The Hartsbrook School

193 Bay Road, Hadley, MA, 01035-0103
Tel: (413)586-1908
Grades: NS - 12 | 274 students
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The Hartsbrook School offers students an educational experience that stimulates the imagination and awakens a joyful love of learning. Founded in 1981, the school is inspired by the educational philosophy and methods of Austrian philosopher and scientist, Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) who founded the first Waldorf School in 1919. Waldorf education uses innovative teaching approaches and a developmental curriculum integrating arts, sciences and humanities. Its growing popularity has made it the fastest growing independent school movement in the world with over 800 schools worldwide and more than 170 schools throughout the United States. Located on 19 acres of lush green land in Hadley, Massachusetts, the main campus offers a stunning view of local farms with the Holyoke Range to the south. The Homestead, Agricultural Arts Program is home to sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, vegetable and flower gardens. Our youngest students enjoy the beautiful and home-like environment of the Ben Smith building, an inn built in 1776, with a large play yard, gardens and flowering trees.

School Overview:
The Hartsbrook School
School Type Waldorf School
School Membership(s) Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Religious Affiliation Nonsectarian
Grades Offered Grades Nursery/Preschool - 12
Year Founded 1981
Student Body
Total Students 274 students
Student Body Type Co-ed
% Students of Color 5% (MA School Avg.: 24%)
Students by Grade
 
Academics and Faculty
Average Class Size 18 students
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline None / Rolling
Tuition Notes Nursery - $5,100-$10,080 Kindergarten - $7,825 - $10,080 Grades 1-8 - $10,080 High School - $13,500
% on Financial Aid 30%
Admissions Director Suzy Canter Kirsch
Admissions Associate Leslie Evans
Sports
Total Sports Offered 14 sports
Sports
Alpine Skiing Basketball
Bowling Crew
Dance Equestrian
Fencing Field Hockey
Kayaking Mountaineering
Snowboarding Soccer
Tennis Ultimate Frisbee

School Notes:

    • Waldorf Education: An Introduction What is Waldorf Education? Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child... allowing motivation to arise from within and helping engender the capacity for joyful lifelong learning. For the Waldorf student, music, dance, and theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about, ingested and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate a lifelong love of learning as well as the intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world. Developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf education is based on a profound understanding of human development that addresses the needs of the growing child. Waldorf teachers strive to transform education into an art that educates the whole child—the heart and the hands, as well as the head. When you enter a Waldorf school, the first thing you may notice is the care given to the building. The walls are usually painted in lively colors and are adorned with student artwork. Evidence of student activity is everywhere to be found and every desk holds a uniquely created main lesson book. Another first impression may be the enthusiasm and commitment of the teachers you meet. These teachers are interested in the students as individuals. They are interested in the questions:
    • How do we establish within each child his or her own high level of academic excellence?
    • How do we call forth enthusiasm for learning and work, a healthy self-awareness, interest and concern for fellow human beings, and a respect for the world?
    • How can we help pupils find meaning in their lives? Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. They achieve this in a variety of ways. Even seemingly dry and academic subjects are presented in a pictorial and dynamic manner. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and behavioristic rewards to motivate learning. It allows motivation to arise from within and helps engender the capacity for joyful lifelong learning. The Waldorf curriculum is broad and comprehensive, structured to respond to the three developmental phases of childhood: from birth to approximately 6 or 7 years, from 7 to 14 years and from 14 to 18 years. Rudolf Steiner stressed to teachers that the best way to provide meaningful support for the child is to comprehend these phases fully and to bring "age appropriate" content to the children that nourishes healthy growth.

    Profile last updated: 10/09/2012

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Nearby Schools:

The Hartsbrook School
Gr. Nursery/Preschool-12 | 0 mi. away
Amherst Montessori School
Gr. PK | 2.4 mi. away
New Directions School At Nccf
Gr. 4-12 | 3.1 mi. away
The Montessori School Of Northampton
Gr. PK-6 | 3.2 mi. away
Smith College Campus School
Gr. K-7 | 3.7 mi. away
Clarke School For The Deaf
Gr. PK-8 | 4 mi. away

View all schools in: Hadley, Hampshire County, Zip 01035

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