Newcastle Waldorf School - Glendale, New South Wales

Freya T.

A wonderful school and wonderful community!

Both my kids are flourishing at NWS - there is never a day they don't want to go school, which I am so thankful for, especially given the current increases in 'school refusal' across children in Australia.

My kids get to enjoy being kids, and in addition to studying a nationally recognised curriculum, they learn lifeskills such as biodynamic gardening, cooking/baking, woodworking, and indigenous bush craft, all whilst watching the school sheep and chooks out their classroom windows.

The school has also fostered empathy, curiosity, and a love of learning, as well as a sense of community, which I believe is essential, particularly in this ever expanding modern-day world.

For those of you focused on academics and scared by all the doomsday articles about 'cults' and not teaching reading and writing until year 7, my brother and I went right through Steiner/Waldorf education and between us we both have multiple tertiary degrees and respectable occupations. Despite this, the school does not focus on academic competition between students, 'well done' stickers, and student of the week awards, but instead seeks to challenge the individual student to reach their full potential in all facets of life, to create well-rounded individuals.

However, Steiner/ Waldorf education has given me something even more important than degrees.

It has given me a sense of independence, free thought and critical thinking, empathy, and connection, and I am so thankful to now be able to watch my children have similar experiences.

It truly is 'Education for life' if you are willing to let go of the traditional educational zeitgeist.

Ann M.

Very happy with the school. My granddaughter and grandson are blossoming here and can't wait to go in the mornings. Both of my children went to Steiner schools and both have high-level tertiary degrees and good occupations, although I would have been equally happy for them to become skilled tradespeople. If you want your child to receive a streamed, competitive education aimed at achieving 99.9% in the HSC, then look elsewhere. If you want them to learn to support and help their classmates in an unstreamed environment with small class sizes and empathic teachers, then this is the place. Like my children, my grandchildren will make friends for life with their class teacher and subject teachers. They will have lasting, very beautiful memories of the yearly foods and candlelit festivals that mark the progression of the year. If you are panicking about your child not learning to read until age 6 or 7 or they will be 'left behind', then look elsewhere. Learning early does not necessarily mean learning better, and the Steiner high school system is designed for young adults to peak at tertiary level, which mine did. Like most things in life, education is ultimately about letting go and trusting.

Alyssa B.

An absolutely beautiful school, with a genuine and authentic Waldorf approach to education. The teachers and leadership team are so caring, patient and knowledgeable. We couldn't be happier with our choice to enrol our son here.

Sheridan A.

We moved both of our boys from a mainstream school to Newcastle Waldorf School from around year 4 onwards. As at posting, our eldest finished up this year and our youngest is in Year 10. Thanks to the dedicated staff and authentic Steiner education, they have blossomed into intelligent, thoughtful, well-rounded young adults.

I can't speak highly enough of our experience and the boys whole-heartedly agree that moving them was the best decision we could have made. Based on my own schooling experience, I thought students were either academic or creative... but my boys have been guided academically and had their creativity nurtured in a way where one compliments and supports the other.

I strongly encourage parents considering a Steiner education to visit Newcastle Waldorf School and see for yourselves what a magical place it is.

Ellie C.

I am a former student. Please please PLEASE do your research 🙏 before sending your kids Here. PLEASE. it is not what it looks like in the front. There are good things ig but it's DEFINITELY NOT for everyone. So PLEASE just BE CAREFUL.

Elizabeth G.

My brother and I attended this school from the day it opened back in the 80's. I left after year 6. To this day I still have bad memories of what went on there. Physical, emotional and verbal abuse. I would never send my children to a Steiner school after my own experiences with this one. I am a teacher now myself and would never want any of my students to have these kind of memories or fears about attending their school.

Virginia W.

The most inspiring place to send your children to school. Our school covers all bases academics, music, art, deep learning, deep thinking, environment and kindness.

Mark B.

I am also an ex-student of this school and can attest to it's vileness. Although there's nothing I can really say that fellow reviewer 'J D' hasn't already laid out.

Things may have changed since I attended years ago. But if you decide to send your child here, be sure to take the time to hear about their day in detail. It may take some time for the cracks to appear and you may just change your mind.