The Intangible Value of a Waldorf Education

How Seacoast Waldorf School Enriched the Life of Our Family

by Deirdre McEachern

Sitting at the kitchen table listening to my twelve year old daughter’s seventy-nine year old grandfather share his interpretation of the word “integrity” as she interviewed him before her Knighting Ceremony.  Hearing how my third grade son felt such pride in completing his chores with baby lambs upon his return from a three day overnight camping school farm trip. Everyone knowing everyone’s name on campus -- the eighth graders knowing the first, every teacher knowing every child’s name, not just their own class, the office staff knowing them all equally as well.  These are just a few of the myriad of things that stand out in my memory as I review our family’s time at Seacoast Waldorf School. There are so many more I feel I could fill a book. 

From the very beginning Seacoast Waldorf School was a nurturing environment for my children. I remember dropping off a very anxious little boy  for his first half days of preschool. His teacher took him in her arms every day and let him peek out the window curtains to see me. Later in the morning I would call the school to check on him and the school Administrator would pop into the classroom and reassure me that he was having fun and playing away. We did this routine every day for a month until he settled in and was able to separate without tears. It was so supportive of him and of me as a new parent.

Developing a Love of Learning

Yes, Waldorf Education has prepared my two children for academic success in high school and beyond. My eighth grade son completed the required standardized test for entrance into private school and did very well. He wrote excellent essays and interviewed very well. In fact he was one of only twenty five students admitted to the school of his choice out of hundreds of applicants. I have no doubt my seventh grade daughter will fare just as well when her turn comes next year and they will both do well in high school and college after - because Waldorf Education instilled in them a desire to learn. 

But beyond that, I owe an ever bigger debt of gratitude to Seacoast Waldorf School. Not only have my children learned their reading, writing and arithmetic skills, they have also thrived socially, emotionally and individually.  They have found life long interests in music, theater, art and handwork. They have enjoyed a childhood educational experience full of celebration, community spirit, forest adventure and curiosity, wrapped in fun and very low stress.  Never once, from nursery school to graduation did they say “I don't’ want to go to school today”. In fact, when they were sick I often had to convince them they needed to stay home. What a gift - to love their childhood and their school so much!

Waldorf Education Strengthens Family Bonds

Even beyond the school day the culture of  Waldorf Education permeated our home in wonderful ways. The children say a simple classroom grace of gratitude to the earth at their snack and lunch each day.  Those simple rhymes from the early years became songs as they grew and came home with them.  As with many Waldorf families, it became a tradition in our house every night at dinner to repeat this rhyme or short song as we lit a candle in the middle of our table. It was a simple and lovely routine. It was heartwarming to notice how the songs - and my children’s appreciation for the earth - evolved as they matured. It made for many thoughtful dinnertime discussions on topics from basic farming all the way through environmental conservation policies.  I would be remiss if I didn’t also call out the seasonal Waldorf festivals which loomed large in our house.  We prepared corn bread together for Michaelmas, walked with our homemade lanterns at Lantern Walk, gathered pine boughs for Winter Spiral, decorated elaborate cakes for May Faire and cut up strawberries for the Strawberry Ice Cream Social each year on the last day of school. When my children both graduate, we will all miss these traditions. They have been highly anticipated and much enjoyed hallmark days of our years. 

Seacoast Waldorf School has been such an integral part of our family life since my now teenage children were just toddlers.  Truly it has been the cornerstone of our family life, their education and their childhood.  It's hard not to feel teary at the idea of it ending for them.  It has been a beautiful way to be educated for success in life and more importantly a beautiful way to grow up.  As a parent, I am ever so grateful to have discovered Waldorf Education and to have a wonderful school like Seacoast Waldorf School in our backyard.  My children enter the world of high school and beyond as confident, well rounded, prepared, creative, socially aware young adults with a cornucopia of wonderful skills and memories from their childhood education to carry with them throughout their lives.  What more could a parent ask for?

Deirdre McEachern has been a Waldorf school parent for over thirteen years. Both of her children began as nursery school students at Seacoast Waldorf School and will graduate from the eighth grade in 2021 and 2022.