If you have taken a serious look at Rainbow Mountain Children’s School and you are familiar with schools that are inspired by Waldorf Education, you may have noticed some similarities in feel. In fact, many of our teachers, and even the Executive Director, have some Waldorf teacher training
Rainbow features that may look or feel similar to some schools inspired by Waldorf Education:
Similarities in beliefs about child development
Approaching the child holistically
A nurturing classroom environment
Emphasis on the teaching as a sacred calling
Appreciation of story and myth
Emphasis and love for the natural world
Use of natural materials and aesthetically beautiful classroom environments
Similar view of the media as needing to be tempered in the life of young people
Art immersion
It is important to note that some schools inspired by Waldorf Education are not members of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). There are differences between schools inspired by Waldorf Education and AWSNA member schools.
The Contrasts: The differences we see between Rainbow and other schools inspired by Waldorf Education are primarily a result of underlying philosophy.
The first Waldorf School was founded by Rudolf Steiner, a clairvoyant, philosopher and “spiritual scientist” (as he termed it) in World War I Germany. Many schools inspired by Waldorf Education turn to Steiner’s writings and transcribed lectures on education and anthroposophy (the term for his spiritual science) as the primary source.
While Rainbow loves to pull from the best practices many schools, it is not bound to the doctrine of one particular philosopher. As a result of this fundamental difference in foundational approaches, here are a few of the different specific practices at Rainbow:
We believe that every child is different and we introduce many concepts before the curriculum that was indicated by Rudolf Steiner. For example, we believe many kindergartners are ready to learn to read, some are not. Both are accommodated at Rainbow.
We hire teachers who are trained in both conventional education (usually with an MA in education) and trained in alternative education.
We have students begin using technology in 4th grade.
We believe that different teachers bring different strengths, passions, and relationships for students and therefore do not loop the same teacher with a group of students from grades 1-8, as indicated by Steiner (we occasionally have kids loop with a teacher for two years).
We allow students to write their own fiction stories and students their own artwork out of their imagination at young ages.
A Summary
If you love some of the practices of schools inspired by Waldorf Education but you want that balanced with an academic program that progresses a little faster in the lower grades, then Rainbow may be a great fit for your family.
Rainbow Mountain’s media policy is very open — we merely recommend parents become aware of the affects of media exposure on children and attempt to limit it.
I highly recommend watching this short film from the Marin Waldorf School. Even though we are not a Waldorf School, we have many similarities with the Waldorf approach, including similar views bout the media.
I found the photos of classrooms and children very akin to our atmosphere at Rainbow. The message about the media is a good reminder and inspiring.
The 2011-2012 End-of-Year Parent Survey was administered via the web on July 18 to August 8, 2012. A total of 59 parents completed surveys for 65 children. This was a very good participation level – the highest we have ever had. Thank you so much for your time and your valuable feedback.
Below is the full data for each question, a visual graph of some of the key questions, as well as a short summary of some of the identified trends from your comments.
School Satisfaction Ratings Table of Results
Classroom Satisfaction Levels Table of Results
School Satisfaction and Classroom Satisfaction Summary Bar Graphs
In addition to the number-ranking questions, there were three open ended questions:
If you could change one thing at Rainbow Mountain, what would it be?
Did you or your child have any concerns this year that are either unresolved or were never shared with a teacher or the Director?
Do you have any concerns about next year?
Survey Summary
Scores were, in general, quite high. Across the grades, parents felt their child made good social, emotional, and spiritual growth. The highest rating was in the area of safety, indicating parents and children feel a sense of safety at Rainbow. Not surprisingly, the lowest score was in regard to our facilities, which are in need of expansion, and the playground was specifically mentioned as a weakness. We listened. While we know that the opening of the new Orchard House and the new playground this year will vastly improve our facilities, we also know there is much more work to be done in the years ahead.
Parents of older children felt their children were very well prepared, which is important, since they are moving on to high school. Most parents with children in the lower grades also ranked academic growth high. Of the written comments from parents of the middle elementary grades, Math was specifically mentioned. Even before receiving the survey, we were aware of this sentiment, which is one of the reasons we began evaluating Singapore Math. We are piloting Singapore Math in 2nd and 3rd grades this year, and planning to bring in a Singapore consultant to help us determine how to best transition to a new Math program.
In administration and on the faculty, we are asking these questions constantly, and your survey results encourage us to continue to probe: “Is our learning curve steep enough, or too steep, in the 3rd – 5th grades?” “Are the methods we are using for academic subjects as effective as possible for this very important age?” We are working intensively to answer these questions and to further improve each child’s learning experience.
Thank you!
Of course, there are multiple factors that play into each child’s experience, parents’ perceptions, and the final outcome. Your survey ratings and comments were extremely helpful. The survey answered some questions, opened up new questions to explore, and helped us prioritize goals for the future. Thank you for your time, diligence, and thoughtfulness.
We would also like to thank volunteer board member, John Keller, for administrating and conducting data analysis of the End of Year survey. Thanks, everyone!
How can I help you? Although I assist our director, Renee Owen, in many areas, fundraising will be a strong area of focus for me this year. If you’d like to help with fundraising or have some great ideas, I’m the person to see!
One of my goals for the 2012-2013 year is to kick off the school year with a strong Annual Campaign Drive so that we can have a great, new playground structure on our campus as soon as possible!! Another goal is to make this year’s Imagine fundraising event even more successful and, if possible, more fun!
My email is smccassim@rmcs.org, or call me at 828-582-2973.
Mary Earle-Sigler, Administrative Assistant:
How I can help you? I take your tuition payments, answer your questions, put you in touch with the person you need to see, get a message to your child or their teacher and keep you informed via the weekly Rainbow Reminders email.
My number one goal for this year is to be sure you know what is going on in the community. Look for my messages on emails, chalk boards and bulletin boards.
My email is info@rmcs.org or reach me by phone at 258-9264 extension 10.
Margaret Gerleve, Business Manager:
As Business Manager I send out your tuition bills, make sure they get paid, and pay the teachers! I can help you with any questions related to your tuition and payments. We are researching using a professional tuition management company; one of the many advantages is that parents will have online access to their accounts. Watch for further information as this progresses. Currently we do offer direct debit from your bank account, which eliminates the task of dropping off a check. Contact me if you would like to start direct debit. If you are paying by check, you can leave it in a classroom office mailbox, deposit it in the secure, drop box on the outside of the main office, or bring it to Mary in the main office. You can also pay your tuition by credit card, with a 2% fee.
My goal this year is to work together with parents and staff to keep the money side of things flowing smoothly!
My email is mgerleve@rmcs.org, phone is ext. 25 at the school number 258-9264.
Max Mraz, Facilities Manager:
I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve the Rainbow community. This is my first year on the staff at Rainbow Mountain but I have been a Rainbow parent for years. I am inspired by the potential I see everywhere on our grounds. I want to help you with any questions, concerns or ideas regarding our campus or Tom Sawyer Work Days.
My goal for this school year is to have our campus reflect the beauty and spirit of our community. If you are inspired to help transform our school into a magical setting for our children to thrive in please contact me.
My email is maxmraz@gmail.com or leave a message for me at the office; 258-9264 extension 10.
Mary Earle-Sigler, Administrative Assistant:
Margaret Gerleve, Business Manager:
Max Mraz, Facilities Manager:
