The Hartsbrook School
Tel:
(413) 586-1908
- The Hartsbrook School offers students an educational experience that stimulates the imagination and awakens a joyful love of learning.
- Founded in 1981, the Hartsbrook School is a Waldorf school where 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 1000 schools worldwide and more than 175 schools throughout the United States.
- Located on 52 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, Land stewardship Program is home to sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, vegetable and flower gardens.
- Our youngest students enjoy the beautiful and home-like environment of the early childhood building, , with a large play yard, gardens and flowering trees.
Quick Stats (2021)
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Students: 284 students
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Top Placements
The Hartsbrook School places among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Body Largest student body
School Overview
| School Type | School with Special Program Emphasis |
| School Membership(s)School Assoc. | Association of Waldorf Schools of North America New England Association of Schools and Colleges Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) |
| Religious Affiliation | Nonsectarian |
| Grades Offered | Grades Kindergarten-12 |
| Year Founded | 1981 |
Student Body
| Total Students | 284 students |
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| % Students of Color | 15% State avg.: 23% |
| Students by Grade |
|
Academics and Faculty
| Total Classroom Teachers | 35 teachers |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 8:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
| Average Class Size | 18 students |
Finances and Admission
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Tuition Notes | Nursery - $5,100-$10,080 Kindergarten - $7,825 - $13,600 Grades 1-8 - $13,600 High School - $19,200 |
| % on Financial Aid | 30% |
| Admissions Director | Leslie Evans |
| Admissions Associate | Christine Sirard |
Sports
| Total Sports Offered | 14 sports |
| Sports | Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Bowling, Crew, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Kayaking, Mountaineering, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Ultimate FrisbeeAlpine 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.
Related Schools
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- People that viewed The Hartsbrook School also viewed these schools: Campus School of Smith College, The Common School, The Bement School, The Center School and Northfield Mount Hermon School.
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- Northampton Grades: K-6 | 256 students
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256 - AmherstThe Common SchoolAlternative SchoolGrades: PK-6 | 103 students
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103 - Deerfield Grades: K-9 | 193 students
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193 - Greenfield Grades: PK-8 | 142 students
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Greenfield, MA 01301
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142 - Gill Grades: 9-12 | 650 students
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School Reviews
| 5 "Preparing our children for the future" can mean a lot of things, depending on your view of what the future holds. Harts brook's approach covers the preparation for every future my wife and I can imagine, by including connection to earth, connection to community, academic / arts / music / language integration, and a beautiful way of building our children's self esteem. What a gift this school is to our family, and to this community! - Posted by Parent - Brennan |
| 5 My children are truly thriving here! Love it! Creative, academic, healthy kids! - Posted by Parent - Frank |
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