and their parents meet together with the teacher. Younger siblings (babies and toddlers) are welcome. We meet once a week in a safe, homelike, nurturing environment.

Our early childhood programs are set in a beautiful environment where a child’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder can be fostered. Through indoor and outdoor free play, meaningful work (setting tables, sweeping, baking bread, gardening), storytelling and singing songs, children begin their education nurtured by their teachers with developmentally based activities.

Our Kindergarten program offers project-based and sensory-rich activities where children learn by “doing.” Each day children spend time playing, working, and exploring outdoors, either on the farm or in the forest. They engage in activities such as baking bread, finger knitting, woodworking, painting, and gardening. Children enjoy listening to storytelling, participating in puppet plays, exploring speech work and practical number sense, and celebrating multicultural festivals.

Our Grades program integrates academic, artistic, and hands-on activities to provide an in-depth understanding of the subjects taught. Students begin each day outside, with a nature walk or farm chores; which is then followed by a 2-hour main lesson, focusing on the core academic subjects. Throughout the remainder of the day, students receive lessons in French, German, Music, Art, and Handwork (knitting, crocheting, felting, woodwork, modeling). Weekly visits to the farm include lessons on sustainable farming, animal husbandry, and gardening.