Waldorf education is holistic, developmentally appropriate, innovative, and inspires a true love of learning in student! There are now over 1200 Waldorf schools worldwide making Waldorf education the fastest growing independent school movement in the world! 94% of Waldorf High School graduates go on to a 4 year college or university, and over 50% then go on to Masters or Ph.D programs. College and University professors LOVE Waldorf students..... "I have deep concerns about the scientific education in this country-.If I am seeing the cream of the crop then the rest of the country must be in pretty bad shape! What I saw yesterday at a Waldorf school convinces me that there is still hope- The Waldorf student workbooks were unbelievable!....this one beautifully drawn image captured the essential anatomical and physiological essence of a unit of function of the kidney (the nephron)-it could only have been made by someone who really "got it"-This is it this is what is missing! If all our students knew how to work in this manner, just think of the marvelous science we could do!" Daniel J. Kenan, M.D., Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Duke University Medical School.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 304 students
- Yearly Tuition: $18,000
- Acceptance rate: 98%
- Average class size: 22 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Aug. 30 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Waldorf School Of San Diego ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences, evaluated on an individual basis
Year Founded
1982
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
304 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
18%
State avg.: 50%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
22 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Modest, appropriate and practical clothing without icons, TV characters or logo
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / Aug. 30 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$18,000
Tuition Notes
Annual tuition ranges from $10930-$21810. The hallmark of Waldorf education is that it be "accessible to all" so we have a Tuition Aid program (ask for details) that fosters socioeconomic diversity in our school.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer Camp averages $240 per week
% on Financial Aid
35%
Acceptance Rate
98%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Julie Joinson
Admissions Associate
Lori Williamson, Registrar
Sports
Total Sports Offered
18 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Drama & Skit Club, French Club, Gay Straight Alliance
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs
Drama & Skit Club, French Club, Gay Straight Alliance
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs
School Notes
- Waldorf education offers an arts-integrated curriculum engaging the whole child: head, heart and hands. The best way to understand and experience the curriculum is to attend a tour of the school to see for yourself why Waldorf education is so different. The comprehensive once-per-month school tour takes you through each program in our school, from Nursery through High School, so that you can see our teachers in action with their students! Waldorf education believes in bringing "the right thing at the right time" truly meeting the child where they are. This respect for the development phases of childhood results in happy, healthy students, harmonious classrooms, and a culture of true respect between teachers and students, as well as between each student. The students engage in the creative curriculum using ALL their senses, gifts and talents. They emerge from our High School with an authentic understanding of who they are, and their place in both their local and global communities. Social justice and hands-on community service are a hallmark of our school community. Technology and media are tools for use in the upper grades afterstudents have developed their social and emotional skills (learning how to "be" is as important as learning how to "do"!) and developed their capacities for imaginative thinking (outside the box!). Education expert, Sir Ken Robinson says that in order to educate students for the future (and for jobs that have yet to be created!) that "creativity must be made as important as literacy!". You will find all that you have been seeking in a school, and more! Please call and come visit us TODAY!
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Waldorf School Of San Diego cost?
The Waldorf School Of San Diego's tuition is approximately $18,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Waldorf School Of San Diego?
The acceptance rate of The Waldorf School Of San Diego is 98%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.
What sports does The Waldorf School Of San Diego offer?
The Waldorf School Of San Diego offers 18 interscholastic sports: Archery, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Fit, Dance, Flag Football, Indoor Soccer, Kayaking, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. The Waldorf School Of San Diego is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The Waldorf School Of San Diego's ranking?
The Waldorf School Of San Diego ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for The Waldorf School Of San Diego?
The application deadline for The Waldorf School Of San Diego is Jan. 31 / Aug. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 / Aug. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is The Waldorf School Of San Diego located?
The Waldorf School Of San Diego is located in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in City Heights.
School Reviews
5 1/12/2022
My son started mid-year at the Waldorf School of San Diego when his public school was closed for online instruction only. We made the best decision ever in his education to jump into Waldorf education with both feet. We love this school and how everyone there has the children's education and joy as their whole purpose! Every staff and teacher here is so giving and it shows. If you have ever thought about Waldorf education, we highly recommend making the switch away from public school. You won't ever look back and wish you had stayed in a broken system. We only wish we had made the change sooner.
5 8/12/2018
I graduated from The Waldorf School of San Diego (WSSD), Class of 2015, spent 3 years at Mesa Community College (majoring in Chemistry, then Business, finally finding my passion in Anthropology!) graduating in May 2018 with High Honors (and zero student debt). I applied to UCLA, UCSD, USD and SDSU and was accepted at all of them. I will be heading to SDSU in the Fall, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Spanish and plan to complete my bachelors and exit with zero student debt. My success as a college student can be traced back to my positive educational experience at WSSD. Smaller class sizes, teachers who are passionate and care about each student, an arts-integrated curriculum that helps students think more creatively and stay engaged even in subjects like history, science, math, etc. and an entire community of parents who are super supportive! Thanks mom for choosing Waldorf ! I am so appreciative of the sound educational foundation I received there!
5 5/17/2016
I wish every family would check out the Waldorf School of San Diego. This education meets the child in the post positive, loving and caring way imaginable. 94% of their high school graduates go to college, and more than 50% of those students go on to even higher learning. The teachers at this school are remarkable in their dedication to their students. Rote memorization and teaching to the test are unheard of here! Instead, the children receive a hands-on, experiential curriculum full of wonder, awe and fun! They learn SO much yet are having so much FUN they don't think of it as studying/learning! The absolute best education available in San Diego today!!! They fill up quickly and have waiting lists for many classes so don't miss out!
5 5/17/2016
My son is currently in Grade 4 at The Waldorf School of San Diego and he couldn't be happier. We, his parents, couldn't be happier! Not only are the curriculum and education top-notch, but the community is wonderful and the teachers and staff are truly dedicated and amazing. We feel blessed to be a part of such a great school.
5 7/6/2015
My daughter just graduated as a senior after an amazing 13 year journey through The Waldorf School of San Diego and she will be going to university in the Fall, studying science. 3 of her small class of 10 graduating seniors are going into the field of engineering (computer engineering, chemical engineering and environmental engineering), 2 are going into fashion (one with a passion for fashion design, the other with an eye on costuming), 1 will be studying nursing, 1 has been accepted into university but is deferring to engage in a structured gap year, 1 will be studying English and possibly the dramatic arts, 1 is studying the photographic arts, and 1 is an excellent dancer and has been accepted to a state university. All of them are engaged, socially adept, have a variety of academic and artistic interests, they're sporty, they sing or are accomplished musicians....and they are looking forward with excitement to what the university years will offer them. A Waldorf education is a gift for any child, I highly recommend it!
5 8/19/2013
I have been going to The Waldorf School of San Diego since I was in Kindergarten and I am now in their High School. I love the small but passionate student group we have here. They are smart, friendly and kind, and are really my second family! The teachers are so interested in helping you succeed, giving excellent guidance in each subject as well as in personal mentoring relationships. I love the focus on social service and I''m excited about our extended visit to Peru early next year to work with under-served indigenous mountain people in a remote area. I am interested in pursuing math and science at the university level and know that my Waldorf education has served me well in this regard. I would highly recommend Waldorf to any parent seeking a well rounded, thoughtful education!
5 2/28/2012
My daughter has been attending the Waldorf School of San Diego for a year and a half now. She is six years old and has been in the kindergarten program. Her teacher Ms. Susan Starr is devoted to giving each child and family a safe and attentive space to be completely vulnerable and from which to let all the most subtle and complex parts of the child to bloom with grace and nurturing. The classroom is set up to surround all the senses with beauty from the warm rose colored lazure painted walls, to the natural toys made from wood, stone, natural fibers and natural elements. We love the community of dedicated parents and staff. We are grateful to have found this community dedicated to the small things that nurture the qualities in childhood that procuce resilient adults: Reverence, rhythm, diversity and community among others.
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