Potomac Crescent Waldorf School
Preschool in Arlington, VA 22202
Our preschool and kindergartens are, first and foremost, places for creative play. In a secure and home-like setting, children of mixed ages are active in play, living out the axiom that the work of the child is play. The children learn about themselves and their world under the guidance of two teachers. Natural, open-ended materials, which lend themselves to a variety of uses, are provided in the classroom.
During the first part of the morning, with gentle encouragement the children take up these materials in wonderfully imaginative ways. Tree stumps, chairs, and play cloths arranged as a Metro train one day may be formed into a royal castle the next. Such play fosters the development of flexible and creative thinking. Other activities such as baking, painting, and craftwork also form a part of the free-play time.
After free-play, the children sing and move together during circle time when songs, verses, and rhythmic games help, in an artistic way, to build important language skills and physical coordination. Circle time is built around the seasons the ever-changing picture of the natural world around us. A wholesome organic snack and outdoor play are always a part of the morning. Their time together concludes with the telling of a story or a puppet play. Stories and puppet plays are carefully selected and presented. The wisdom of age-old folk and fairy tales and the beauty of nature stories unfold before the child in expressive language.
The rhythmic repetition of these daily activities strengthens and nourishes the child. Throughout the year, as well, we observe a rhythm. Fall, winter, and spring each brings a particular seasonal observance. Harvest time, the advent of winter, and the arrival of spring are celebrated in an experiential way appropriate to the young child, who lives strongly in nature and its changing faces. We strive to present simple, universally meaningful images in these festivals to support and nurture the child’s sense of wonder and reverence. Our observances are non-sectarian, since our school welcomes families of all faiths. We honor the diverse.
- Child Ages:
- 6 weeks - 7 years
- Rates:
- $$$
- Licenses & Accreditations:
- Virginia Department of Social Services
- Preschool:
- Yes
- Hours of Operation:
- 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday
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Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential approach to education. They integrate the arts and academics for children from preschool through twelfth grade. Waldorf education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacitities.
Founded in the early 20th century, Waldorf education is based on the insights, teachings and principles of education outlined by the world renowned anthroposophist, artist, and scientist, Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf education evolve from a profound understanding of human development that address the needs of the growing child. These principles inspire and guide teachers, administrators, trustees and parents today.
The Waldorf curriculum is broad and comprehensive. Structured to respond to the three developmental phases of childhoodbirth to 6 or 7 years, 7 to 14 years and 14 to 21 yearsRudolf Steiner stressed to teachers the best way to provide meaningful support for the child is to comprehend these phases fully and to bring age appropriate content that nourishes healthy growth for the Waldorf student. Music, dance and theatre, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate their intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service in the world.
Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and behavioristic rewards to motivate learning and allows motivation to arise from within. It helps engender the capacity for joyful life-long learning.
Waldorf education is independent and inclusive. It upholds the principles of freedom in education and engages independent administration locally, continentally and internationally. It is regionally appropriate education with hundreds of schools worldwide today.
