Maple Village Waldorf School

After a year of Kindergarten at a «top rated» Long Beach public elementary school, I knew the relentless paperwork, homework, testing and time spent seated at a desk (students were only allowed 15 minutes of recess per 3.5 hour day) were not what I envisioned for my son’s education. We made the switch to Maple Village Waldorf School and couldn’t be more pleased. My son regained his spark, curiosity and imagination and is actually happy to go to school each day (unlike his public school days when every morning was a battle to get out the door). MVWS provides a whole-​child education, teaching art, music, reverence for nature and community, and LOTS of movement and outdoor time, as well as the basics you would expect from an elementary school. It’s true that academics are taught at a slightly slower pace than what is currently being taught at public elementary schools, but that is a good thing. Thanks to the No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top initiatives, public schools are pressuring kids at younger and younger ages to perform at a grade level or two higher than they’re developmentally capable of doing. Research shows that play in early childhood, not sitting at a desk doing paperwork, is critical for long-​term educational success. (Check out the research on the Finnish educational system, which consistently ranks near the top in the world, yet students there don’t begin formal education until age seven.) Bottom line is, I feel MVWS is providing our children a well-​rounded education that still allows space for kids to be kids. The class sizes are much smaller than what you’d find in public schools, allowing the children to form connections with the teachers and other students. The community of parents is very active and engaged as well. MVWS is a special place and my family is grateful to have it in our lives.

After enrolling my son in this school and experiencing his first year here, I simply cannot think of absolutely any other school for him and I am a very picky parent! How is this school different from most? At Waldorf, they truly educate the whole child; their whole brain is engaged, the sensing, feeling parts of the brain that are so easily accessed by young children are nourished, and those essential neural connections needed for later academic learning are solidly laid. If you believe that children are meant to learn by doing and not simply by repeating, copying or watching, this is the place for your child. Great teacher-​student ratio, walks to the park, second language learning, music, dancing, painting, strong interaction with nature, promotion of healthy eating habits… they are all part of Maple Village’s amazing curriculum and vision. This school is indeed a little village, a great community of teachers, children and parents who work harmoniously on constantly improving the school. Team effort is strong. If you are an involved parent who loves to be part of your child’s education, your voice will be heard and welcomed in this school. Living in this «race-​to-​nowhere» society has helped me realize the importance of retraining our brains to breathe, be present, de-​stress and enjoy nature and life! We love Maple Village because it grounds us and helps us accomplish these goals as a family. I couldn’t be more proud of my son’s school. Love it, love it, love it and look forward to our next 8 years here!

Our daughter attends the parent/​toddler class at Maple Village on Fridays and it’s the highlight of her week. I accompany her as often as I can and I’m always blown away by the talent and dedication of the teachers and administrators. I’m not sure that we would have found this wonderful school if it wasn’t right in our neighborhood, but now that we’re part of the Maple Village community it’s hard to imagine sending our daughter anywhere else. If you live in the Long Beach area and want to give your child a great start in life, I’d encourage you to check it out.

We are so glad to have found Maple Village Waldorf School for our son. The teachers and staff are knowledgeable, caring, loving and respectful of all the children and families. We didn’t know very much about Waldorf education when we enrolled our son here, but through many parent-​education nights, our family has found this to be a terrific fit for us. My child loves going to school every day.

Our family could not be more happy with our son’s transition from a play based preschool learning environment to Maple Village Waldorf School’s Kindergarten. At the end of his first week, our son jumped in the car and shouted, «I LOVE my kindergarten! Thank you so much for letting me go here.» It’s so beautiful to see our child progress and learn so much while being so comfortable and enthusiastic.
The two most significant aspects of Waldorf Schooling that ultimately led to our decision to send our son to Maple Village were 1) Waldorf educates the whole child. This means that not only will children learn all the academics taught at other schools, but they also learn physical life skills like woodworking, sewing, cooking, and a strong emphasis is placed on each of our uniqueness and importance and the impact our actions have on others and the world around us. Tho there is no specific religion taught in Waldorf schools, children are taught values and empathy thru stories, songs, and dances from all cultures and world religions. 2) Children are taught at an age appropriate pace. This enables children to fully comprehend and truly enjoy subjects as they are learned when their brains and bodies are ready. So while Waldorf kindergarten may seem like all fun and games and fairy tales (which it is!), these are the most useful and fun ways to develop their brains for upcoming higher education thru repetition, coordination, and uninhibited imagination.

Love love love Maple Village and everything they do. Unfortunately they don’t have a preschool schedule that is conducive to working families so we’re on the hunt for a place that doesn’t dismiss at 1pm every day. So sad to leave but even as a mom with lots of flexibility, I can’t make this work. This is a great school if you can swing their schedule.

We’re so glad that we’ve found Maple Village, as it is a beautiful nurturing environment where children can learn through play and experience. It is such a blessing to be able to see my son’s growth, his courage, his communication, his social skills, his sense of compassion all brought out in such a loving environment.

What a joy it has been watching my son stretch and grow at MVS. It was such a relief to find a school that would connect with my child as a whole person, that is willing to engage and encourage the imagination, the intellect, and the physical body. Not only does this school engage the child but welcomes in the whole family with plenty of volunteer opportunities and parent education. Maple Village is a gem in Long Beach’s crown!

We are sooo glad we discovered Maple Village last year! My son was really starting to ‘shut down’ after experiencing kindergarten in the public school system. We transferred him last year, and the whole environment at Maple Village really brought back the sparkle in his eye, his enthusiasm and his creativity. I wouldn’t have believed it a year ago, but all summer long, he’s been asking when school would start because he can’t wait to return. Today was the first day of school — and the energy and enthusiasm and love among all the parents and children and teachers was truly magical.

I am so glad one of my friends told me about Maple Village School! My daughter is enrolled in the Parent/​Toddler class with Lisa and we both love it. There is a real sense of community at this school. I value the focus on nature, connection with the seasons, play, and healthy living and eating. It is a very nurturing environment that your child will blossom in. I highly recommend you go to their website to learn more about Waldorf education and set up an appointment to sit in on a class. They currently offer classes up through 2^nd grade. You will be so happy you did!