[pixiewytch]

I went to our local Waldorf school's open house this weekend and fell absolutely in love with it. Some of you may remember my threads about homeschooling. Someone here wisely suggested that I attend an open house and I'm so glad I did. I came to some new conclusions about Waldorf. I know now that I can't comfortably replicate a homeschooling scenario with all of the components I liked about this school, not to mention the "worldliness" and expertise of the instructors I talked to. A heavy decision weighs on us though.<br><br>
We live in Fl and were planning to move this year to the country, probably in NC. We want to buy affordable land and build an offgrid yurt, dome, or other modest housing. The problem is that we can't do that here in Fl. Land prices are outrageous. The places where we can move to do this do not have any waldorf schools. I know there are plenty of waldorf inspired charter schools and such, especially in the Asheville area. I've done the research. I just don't feel like this is what I want. I've been reading a lot of waldorf books lately and after visiting the school I really want our children to have the full experience, not homeschooling, or another watered down version.<br><br>
So what do we do? Would you sacrifice your own dreams to put your kids in the perfect waldorf school? I forgot to mention that my husband works less than five minutes down the road from this school. It's just that right now we rent, housing is astronomical here, and our ultimate goal is to live mortage free so my husband can quit his burnt out career or at least do something less stressful part time. If we put our kids in Waldorf this won't be feasible.<br><br>
I know that nobody can make my decision but for those of you who already have your kids in waldorf schools, looking back, what would you do? What sacrifices have you made and do you regret them or are you satisfied? Should I just make a compromise and accept something that meets halfway like a waldorf inspired curriculum so we can pursue our other goals or should we stay with something that seems so right? I'm just confused.

 

[Deborah]

That is a very difficult decision. Or actually decisions, because there will be multiple decisions involved.<br><br>
Do you feel a strong connection to this particular school, or would any good waldorf school do? If a different waldorf school would work, then you have a lot of possible places to move to and a lot of lifestyles to choose from.<br><br>
How old are your children? Do you have time to try to sort things out?<br><br>
What other career options are available to you and to your husband? Have you considered a broad range of what you might be able to do to earn a living?<br><br>
Take your time. Consider other possibilities in all directions.<br><br>
Good luck!

 

[pixiewytch]

Yes, I did feel a connection with this particular school. I liked the environment, the experience and enthusiasm of the teachers, and the proximity to DH's current job. I don't know how closely other waldorf schools resemble one another. Maybe someone else here can answer that for me.<br><br>
I forgot to mention that I found out my son is eligible for a scholarship because he is in special needs for speech right now. That means most or all of the tuition would be paid for at least this year if I choose to enroll him.<br><br>
I don't feel like we have a lot of time to sort it out because DS is already five and due to start kindergarten this year. We were really planning on homeschooling for a year or maybe longer but after this weekend and finding out about scholarship options (which are exclusive to the state we live in now) I feel like we may be switching gears.<br><br>
As for career options I have DD at home now, 5 months old, so I'm definitely not planning on working right now. DH does photography on the side and gets paid gigs now and again but certainly not enough to mimic what he makes now as an engineer.

 

[Deborah]

Well, signing up for one year doesn't lock you into anything long term. I'd go for it, particularly with the scholarship being available and all that.<br><br>
Put it out into the cosmos that you need some help figuring out where you go from here!

 

[muse]

hi again, i just replied to your other thread. I just wanted to say that I don't see homeschooling as watered down waldorf at all. In fact for kindergarten, quite the opposite. When ds was in waldorf they followed a lovely rhythm, did lovely activities, etc, but meanwhile our own family/home rhythm was thrown off by taking him to and from school, feeling disconnected from him, dealing with peer influences, and having a cranky tired kid coming home! Since having him home I feel much more connected to waldorf in terms of rhythm and he has been able to sink into the arts and crafts more deeply in a one on one or small group situation. I also know my son much better than any tecaher, whatever their expertise.<br><br>
It's hard sometimes because waldorf looks so beautiful aesthetically and we feel we can't possibly live up to that. But IMO nothing is more important to a small child than home.<br><br>
All that said, the school sounds lovely, and you should trust your gut on this.

 

[Leersia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>muse</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7942387"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">hi again, i just replied to your other thread. I just wanted to say that I don't see homeschooling as watered down waldorf at all. In fact for kindergarten, quite the opposite. When ds was in waldorf they followed a lovely rhythm, did lovely activities, etc, but meanwhile our own family/home rhythm was thrown off by taking him to and from school, feeling disconnected from him, dealing with peer influences, and having a cranky tired kid coming home! Since having him home I feel much more connected to waldorf in terms of rhythm and he has been able to sink into the arts and crafts more deeply in a one on one or small group situation. I also know my son much better than any tecaher, whatever their expertise.<br><br>
It's hard sometimes because waldorf looks so beautiful aesthetically and we feel we can't possibly live up to that. But IMO nothing is more important to a small child than home.<br><br>
All that said, the school sounds lovely, and you should trust your gut on this.</div>
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I really agree with this post. I just started a thread about the fact that my ds is bored in his Waldorf preschool, and I have decided that HSing is definately a better option for us. I was very taken with our school at the open house I went to, and I still believe that it is a wonderful place, but if I had the opportunity to live off the grid and other great things that you described, combined with HSing or a Waldorf charter school, I would choose that over a particular Waldorf school. Things you don't pick up on at the open house: CONSTANT fundraising that you will absolutely be inveigled into, tired, cranky kid who has spent the day away from you, problems with other kids who send their kids to the school for very different reasons than you do, an educational approach that may not be that well suited to your child, etc.<br><br>
I'm not trying to pop your bubble, I agree that if you can try the school out for a year, you will have a better idea if it is worth giving up your dreams for. . .

 

[MissPriss]

I face a some what similar delima but my dd is only 5 months old so I have time... (sort of)! Homeschooling however is not an option for me becuase I work at home.<br><br>
I realize the Waldorf schools are amazing and can scare the most devoted mum from homeschooling but there are some great resources for mums who use Waldorf in the home.<br><br>
Also ask yourself a few questions:<br><br>
1) If your dc falls in love w/ the school can you afford to send him all the way thru w/o the scholarship? (better to have the $$$ and not need it than year 2 or 3 need it and the scholarship is not there.)<br><br>
2) When your dd is of age, will you be able to afford sending them both?<br><br>
3) Your dh staying in a unhappy job is noy good for the long run... what other options are there for him work wise if you stay?<br><br>
4) Waldorf personally appears to be an "quality education", how will sending your dc that particular Waldorf school affect their "quality of life"<br><br>
No need to answer these questions here just some to think about.<br><br>
btw - I have visited 4 Waldorf schools and though the campus may vary the "meat" of why many love Waldorf school are the same from one school to the next.<br><br>
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR DECISION.