About Us
Discover our mission, philosophy, and commitment to accessible Waldorf education
Nurturing Every Child's Potential
Ottawa Waldorf Education Association is dedicated to providing Waldorf-inspired educational programming to students in the Ottawa area. As a registered charity, our purpose is clear: to nurture the intellectual, artistic, and practical abilities of every child who walks through our doors.
We are proud to be a fully accessible school, ensuring that children of all abilities can participate fully in our programs. We also provide financial assistance to families who need support, because we believe that quality education should never be limited by financial circumstances.
Waldorf Education Philosophy
A holistic approach developed by Rudolf Steiner that has inspired schools worldwide for over 100 years
Head, Heart, and Hands
Waldorf education recognizes that children develop in distinct phases. Our curriculum is designed to meet children where they are, engaging their thinking (head), feeling (heart), and willing (hands) in age-appropriate ways.
Key Principles
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Developmental Stages: Teaching methods match the child's natural development phases
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Arts Integration: Music, visual arts, drama, and movement enrich all subjects
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Experiential Learning: Hands-on activities make abstract concepts tangible
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Nature Connection: Outdoor activities foster environmental awareness
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Community: Strong relationships between teachers, students, and families
Unique Waldorf Elements
Special practices that set Waldorf education apart
Eurythmy
A distinctive movement art that makes speech and music visible. Through rhythmic gestures, students develop spatial awareness, coordination, and emotional expression while engaging both hemispheres of the brain.
Main Lesson Block
Each day begins with an in-depth exploration of a single subject for 3-4 weeks. This immersive approach allows deep understanding and prevents fragmented learning.
Handwork
From knitting to woodworking, handwork develops patience, perseverance, and problem-solving. These practical skills strengthen the connection between thinking and doing.
A School For Everyone
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where every individual feels safe, supported, and valued. Our commitment to inclusion goes beyond words—it's built into everything we do.
Full Accessibility
Our facilities are designed to accommodate students with diverse physical needs. We work with families to ensure every child can fully participate in all aspects of school life.
Financial Assistance
We believe financial circumstances should never prevent a child from receiving quality education. Our Financial Adjustment Program provides support to qualifying families based on need.
Respect & Kindness
We foster an environment where mutual respect, compassion, and kindness are paramount. Every member of our community is valued for who they are.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide our community
Child-Centered
Every decision is made with the child's development at heart
Growth Mindset
We celebrate progress and embrace learning from challenges
Community
Families, teachers, and students work together as partners
Inclusion
We welcome and support children and families from all backgrounds
Visit Our School
We welcome families to visit our campus and experience the Waldorf difference firsthand. Schedule a tour to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and learn more about our programs.
Location
1805 De Gaspe Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1K 0A4
Phone
(613) 859-6297
CanadaAss10787671@hotmail.com