Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Private Waldorf School with Biodynamic Farm Education
Summerfield Waldorf School has provided a holistic educational experience since 1974, rooted in Waldorf pedagogy. Our 38-acre campus in Sonoma County integrates a Demeter Certified Biodynamic farm into a curriculum spanning early childhood through 12th grade. We emphasize experiential learning, balancing academic rigor with arts, nature, and social-emotional development. With a 50-year history, we are the only school in California offering this unique farm-to-classroom approach. Our programs foster creativity, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship, preparing students for lifelong success.Accredited by AWSNA, we maintain rigorous standards in education and sustainability. Our community values screen-free learning, seasonal festivals, and international exchanges. Parents praise our nurturing environment and strong sense of community. We offer tuition assistance and flexible payment plans to ensure accessibility. Our graduates excel in diverse fields, with 97% attending college or university.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Lower School Grades 1-8
High School Grades 9-12
Biodynamic Farm Program
Tuition Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer a 50-year legacy of Waldorf education with farm integration
- Our curriculum combines academic rigor with arts and nature-based learning
- We maintain a 7:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Our graduates show 97% college attendance rates
- We provide socio-economic diversity through tuition assistance programs
Associations and certifications
- AWSNA
- Demeter Certified Biodynamic Farm
What people say
Experiential learning
Strong community
Creative curriculum
Nurturing environment
Holistic approach
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education includes parent-child programs, preschool, and kindergarten classes. We focus on developmental appropriateness through play-based learning and nature connection. Programs emphasize sensory experiences and social-emotional growth for children aged 18 months to 6 years.
Biodynamic Farm Program
The Demeter Certified Biodynamic farm integrates into all grade levels. Students participate in sustainable agriculture, animal care, and food systems education. This hands-on program teaches environmental stewardship and connects classroom learning to real-world applications through seasonal farming cycles.
High School Grades 9-12
Our high school offers a college-preparatory curriculum with arts integration and farm work. Students engage in rigorous academics balanced with creative expression and practical skills. The program prepares graduates for university admission and lifelong learning through experiential, interdisciplinary approaches.
Tuition Assistance Program
We offer need-based tuition assistance through a third-party assessment process. The program supports socio-economic diversity by evaluating family financial situations comprehensively. Approximately 40-66% of families receive awards depending on grade level, with average assistance ranging from $7,261 to $13,853 annually.
After School Programs
We provide extended care and enrichment opportunities including sports, arts, and academic clubs. Programs vary by grade level with structured activities and supervised play. After-school options include music lessons, sports teams, and creative workshops led by qualified instructors.
People
Camille Hedges
Interim Admissions Director
Camille Hedges leads admissions with over 15 years of experience in Waldorf education. She guides families through the enrollment process and campus tours. Her expertise includes program development and community engagement.
Beth Weisburn
High School Coordinator
Beth Weisburn oversees high school curriculum and alumni success tracking. She has documented graduate outcomes showing strong college placement rates. Her work focuses on college preparation and career readiness.
Questions
What makes Summerfield Waldorf's education unique?
Our program uniquely integrates a 38-acre biodynamic farm into daily learning across all grade levels, following Waldorf pedagogy principles since 1974.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide need-based tuition assistance with 40-66% of families receiving awards ranging from $7,261 to $13,853 annually based on financial need assessments.
What grade levels do you serve?
We offer programs from early childhood (18 months) through 12th grade, including parent-child classes, preschool, lower school, and high school divisions.
Are there screen-time restrictions?
Yes, we maintain a screen-free policy for students with 90% of families valuing this approach to child development and learning.
What are your student-teacher ratios?
We maintain a 7:1 student-teacher ratio across all grade levels to ensure personalized attention and individualized learning support.
How do you prepare students for college?
Our college-preparatory curriculum has 97% of graduates attending university, with strong focus on critical thinking, writing skills, and creative problem-solving.
