|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About Waldorf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Madrona School welcomes families and students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin to all of its programs, classes and activities. |
|
|
|
|
|
"The ability to recognize true rigor is
one of the most important achievements in
any education, but it is worthless, even
dangerous, if it is not placed in the
service of some larger vision that also
renders it humane." -- William Cronon
Madrona School and Waldorf Education
Waldorf education is based on the work of Rudolf Steiner, an
eminent Austrian philosopher and educator who helped found the first Waldorf
school in 1919. It is the fastest growing nonsectarian school movement in
the world today, with over 1000 schools in 36 countries, and over 150 schools in
North America.
At the heart of Waldorf education is the understanding of the
child as a developing human being who requires nourishment for inner as well as
outer development.
The Waldorf approach consciously cultivates balance and
integration of the faculties of thinking, feeling and willing. Engaging
the head, heart and hands gives rise to clear, imaginative thinking, a
perceptive and compassionate feeling life and agility and eloquence in movement.
The fruits of the Waldorf curriculum are a deep appreciation of
the human being, a connection to and respect for the peoples of the world, and
an active love for the earth.
Madrona School grew out of a longing by parents to bring this educational
approach to the North
Kitsap area. Today, a combination of teachers, parents, staff, and other
friends collaborate to continue developing the school.
Madrona School belongs to the Association of
Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).
To learn more about Waldorf education and the philosophy behind it, see AWSNA's list of
Frequently Asked Questions. Other resources include
Waldorf Answers and
Waldorf Library.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Mission
Madrona School educates children according to the evolving principles of
Waldorf education, preparing them to engage in the world with creativity and
compassion. We seek to grow as a community of families, connecting to our
greater community through service and education.
Our Vision
We have a long-term vision, which we will revisit every 5 years, to:
- Have stable and full enrollment in single-aged classes, Parent/Toddler
through Middle School, growing to 8th grade
- Excel in mutual communications between administration, parents,
teachers, and children
- Have improved organizational capacity – e.g. staff development, Board
succession
- Enjoy strong relationships with community friends and partners
- Have stable sources of non-tuition funding – e.g. community support,
service business
- Have our own visible site with acreage and access to nature
- Maintain financial accessibility to families who desire Waldorf
education 8. Continue to enhance the educational program – e.g. specialty
classes, special needs
- Be a leader in our community in adult education
Our Community
Families joining Madrona School find opportunities for parent participation in
study groups, fundraising, outreach and site development -- as well as seasonal
and cultural celebrations.
The school attracts families from on- and
off-island, and from all walks of life. A common thread among them is that parents
are making conscious choices for the well-being of their children and family
life. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a school-wide survey conducted in late 2003, parents reported that they
most valued (1) the focus of Waldorf Education cultivating the students' love of
learning, according to a (2) theory of learning addressing the head, the heart,
and the hands.
Among other highlights, mothers reported they felt most connected to the
Madrona community through parent-education events, while fathers said they
felt most connected through School festivals. In an open-ended question asking the
best thing about Madrona School, the top answer echoed loudly: the loving,
creative, committed staff members.
Our Island
For families in the process of seeking a Waldorf school
community, Bainbridge Island (in Washington State) was once a rural island in
Puget Sound, and has developed gracefully with a downtown core of shops and
restaurants. Much of the island retains its rural roots, including over
1000 acres of parks and public beaches and 150 acres in agriculture. The island
is 28 square miles in size with a population of 21,000. Bainbridge Island
is one hour away from the mountains, two hours from the ocean and a 35 minute
ferry ride from downtown Seattle.
School Building
The school makes its home in the Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, at the
corner of Winslow Way and Madison Avenue on Bainbridge Island. The
site includes multiple classrooms and assembly areas and a beautiful fenced
play yard with organic gardens, all in the heart of the downtown Winslow community.
|
|
|
