WaldorfPittsburgh.org
Title
Waldorf School of Pittsburgh
Description
The Waldorf School of Pittsburgh entered a new stage of its growth with the opening of the 2003-04 school year in a newly purchased facility. A restored Victorian mansion, a registered historical landmark circa 1864, is the stately centerpiece of the 2 ½-acre property in the Bloomfield/Friendship neighborhood. The purchase of this property ended an extensive five-year search for a new home for the school. Committed to remaining an urban school to better serve the needs of the greater Pittsburgh community and to attract a diverse student body, the school's facility committee had put great effort into finding a suitable property that would support the needs of a growing school, plus would provide ample green space for play, gardening programs and a beautiful environment in keeping with the school's philosophy.
The school is in the process of implementing its five-year strategic plan, which had been developed with the help of Dewey & Kaye, a consulting firm. There are many exciting and growth-inducing projects included in the plan to utilize all the potentials this new property brings to the Waldorf School of Pittsburgh. A capital campaign is in the planning stage to acquire necessary funding to make continued improvements to the facility and the grounds. Our vision is to become a vital and prominent school for the children of Pittsburgh, as well as a community center for those interested in the arts and anthroposophy. The Waldorf School of Pittsburgh grew out of the commitment of several area families to bring Waldorf education to the city. In 1990, this group of families formed the Pittsburgh Waldorf Initiative. A study group was established for participants to read and discuss works dealing with specific aspects of Waldorf education. For the next several years this group worked to develop a broad base of community interest and support. Social and educational activities such as seasonal celebration of the festivals, Waldorf Summer Camp, open houses, lectures and workshops by experienced Waldorf teachers were offered to nurture a growing interest in Waldorf education in Pittsburgh. Two years prior to the opening of our licensed school, a parent cooperative nursery-kindergarten was formed to provide children with a Waldorf-inspired educational experience. Classroom space was leased and a beautiful Waldorf environment was created.
Our school serves children and parents coming from a rich variety of spiritual, cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Indeed, this is an essential component of Waldorf education, where variety strengthens and enriches the spirit of brotherhood and community. Those drawn to the school find themselves and the world mirrored in the values and relationships that thrive here.
