Parents sharing the process of searching for a school in Greater Philadelphia. What kind of school are you looking for? Charter, public, private, city, suburban?
This is a snapshot of one parent’s school choice. Help other parents–take five minutes to complete an anonymous survey to tell PSS and our readers about your school choice!
What school did you decide on? The Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Calendar year your child will enter 2011/2012
Grade your child will enter 7th
What neighborhood are you in? Fairmount
What schools did you consider? Greene Street Friends, Project Learn
What factors were most important to you? Tuition, Reputation, Teaching Philosophy, School Performance (test scores, success of graduates), Teacher Quality
What first attracted you to the school? The innovative educational philosophy was probably one of the biggest factors. The pedagogy integrates the intellectual as well as the artistic to create a well rounded independent thinker. Two intense hours of “main lesson” in the morning are followed by complimentary fine and applied arts classes that are designed to interweave and overlap the “main lesson” block. The net result is the children are immersed physically as well as mentally in the topic at hand.
My daughter has blossomed in every possible way through this approach, even to the point of getting 99 out 100 on her recent Iowa Test.
What were the critical factors that led to your choice? The strong sense of community coupled with the nurturing of the whole child was very powerful. The academic aspect, sometimes overlooked at Waldorf schools, may be its best kept secret. Because the approach is different than most “mainstream” schools people may not take the time to fully investigate. I speak from experience when I say the approach works and my daughter is happy and loves school. I realized at the end of the year that she hadn’t missed a day…That alone for me speaks volumes.
Did you relocate in order to choose this school? No
On the political spectrum, I consider myself to be Progressive
Please share anything else about your experience Visit the school! Go to an open house. Have your child visit for a day. Everyone is warm and welcoming.
This is a snapshot of one parent’s school choice. Help other parents–take five minutes to complete an anonymous survey to tell PSS and our readers about your school choice!
Len Lipkin
PSS Community
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