Maple Village Waldorf Pre-K & K-8th

I have 2 children attending Maple Village. One child in kindergarten and other child in parent toddler class. I am beyond happy with this school. I appreciate how responsive the teachers are. Both teachers have always been there for me when I needed help and guidance with my children. I know when I drop off my daughter each morning to school that she is in a safe, loving and nurturing environment. A place where she can be who she is.

As a public school educator (Speech pathologist) I get to see every day the differences between the Waldorf education and public school education. Although I work at one of the top schools in Long Beach I see key things that are missing in the curriculum of the public schools. The Waldorf education incorporates so many aspects that adhere to the natural development of the child's brain. Mostly the child at a Waldorf school may not even know they are learning. Because of my education which incorporates many brain and child development teachings I greatly appreciate the education my children are receiving at Maple Village. I am happy they not only benefit academically but strive at building their will and confidence. And our family greatly cherishes the community, care, love (hugs) and inspiration that the teachers and staff at Maple Village have embraced our family with.

We have two children attending grades this year. The teachers are excellent, as are the assistants and specialty teachers. The staff is also very nice and well organized. All are committed to Waldorf education, which creates such a great environment for young children. The classrooms are beautiful and the curriculum is elegant but rigorous. The community is really nice...a very friendly and open group of parents. Every day there is a lot of discussion and helpful debate about parenting, improving the school, etc. The level of commitment to the school is remarkable. It is an easy place to develop friends, organize play dates, get help with child care, etc. We love the neighborhood setting of the school and the accessibility to nearby parks. Being able to walk or bike to school is a real plus. As the school grows it may have some growing pains but we really can't imagine a better school to send your kids to for K to 5th grade. The price is very fair too.

My wife and I were drawn to Maple Village Waldorf School soon after moving to Long Beach in 2010 and it quickly became clear to us that the Waldorf style of education, as well as the small class sizes, the warmth of community at this school, and emphasis on healthy, sustainable living were going to fit our family well. After four years with the school I now feel that Maple Village is one of the best private school values in greater Los Angeles. Both of my children (currently in kindergarten and 2nd grade at the school) have flourished in an environment that teaches the whole child, with particular emphasis on art, handwork (e.g. knitting, sewing, and woodwork), music, storytelling, and movement to compliment the typical main lessons covering math, language arts, etc. I am happy to add that Maple Village also incorporates Spanish language instruction beginning in 1st grade and continuing through 8th grade. Teaching such a breadth of topics at a Waldorf school and incorporating creative ways to reinforce concepts is no easy task but so far my children’s teachers have been more than up to the task. This is a great school and I cannot recommend it enough for any parents considering the Parent-tot, Preschool, Kindergarten, or Grades programs up to 8th grade. Note that for working (or busy) parents morning and after-school care are available (morning care is free for Grades students).

Our son goes to Kindergarten at Maple Village and we have been nothing but happy with the school. It allows children to be children and fosters learning through the natural channels of childhood, play, song, art, dance, and story. Maple Village attends to the whole child and is helping our son feel confident and competent in many areas of life.