Westside Waldorf School

🌊Our nursery classes have been making waves with their final handwork project of the year: felted fishes! 🐠✨ The nursery classes, ages 2.5 to 4, have been busy wet felting vibrant wool around a round form, carding and stretching colorful fins, and (with teacher guidance) sewing wide mouths to create these adorable sea creatures.🐟 Much to the surprise and delight of the children, their masterpieces were showcased this morning on the class nature table (and hung above the kitchen) surrounded by nautical treasures, sending our young ones off to summer in celebration of their hard work. ☀️🏴‍☠️ They’ve also been diving into daily Circle time with pirate and ocean themes these last few weeks, setting sail for the warmer months soon ahead. PS—swipe to the end to see a stunning watercolor by our Bluebell nursery teacher that will adorn her students’ art folders with all the artwork they will take home on the last day of school. 🪻🍄

As we wrap up our final full week of an unforgettable year, we reflect on a school year of profound growth and joy. 🌟 Our yearbook (featuring a cover of chalkboard art by our talented grade 8 teacher) depicts a year of deep connection in our community and joy amongst our students as we settled into our brand-new elementary and middle school campus, just up the road from our preschool and kindergarten. 🎨 From festivals to celebrations to field trips to simple school days full of everyday wonderjoy, the 2025-2026 school year was one we will never forget. 💖 Here’s to a beautiful, bountiful summer and the cherished memories that unite us. 🌞📚✨ 🌺

Last month, our eighth graders embarked on an incredible ten-day river rafting adventure across Colorado on the San Juan River. 🌊 They marveled at the breathtaking red rock formations, camped riverside under the stars, prepared communal meals on outdoor stoves, and worked together to conquer the challenges of nature. ⛺️☀️ This unforgettable experience marked the culmination of their journey at the Westside Waldorf School. Over the years, they’ve engaged in a variety of outdoor adventures—camping, sailing, rock climbing, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. 🧗‍♂️🚣 In Waldorf education, immersing in nature is a vital part of the curriculum, from outdoor play in nursery to park days in kindergarten to hiking in first grade to the first overnight camp out in third or fourth grade. While no two 8th-grade trips are the same, they consistently test character and offer a final opportunity to strengthen the bonds with classmates and teachers who feel like family. ❤️ Many, many thanks to the guides at Deerhill Expeditions for making the trip so unforgettable ✨

Hooray for the game of kings!♟️Our Grades 1 through 8 students recently immersed themselves in an exciting three-day chess tournament. Guided by the thoughtful leadership of our Games and Aftercare class teacher, and generously supported by a class parent, the event was a harmonious blend of strategy and camaraderie. 🤝

Students engaged in friendly competition, advancing through the tournament brackets with enthusiasm and skill. The excitement reached its peak in a captivating final match between a Grade 4 and a Grade 8 student, with the younger player emerging victorious—a testament to the surprises and joys of chess! 🏆

Chess is cherished both as an after-school activity and a part of our daily rhythm. Throughout the tournament, we witnessed not only strategic brilliance and intense focus, but also the blossoming of teamwork and sportsmanship. Players of all ages and abilities came together, sharing their knowledge and passion for the game, uniting in the spirit of learning and friendship. 🌟

🧶🌻 Join us at the Santa Monica Main St. Farmer’s Market this summer as we bring back “Woven Wonders,” our free handwork workshop for families with children of all ages! 🎨✨

Immerse your family in the joy of weaving, wool working, and felting with our seasonal summer crafts. It’s the perfect opportunity to create something beautiful together, and learn more about the art of Waldorf education.

📅 Mark your calendars for these special dates:
- 5/31
- 6/28
- 7/26
- 8/30

Current parents, don’t forget to sign up to volunteer and make these days magical for everyone ♥️

We can’t wait to see you there!