Welcome New Families
There are many ways to participate in the rich and inspiring life of our school. We look forward to sharing those moments with you, and we are excited to embark on this journey together with your family.
We’re so glad you’ve joined our community.
Welcome to the Waldorf School of Philadelphia! It is our hope that your whole family will make lasting friendships in our school community, and we are here to support you at every step.
We invite you to attend an orientation evening for adults, which will provide you with all of the information you need to prepare for the new school year. (Please note: babies are welcome at orientation evenings, but we ask that you find childcare for the evening for older children.)
Thank you for choosing our school. We can’t wait to see you on campus.
Important 2024-25 Dates
Monday, August 26th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.: New Family Orientation
Wednesday, September 4th, 2024:
First Day of School, Grades studentsThursday, September 5th, 2024:
First Day of School, 5-day and 2-day Early Childhood studentsMonday, September 9th, 2024:
First Day of School, 3-day Early Childhood students
Governance
The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is a self-administered, collaboratively led institution with three groups (Faculty, Administration, Board of Trustees) responsible for integrated, yet distinct, areas of school governance. These groups work together on strategic planning, decision making, and implementation of policy and practice here at our school.
Here is a list of who to talk with when you have questions, concerns, and ideas.
For thoughts about the classroom:
First, contact your class teacher
Second, contact Dr. Torregrossa, our Faculty Administrator
For questions about administrative issues and day-to-day operations:
First, contact Betsy Sweeney, Director of Operations
Second, contact our Administrative Coordinator
For questions about billing:
Contact Pamela Benton, Business Manager
Contact Elise Gruber, Bookkeeper
For thoughts on leadership, strategy, and whole-school health:
Contact Niko Hilgerdt, Head of School
Contact The Board of Trustees
Communication
Each Friday, we send out the Waldorf Weekly with important information about upcoming events. We ask every family to stay up-to-date by reading this weekly email.
Extended Day Program
You want your child to be safe and happy, in a familiar environment, while you’re at work or taking care of other responsibilities. Our Extended Day Program offers peace of mind when you need an early drop-off or a late pick-up.
Transportation
Students and families walk, bike, carpool, and ride school district buses and public transportation right to our doorstep. The Philadelphia School District provides free school district bus transportation for students who qualify. Students residing in suburban school districts should check with local school districts for more information. There are several SEPTA routes serving the neighborhoods surrounding the Waldorf School of Philadelphia. We are a 15-minute drive from the Art Museum area, 10 minutes from Chestnut Hill, and only 15 minutes from Wynnewood and the Main Line.
Helpful Links
Get Involved
Community involvement is a way of life of the Waldorf School of Philadelphia and key to maintaining a thriving community that is active and engaged in our classrooms, festivals, school events, field trips, and more.
Here are some easy ways to get involved with our community:
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Admissions Committee
Work with Admissions to spread the word about our school.
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Development Committee
Help power our purpose.
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Parents Association
Build parent community to support our children.
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee
Our work is rooted in collaboration through open communication.
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Event Planning Committee
Community events are a big part of school life. Help us organize these fun, meaningful gatherings.
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Contact Us
Do you have a particular talent you’d like to share? Everyone brings something unique to our school—let us know about your passion.