PROGRAMS:

EARLY CHILDHOOD

From toddler steps to Kindergarten wonder, a lifelong love of learning begins here.

At Berkshire Waldorf School, learning in Early Childhood begins with imaginative play, sensory experience, and nature-based exploration. Our programs serve children from 18 months through Kindergarten—providing a joyful, developmentally aligned start to a lifelong learning journey.

With Waldorf education offered through high school, your child can grow from cradle to college within the BWS community.

Growing Up The Waldorf Way

At BWS, children typically spend: 
– Two years in Nursery (ages 3–4) 
– Two years in Kindergarten (ages 5–6)

This age-appropriate rhythm allows each child to experience being both the youngest and oldest in their class—building confidence, social awareness, and a strong sense of belonging.

Learning by Doing

Young children learn best through imitation, movement, and hands-on experience. Our classrooms are filled with natural materials, seasonal stories, songs, and meaningful work. Children bake bread, make soup with vegetables from our biodynamic garden, and care for their environment and one another.

This early rhythm of “learning by doing” lays the foundation for curiosity, collaboration, and joyful learning.

An Indoor/Outdoor Education

Every class has its own designated outdoor classroom—whether it’s the Hairy Beary Woods, Tree Island, or nearby gardens and fields. Children learn in all seasons, connecting to the rhythm of the natural world.

Indoors, classrooms are warm, home-like spaces filled with light, color, and the smell of fresh bread. The dependable daily rhythm nurtures self-esteem, security, and readiness to learn.

Programs Offered

Waldorf education is designed to meet children at each stage of development. Every lesson integrates academic rigor with creativity and movement to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Parent & Child

For Early Childhood age children and their caregivers.

Toddler nursery

For children 24 to 36 months by Sept 1.

Nursery

For children turning 3 or 4 during the school year.

Kindergarten

For children turning 5 or 6 during the school year.

First-Grade Readiness Program

For children turning 6 during their Kindergarten year, we recommend a 5-day full-day schedule to support First Grade readiness.

If a child isn’t enrolled full-time, they are automatically added to our First Grade Ready Fridays program after Spring Break—an additional Friday enrichment designed to prepare them for the next phase of their learning journey.