Shining Mountain Waldorf School - Boulder, Colorado

Johanna G

I am a grateful alumna and am now also a parent of a child attending Shining Mountain. I have such fond memories of my time as a student: the depth of caring I felt from my teachers, the unique curriculum, the friendships with classmates, the beautiful setting of the foothills. Waldorf education tends to each aspect of ourselves as human beings: social, physical, mental, emotional, etc and I feel it has helped me cultivate a wholistic sense of balance in my life. As a parent, I'm again feeling so much appreciation for the dedication and loving kindness off all the faculty and staff, and the wonderful qualities of the families whose children attend the school. I value being part of this community, and my son is also happy and thriving at Shining Mountain. I have so much gratitude for this school!!

Cecilia Valdez-Salinas

Shining Mountain is a great school! I am the proud parent of a kindergartner on their third year at SMWS. My family and I were introduced to Waldorf education by friends; they spoke very highly about the philosophy and I was attracted to the idea of an education that understood human development in a deeper sense and adjusted to the needs of each individual child.

The school has allowed for my child to develop in the most beautiful way possible, at their own pace, really enjoying being a child and with a thorough understanding of social skills, morality and the world around them. We have also found a supportive community in staff and families; the faculty is highly skilled, responsible and I have experienced the teachers working hard to get to know each one of their students in order to help them with their education.

The school is run by a thoughtful group of leaders that maintain high education standards and cares deeply about the future of its students in relationship with a rapidly changing world.

Meg Gardner

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is giving my sons a challenging, well-rounded, authentic education. With integrated studies of science, history, math, art, and two world languages, Waldorf education is a modern day Renaissance education. Most importantly, it is also a moral education, helping them develop strong character. Their outdoor education program, yearly circus performances, choral and orchestral programs are outstanding. Their classes integrate movement, singing, art, and poetry. They teach through a block system, allowing for deep understanding of each subject while studying it for three-four weeks at a time. The families create true community at Shining Mountain. The teachers and staff work with restorative communication programs, and the whole school benefits from a social health group, and the established Living Community Principles for communicating and working together. At Shining Mountain, students are truly seen by their teachers!

Katya Slivinskaya

The front range community is incredibly lucky to have a K-12 Waldorf school in our area. Situated in beautiful natural surroundings, this school is well-funded, well-resourced, and equipped with a collaborative, inspired staff. The arts and music programs remain strong even in times when many school are cutting costs in these areas. The teachers are committed to individual attention, seeing each student for their unique strengths and helping guide them through their challenges. Classes balance academic rigor with time outdoors, and robust creative and physical activity. And the oldest students (in the high school) display clearly the awareness, care, and conscientiousness that has been learned through this education.

Joshua Berman

Two of my daughters attend this school and they love it! They are in the kindergarten and early grades, where the holistic, development-appropriate approach is allowing them to thrive and to enjoy their childhood. I am also a Spanish teacher at Shining Mountain Waldorf School and have seen how students benefit from the unique Waldorf curriculum all the way through the high school. The students really do have an opportunity to shine and discover who they really are.

Nita June

I simply love this school, the faculty, and the community that surrounds it. Filled with integrity. passion, and goodness, the faculty are deeply committed to giving their students the best education possible - on every level - head, heart, hands, and spirit. I highly recommend this school - from its magical Early Childhood program, to its experiential and expansive middle school program, to its empowering and inspiring high school program.

Sarah Guneratne

My daughter started at SMWS in the beginning of 3rd Grade. The children and teachers have been incredibly inclusive and her transition to a new school has been filled with love and grace. She is thriving in this beautiful, warm and intentional community. I am also a new class teacher at SMWS. Despite COVID, I have been welcomed as a member of the faculty and staff graciously. There is clearly a deep level of respect and openness between colleagues as well as genuine care and concern for the wellbeing of every single student. On top of all this, the school is set in the most magical and picturesque environment. The view of the mountains is stunning and expansive. It's truly a joy and honor to be at SMWS!!

Benjamin Lovejoy

We moved from Northern California so that our daughter could attend this school. She is thriving in the nurturing environment and loves the opportunities to play basketball on one day and sing and dance on another. Our experience in the lower school, with Dorothea Altgelt, was fantastic as she is a treasure, and her current teacher, Meg Gardner, exemplifies the best of what Waldorf education has to offer. I highly recommend Waldorf education and Shining Mountain in particular for anyone who's looking for a wholesome, considerate, authentic educational experience.