EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
The Early Childhood Program in a Waldorf School is a time where daily activities unfold in an unhurried natural way where each day follows a similar repeated rhythm. For the young child, especially before the age of 7, this rhythm is essential in supporting and nourishing a sense of security and consistency. In our Early Childhood Program, the daily rhythm and activities brought are based on the understanding that young children learn primarily through imitation and play. Our teachers focus on fostering the imagination and creativity through storytelling, music, outdoor play and artistic activities, These early years and the activities brought will be the building blocksof which all future academic work will be built.
THE ELEMENTARY YEARS
Grades 1-8: The Waldorf Grades Curriculum is based on an established pedagogical understanding of the development of the child. The subjects taught at each grade level are brought in focused blocks over 3 - 4 weeks, during which every morning, the prime focus rotates through the basic disciplines of Language Arts (Reading and Writing), the Sciences, Arithmetic/Math, History, and the Social Sciences of Speech and Drama. In every grade the students create their own “Main Lesson Books” that document their learning and their progress. Depending on the grade, all of the subjects are addressed with increasing expectations of competency and always, the use of story is at the core.
HANDWORK
Handwork in a Waldorf School is more than just artistic activity. It is an education of the hands. From the very first class in first grade, the students’ attention is brought to the fact that our hands are our most useful tool. The relationship between the hand and brain development is well researched and documented, consequently an important tool of education. The density of nerve endings in our fingertips is enormous. When doing activities that use the hand to manipulate, discover and make things, the brain also is taking note and storing information. Rudolf Steiner made certain that Handwork be a separate subject whose intention was to develop the hands over time and consequently the full potential of the human being. Handwork classes are developmentally based, building skill and capacity as the hands and neural pathways develop. Underlying all of this, handwork strives to bring a sense of reverence, stamina, and love for work, while also awakening the creative faculties that foster a feeling for color, form, and beauty.
LANGUAGE
At Gaia School, our journey towards bilingualism is well underway. With a staff of over 90% bilingual or actively enhancing their English and Spanish skills, we're committed to meeting the diverse language needs of our students. Currently, we proudly welcome students and staff from 13 different nationalities, creating a truly multicultural learning environment. Most of our classes are conducted in English, providing a global perspective, while subjects like Gardening, Music and Movement are taught in Spanish to honor cultural connections. To keep progressing, we introduce new strategies each semester, steadily advancing towards full bilingualism. This approach ensures our students receive a dynamic, well-rounded education, preparing them for the complexities of a globalized world. Our comprehensive Spanish curriculum, featuring six dedicated lessons per week, strengthens our dedication to maintaining strong linguistic foundations while fostering a global outlook. Gaia School is not just a place of learning; it's a diverse, inclusive community that celebrates differences and embraces the richness of multicultural experiences.
MOVEMENT
The Movement class at Gaia School is an essential component of our education rooted in the Waldorf philosophy. This class goes beyond physical exercise; it's about cultivating a harmonious relationship between the body, soul, and spirit. Our students engage in activities that promote balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Through dance, eurythmy, and various movement exercises, they learn to creatively express themselves, enhancing self-awareness and confidence. This approach recognizes that movement is not only vital for physical health but also plays a crucial role in emotional and intellectual development. The Movement class, a fundamental aspect of our curriculum, will be taught in Spanish.
GARDENING
At The Gaia School, we hold a special place for Gardening, an integral component of our educational philosophy. Rooted in Rudolf Steiner's timeless Biodynamic principles, our Gardening classes actively involve children in sowing seeds, nurturing plants, and witnessing the magic of growth. This hands-on experience not only imparts practical skills but also fosters a deep connection with the natural world. Through gardening, our students cultivate patience, embrace responsibility, and grasp the profound interconnectedness of all living beings. This seamlessly aligns with our holistic approach to education, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
MUSIC
At Gaia School, we follow the Waldorf educational philosophy, where music takes center stage as one of our most important subject classes. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, emphasized the significance of music in a child's development, and we wholeheartedly embrace his wisdom. He believed that music, as a holistic art form, has the power to nurture the mind, body, and soul of a child. At Gaia School, we take this to heart, recognizing that music serves as a means of harmonizing emotions, fostering creativity, and deepening the connection to one's inner self Our Music class goes beyond the mere acquisition of musical skills; it is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. Through singing, playing instruments, and movement, students develop a strong sense of rhythm, melody, and a profound appreciation for the arts.
School Schedule
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Monday to Thursday |
Friday |
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From 08:30 am to 02:30 pm |
From 08:30 am to 12:30 pm |
- 04th of September - First day of School
- From the 21st of October to the 25th of October - Fall Break
- 28th and 29th of November - Thanksgiving Break
- 16th of December to the 08th of January - Winter Holidays
- From the 10th to the 14th of February - Professional week development (No school)
- From the 14th of April to the 25th of April - Easter Break
- 01st of May - Labor Day (No school)
- 13th of June - Last Day of School
Student Life
The whole human being is nourished here amidst the sounds and sights of the living world and each morning the children lift their voices in song marking the beginning of the day. Older children practice times tables with clapping games and mental math. Smaller hands learn to shape tortillas and chop vegetables harvested from the garden. Students discover numeracy within the pattern of the flute case they are knitting as the naturally dyed yarn tints their fingers with its generous colors. Stories told from the heart, gift the students with rich language and vibrant imagery. Older students will explore the stories further in writing lessons and younger students will re-enact the tales in their play.
In these ways and others, student life at Gaia School reflects the human being’s inseparable connection to the great web of life. Our daily rhythm develops the children’s skills and capacities in relationship with an experiential understanding that the natural world is not something out there to be studied but instead a living reality into which we are inextricably interwoven. Life in its wholeness is our teacher here at Gaia School.
