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The Waldorf School of DuPage is a Pre-K through 8th grade private school.
Waldorf education is an holistic teaching method that takes a balanced approach to education, giving equal emphasis to intellectual development, physical development and social/emotional development.
Our early childhood programs nourish the senses of the growing child through a healthy, warm, inviting environment, where children learn through play. Spanish is introduced gradually to young children through story, song, puppet plays and movement.
In our grade school, a classical curriculum is taught through art, music, movement, and story, allowing students with a variety of learning styles to thrive and achieve deeper comprehension.
Our curriculum progresses in accordance with child development, awakening students to the experience of knowledge, strengthening their sense of moral responsibility, and empowering them to act with courage and conviction.
Research shows students thrive in Waldorf classrooms. The peaceful pace, emphasis on the arts, spending ample time outdoors, and hands-on education make learning unique and fun.
Three prominent [educational] philosophies - Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf Steiner - stand out for their innovative and holistic approaches to nurturing young minds. In this article, we'll explore the ...morekey principles and characteristics of each approach to help you gain insights into their philosophies. hide
School Motto: 'Receive the child in Reverence Educate them in Love Let them go forth in Freedom'
Founded in 1994 by a group of dedicated parents, our school
began with just seven children in a preschool-kindergarten class.
We added grades each year, graduating our first eighth-grade class
in 2003. In 1999, we moved to our permanent home in Warrenville,
Illinois, set on five acres of beautiful open and wooded land.
Today, we are proud to be the only Waldorf school serving
Chicago's western suburbs, offering over 30 years of rich,
community-rooted education.While each Waldorf school reflects the
needs of its own community, all North American schools are guided
by the shared principles of Waldorf education and the oversight of
AWSNA and WECAN.
At the Waldorf School of DuPage, we bring these principles to
life through a child-centered approach that nurtures curiosity,
creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We honor each
student's individuality while fostering independent thought,
meaningful connection, and a deep sense of purpose.
The Waldorf School of DuPage's tuition is approximately $16,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Waldorf School of DuPage?
The acceptance rate of The Waldorf School of DuPage is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.
When is the application deadline for The Waldorf School of DuPage?
The application deadline for The Waldorf School of DuPage is May. 1 / rolling (applications are due on May. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
We enrolled our daughter at The Waldorf School of DuPage when she started 1st grade (Aug. 2025). Our experience at the school has been overwhelmingly positive. The curriculum is focused on holistic learning that addresses both social/emotional and academic needs in a thoughtful, empathetic, and developmentally appropriate way. The teachers, admins, and school community at large have created a welcoming environment that fosters a love of learning, curiosity, and exploration without students being thrust into screens/laptops; something we value & appreciate especially for younger kids. Our daughter truly loves going to school each day and is excited to come home and share what she's learned or tell us about the variety of projects she's working on. We also appreciate that the smaller class sizes support stronger teacher-to-student engagement and we love how the school day is thoughtfully structured to include movement, art, storytelling, & academics.
- Posted by Parent - BH
510/7/2018
We couldn't be happier that our children are at the Waldorf School of DuPage (formerly Four Winds Waldorf). We've experienced various educational philosophies, namely Montessori and home/unschooling, and we are so, so glad to have finally landed at Waldorf. Our children are thriving and challenged and cared for as whole people. They are excited for back-to-school time in the fall. Educationally, our children are growing and maturing in marvelous ways. We feel they will be well prepared for life and for whatever passions and fields of work they choose to pursue.
- Posted by Parent - Sarah
51/26/2018
This is such an amazing school! I love the philosophy, and am so happy my children get to experience their education here! I am happy they are outdoors everyday and they are taught their math and science through the arts in a gentle way where they will actually absorb it, not just memorize something to forget it later. They are allowed to be children without the commercialization or over-exposure to media. My children are reliant on their own imaginations and ideas to probelm-solve and learn everyday in a complimentary environment.
- Posted by Parent - Mrs. B
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Compare traditional private schools and microschools to understand differences in academics, class size, flexibility, cost, and student experience before choosing the best educational fit.
A second campus visit can reveal what an open house cannot. Learn what to observe, which questions to ask, and how to determine whether a private school is truly the right fit for your child.
The average private school tuition in Dupage County, IL is $10,889 for elementary schools and $16,898 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
Four Winds Waldorf School (2018)
On average, 20% of a child’s week is spent in their classroom learning environment. And yet many times these environments are ...
