Frequently Asked Questions
We do. Waldorf education empowers the development of imagination and supports creative play, especially in the younger grades. Students do not use screens in either the early childhood centre or the grade school. High school students use technology as needed for their coursework during the school day; however, they are not permitted to use smartphones in class or during breaks. We ask that adults model personal connections by keeping mobile phones turned off and put away while visiting the school.
Many families choose Waldorf education because they want a low-tech environment for their children. We encourage families to discontinue exposure for young children and significantly limit exposure through the grades. This can be a difficult transition, but we support our families in making this transition and are here to help you create solutions that will work in your home.
Yes. At the Lynn Valley campus, clothing should support children in learning and playing safely and happily. Free movement, warmth, integrity and simplicity are the fundamental principles guiding our non-gender-specific daily dress code. During festivals and concerts, clothing should be tidy and less casual than everyday wear. The dress code is in our parent handbook.
Both our Lynn Valley and Edgemont campuses have a multi-use hall for games, dance, circus, and some PE classes. Students in the upper grades and high school travel by bus to use the Delbrook Community Centre on Queens for sports and PE classes that are not possible on campus.
We operate a school bus that provides transportation for students in all grades to and from school with pick-up and drop-off locations across Greater Vancouver. The bus also serves as a morning shuttle between the Lynn Valley and Edgemont campuses for high school students. We do not currently offer bus service to residential neighbourhoods on the North Shore. For information regarding routing and cost, please contact our Admissions Coordinator (admissions@vws.ca).
Yes. We have wi-fi in the administrative offices, the Red Door Store, and at the high school. The Hall at the grade school has the capacity for wi-fi, but it is disconnected when not in use during markets and fairs.
Visit our Admissions Process page for step-by-step information!
We offer a rolling admissions cycle. Complete applications will be given priority consideration by the Admissions Office. Priority will also be given to siblings of current students and children of faculty and staff.
Acceptance to Vancouver Waldorf School will be communicated by email. Students who have applied for classes that do not have space will be placed into our wait pool for that class and will be notified by email, if and when a space becomes available.
VWS has a very generous Tuition Adjustment Program (TAP) that is based on financial need. Please visit our Tuition & Tuition Assistance page for more information.
Our school follows the developmental philosophy of Waldorf education; therefore, children are grouped into grades according to age as of May 31 rather than the new year.
| Class/Grade | Age by May 31 |
|---|---|
| Preschool | 3 (and toilet trained) |
| Kindergarten | 5* (by December 31) |
| Grade 1 | 6 |
| Grade 2 | 7 |
| Grade 3 | 8 |
| Grade 4 | 9 |
| Grade 5 | 10 |
| Grade 6 | 11 |
| Grade 7 | 12 |
| Grade 8 | 13 |
The adjustment period may vary depending on the student’s temperament, how well they adjust to change, and their grade. Children in the lower grades tend to adapt quickly to the new learning environment and artistic activities. Transitions can take longer for older children and adolescents who may benefit from tutoring in French and private music lessons. Because Waldorf Education speaks directly to the student’s experience and development, they assimilate comparatively quickly when transitioning to a Waldorf school. Our faculty, friendly students, and warm community provide support to each new student.
During the admissions process, we will meet with families to assess whether we are able to meet the needs of any child with special requirements. Applicants for admissions with a diagnosed learning disability and/or current IEP will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Teachers assess student progress throughout the year through various approaches, with the specific assessment plan for each course formally communicated to the students once they are in the upper grades. Grading forms one portion of student assessment, and VWS grading aligns with the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s approach. Teachers report individual student progress throughout the year through written evaluations and parent-teacher conferences and report more generally on class progress and social dynamics in parent evenings. A full report of each student’s progress in all subject areas is provided in the year-end reports.
Many! Parents are vitally important to the smooth functioning of VWS. Our hope is that each parent will find a place at VWS whether that is on the board of trustees, development committee, class reps, festivals, fundraising, class trips, support for the teachers, or organizing parent education evenings.
Opportunities abound for parents to contribute their unique skills and energy to the school community!
At the Vancouver Waldorf School, our students’ health and safety are always a priority and concern. Visit the Health & Safety page to view our statement on immunization.
Students who have obstacles to learning that cannot be met within the regular context of the Vancouver Waldorf School program and curriculum may receive support consisting of Extra Lesson Assessment, Extra Lesson Sessions, Therapeutic Eurythmy Sessions, Academic Assessment, Academic Tutoring (which may include Orton Gillingham Tutoring) and/or English Language Learning Sessions.
We offer After School programs for enrolled students K-6.
