Pasadena Waldorf School in Burbank, California

“PWS was a wonderful experience for our family. I am the parent of two graduates, both attended from kindergarten through eighth grade, and I am so impressed with who they are, now, as teenagers. They know themselves more than I knew myself at their ages, and they appear to be moving through adolescence gracefully. Academically they have different strengths and weaknesses (don't we all?) and each is doing well in high school - I regret we didn't send them to a Waldorf high school though, I really believe Waldorf offers a deeper education. When we started at PWS I didn't realize how important the school community would be for our family...it was a busy eleven years filled with interesting activities and we still enjoy participating when we can, we're Elves' Faire lifers!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Pasadena Waldorf School has a fairy tale approach to life and does not prepare children for the real world. The school's administration has no oversight and teachers are free to instruct and discipline children any way they see fit. My children had to be tutored after leaving Waldorf just to catch up with mainstream society. The campus is beautiful and the ideals are romantic. The story telling and performances are fun but do not begin to educate children in today's complex world. There are some valuable lessons being taught, but negated by the fact that a child cannot write correctly or spell. There is no test taking and no monitoring of the educational process. Waldorf creates it's own rules and changes them on a whim. I would not recommend this school to anyone who takes their child's education seriously.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I feel so fortunate that we could be part of this community for the past two years. Our daughter has received tender and attentive care of the most authentic and inspired quality. Consciousness, depth, purposefulness and goodness abound. Our world needs more of this. May Waldorf schools flourish so that all those who want to take part in this great movement in education are able to.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have 3 children at Pasadena Waldorf School and their experiences, love of learning, appreciation for others and the world around them is a treasure to behold. I have spent 32 years in public education as a teacher and administrator and not a day goes by that I don't wish we could do more of the Waldorf approaches to education in the public school setting. The Waldorf approach is one that helps create individuals that will be prepared for an unkown future. Be prepared for continual parental involvement because it is the union of school and community that makes the Waldorf system work for students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The intentions are good, but it falls far short of it's goals.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school. We have 3 children at the school and are amazed everyday that they want to go to school. My 5th grader has missed maybe 3 days in 5 years. I hope you can say that for your kids. Unless you have to be on the fast track, why not give yourself a break and check out our greast school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am not sure the Waldorf model works in today's multicultural environment. Having the same teacher from K-8 sounds romantic but it is rare to find an individual with a skill set that can meet a child's needs over 9 years of education. Parental involvement is very high and the atmosphere is nurturing. I would not recommend a Waldorf Education unless you are prepared to supplement your child's education w/ tutors and other outlets for both academic and sporting activities.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“After having my daughter at this school for 5 years, I pulled her out. They have lost most of their good teachers and there is no oversight on poor performing teachers. We most definitely would not recommend it for a quality educaton.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter attended Pasadena Waldorf School from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students from her graduating eighth grade class were accepted into a variety of high schools, including Westridge, L.A. County High School for the Arts, LaSalle, Mayfield, Sacred Heart, Maranatha, Alverno, and St. Francis, and two decided to continue with their Waldorf education at Highland Hall's high school, even though it is located far from Pasadena in the San Fernando Valley. My daughter had a beautiful, positive experience at PWS that prepared her well for high school and for a happy life. She is a fine, thinking young woman with a clear sense of herself and compassion for others. These qualities were nurtured by PWS. The school community is loving, and our family has many wonderful memories of our time there. I highly recommend that parents investigate Waldorf education for their children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Pasadena Waldorf School is a competent and even excellent institution for the Waldorf education system. Children are eminently happy, deeply nurtured and profoundly educated. Much depends, however, on the individual teacher since the school, like all Waldorf schools, has no administration to hold teachers accountable. If one is concerned about competitiveness in the rat race of modern life, Waldorf is not the choice for you. If one is concerned with raising creative, confident and surprisingly calm young people, Waldorf is the choice for you.”
This review was posted by a parent.