The curriculum of Waldorf/Steiner schools is based on a unique understanding of the usual path of child development. However, Waldorf teachers create their daily classroom lessons from what they perceive to be the instructional and developmental needs of the children in their classes. Hence, while the curriculum in its general form will be apparent in any Waldorf/Steiner school, anywhere in the world, each school’s implementation of the curriculum will be specific to the children taught in that school.

With this in mind, it is understandable that Waldorf/Steiner schools must operate independently of government control, be it government at the local, state, or federal level. The schools are designed to be “self-administered” so that the instructional work can be tailored to meet the children being taught, rather than striving to meet requirements set by officials who don’t know those children.

By the same token, the schools are designed to be non-hierarchical in structure. A more horizontal organizational form places great respect and trust in the relationship formed between the teachers, the students, and the parents of each class. Teachers are held accountable for their work by a strict and penetrating schedule of professional evaluation and development, as well as by their relationships with colleagues.

The work of the Charlottesville Waldorf School is implemented by several mandated groups, the most general of which are listed here:

Full Faculty: All teaching and administrative faculty members are members of the Full Faculty, which meets weekly. Although some decisions which affect the entire school are decided in the Full Faculty, the primary work of this group is studying together. This study focuses, variously, on subjects artistic, social, curricular, and anthroposophical, as well as on child development.

Departmental Committees: Early Childhood, Grade School, Administrative. All staff in each department are members of that department’s committee, which manages the day-to-day work of that department.

College of Teachers: The College of Teachers is composed of teachers who have experience in classroom teaching and/or Waldorf education. Pedagogical practice at CWS, whether concerning a specific child or a particular policy, is determined by this body.

Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees manages the financial and legal responsibilities of the school.

Administration: The Administration supports the work of the school by overseeing the physical plant, keeping the families apprised of school events, facilitating communication within the school, preparing student reports, etc.; by implementing the legal and business policies set by the Board of Trustees; by marketing the school and attracting new families into the enrollment process; by assisting in the implementation of pedagogical decisions made by the College of Teachers and the daily work of the departments.

Amanda Tipton, school coordinator
Cyndy Caughron, business manager
Jen Edelson, office manager
Cynthia Corby, enrollment director