At the heart of our early childhood program is our understanding that self-initiated play is critical to the healthy development of all young children. As soon as they learn something new, they start to play with their new capacities, practicing and testing their skills until they tackle more and more difficult tasks. Therefore, ample time […]

Although myths abound, written accounts about Santa Lucia “the saint of light”, or Lucia of Syracuse, tell us that she was martyred for her faith in A.D. 304 at the age of 20, after having distributed much of her dowry to the poor.  Many countries celebrate Santa Lucia’s generosity and bravery with varying traditions, ranging […]

On December 5, Great Oak School students can be found polishing their boots and setting them out in anticipation of Saint Nicholas’ visit that evening. When the children arrive on December 6, a small gift will be waiting for them in their boots. In Waldorf tradition, this celebration is about more than just a treat. […]

Our Parent-Child program is specially designed to engage children from six months to three years old. The small group class is an opportunity for parents (or caregivers) and young children to come together in a home like environment that is calm, safe, and that echoes the rhythms and atmosphere of a Waldorf early childhood classroom. […]

As we near the end of the year, cultures around the world prepare for celebrations of light during the darkest time of the year. At Great Oak, Advent preparations will soon be underway. Each year, an advent spiral of boughs and other greenery is created for the students to walk through. They bring unlit candles […]

In common with fellow Waldorf schools across the globe, Great Oak School honors the first grade students on their first day of entering the grade school with the Rose Ceremony. Leaving kindergarten and entering first grade is an enormous shift for children. The first grade child’s family walks to the kindergarten teacher who hands a […]