How to Apply
Hello and welcome to the Berkshires! We’re excited to welcome you to Berkshire Waldorf School, open for on-campus, in-person learning this year. Much of our school day takes place outside (the safest learning environment) – with outdoor classrooms including meadows, woods, the Green River, biodynamic gardens and new outdoor learning cottages.
Fortunately, the state of Massachusetts has prioritized in-person learning this school year. So, with many precautions to preserve health and safety, Berkshire Waldorf School is an “all-weather school” for first grade through middle school, and our early childhood Farm and Forest classes offer outdoor learning for children starting at eighteen months.
BWS 2022-23 school year applications are open now! Click on your child’s program link below to create an account in Ravenna and access our online application. Note: Although our February 1 application deadline has passed, you may still apply for Fall 2022 with our Late Application, with the understanding that spots are limited, and Early Childhood applications received after the deadline will be placed in a wait pool.
For more details about how to apply, scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Early Childhood (18 mos-6 years)
Children are eligible to join our Early Childhood classes (nursery for children 18 months through 3+, and mixed-age kindergarten for children who will turn 4, 5 or 6 during the school year) if they will be at least 18 months old by September 1, 2022. At Berkshire Waldorf School, depending on your child’s birth date, they may spend several consecutive years in Early Childhood, and turn 6 during their final year of kindergarten, prior to joining first grade the following fall.
Parent-Child Garden (4 mo – 3 yrs)
Parent-Child classes are for young children who attend classes with a parent or caregiver. There are three age ranges, 4 months to walking, 1-2 years and 2-3+ years. To register for year-round sessions, visit Parent-Child Garden.
I just want to say how much we’ve loved being part of the BWS community so far—we feel very lucky to have gotten a spot in the kindergarten, which our son absolutely loves. He’s excited about school every day, even with the cold weather.
– Current Kindergarten Parent
First Grade
Your child is eligible for First Grade during the 2022-23 school year if they turn 6 by September 1, 2022. An interview, first grade screening and current teacher’s reference are also part of the application.
Elementary Grades 2-5
Waldorf education is based on each child’s developmental stage, so at Berkshire Waldorf School, your student’s elementary grade level is determined by their birth date rather than skill level. However, for students coming from programs outside Waldorf education, we will also consider each child’s individual experience.
Middle School Grades 6-8
Berkshire Waldorf School’s adventurous middle school program builds on the strong foundation of elementary school, advancing to a high level of personal and social responsibility, accountability, and individual and class expectations.
High School, Grades 9-12
For inquiries and admissions for students ages 14-18 (Grades 9-12) at our affiliated Berkshire Waldorf High School in Stockbridge, MA, contact Admissions Director Samantha Stier at admissions@berkshirewaldorf.com or 413-298-3800.
Discover more about how to apply here.
1. How to Apply to BWS: Meet
Here’s how to get started exploring Waldorf education for your family.
- Reserve your spot at our Winter 2022 live virtual visits, program introductions, and Becoming a Waldorf Parent events. Click on your child’s yellow program button, create an account in our parent portal, and choose from morning or evening events.
2. How to Apply to BWS: Complete an application
2022-23 School Year Application
BWS 2022-23 school year applications are open now! Click on your child’s program link to create an account in Ravenna and access our online application.
- Fall 2022 applications for students 18 months through 8th grade are due February 1, 2022 (it comes up quickly!) so we encourage you to apply today.
Want to Start with an Inquiry?
Get started by creating an account and an inquiry on our parent platform. (Click on the yellow button for your child’s program to go to Ravenna, the BWS parent portal.) This puts you under no obligation, but does make it easier for us to keep in touch. You’ll also be able to register for events there, and you’ll have everything you need in one place, when you’re ready to go ahead with your child/ren’s application to school.
Tuition Cost
- You’ll find 2022-23 tuition rates on our Tuition Information page.
- Early Childhood tuition is based on your choice of days and times.
Tuition Support
- To make Waldorf education a viable option for as many families as possible, BWS offers two generous options for Tuition Support, sliding scale tuition or financial aid.
- If you choose to apply for tuition support, your separate, parallel tuition support application is due March 1, 2022.
School Visit
Once you complete your child’s application and provide any supporting documents (see checklist in Ravenna based on your child’s program), it’s time to schedule your family visit to BWS.
For a complete list of admissions and enrollment dates, visit our school calendar.
3. How to Apply to BWS: Meet the Teacher
After your child’s application materials are complete, we’ll arrange a personal visit with their prospective BWS teacher. (Early childhood students will meet with a member of the early childhood faculty; grades students often meet with their class and a subject teacher.)
ADMISSIONS NOTIFICATION: We’ll do our best to notify you of your child/ren’s admissions status and any tuition support award at the same time. Enroll ASAP to reserve your child’s spot for Fall 2022 – the first day of school is the Wednesday after Labor Day!
Want to learn more?
Please click the appropriate button above to create your account, tell us a little more about your child or children, and begin a conversation. Reach BWS Admissions Director Robyn Coe at admissions@berkshirewaldorfschool.org or reserve a time for a video chat right here. Thanks!
