Desert Marigold is a Waldorf Methods Charter School in warm and sunny Phoenix, Arizona just minutes away from Arizona State University.
We are a growing school, with an enrollment of approximately 300 students in pre-school through High School.
Our faculty is eager to share the challenges and rewards of working with Waldorf Methods in the public sector.
Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs nurture and protect childhood in a beautiful, warm, home-like setting.
Reflecting a deep belief that children's natural creative play contains the cornerstones of academic ability, the rhythm of the school day flows between lively outside play and inside artistic and practical activities.
In the first seven years, the child seeks to see that the world is a place of goodness.
These early years are a period of joy and exuberance during which the child will absorb and imitate everything he or she sees.
Waldorf schools build a foundation for learning by honoring childhood as a valuable time in the individual's life and teaches in the spirit of gentleness and compassion.
Waldorf is a holistic education model designed to allow each child's capacities to unfold.
One of the unique aspects of the program is that the children proudly create their own carefully written and illustrated lesson books for each subject.
These beautiful books are an important way in which art is integrated into the curriculum.
In fact, in 1979, under the title of "Education as Art", the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited student work from the Rudolf Steiner School in New York.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked AZ School
- School Type: Waldorf School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 284 students
- Average class size: 30 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Desert Marigold School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1994
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 1, 2025
Campus Size
12
Student Body
Total Students
284 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 38%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
30 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- Desert Marigold is a Waldorf Methods Charter School in warm and sunny Phoenix, Arizona just minutes away from Arizona State University. We are a growing school, with enrollment of approximately 300 students in pre-school through Grade 12. Our faculty is eager to share the challenges and rewards of working with Waldorf Methods in the public sector. Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs nurture and protect childhood in a beautiful, warm, home-like setting. Reflecting a deep belief that children's natural creative play contains the cornerstones of academic ability, the rhythm of the school day flows between lively outside play and inside artistic and practical activities. In the first seven years, the child seeks to see that the world is a place of goodness. These early years are a period of joy and exuberance during which the child will absorb and imitate everything he or she sees. Waldorf schools build a foundation for learning by honoring childhood as a valuable time in the individual's life and teaches in the spirit of gentleness and compassion. Waldorf is a holistic education model designed to allow each child's capacities to unfold. One of the unique aspects of the program is that the children proudly create their own carefully written and illustrated lesson books for each subject. These beautiful books are an important way in which art is integrated into the curriculum. In fact, in 1979, under the title of "Education as Art", the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited student work from the Rudolf Steiner School in New York.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Marigold School's ranking?
Desert Marigold School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Arizona for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Desert Marigold School?
The application deadline for Desert Marigold School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Desert Marigold School located?
Desert Marigold School is located in the South Mountain Village neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 7 other private schools located in South Mountain Village.
School Reviews
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