In response to the article written in the The Norwalk Hour, one of our board members wrote the following letter to the editor. It was not published.

To the Editor of the Norwalk Hour:

I want to thank Anna Gustafson for her fine article, published on February 12, 2007, about The Clover Hill School initiative that will bring a Waldorf school to Norwalk in 2008. While her article thoughtfully describes the Waldorf method, I would like to elaborate on her description of how Waldorf education differs from mainstream educational methods.

Waldorf education is the largest growing private school movement in the United States. The curriculum, taught by trained Waldorf teachers, provides the student with a rigorous classical education that addresses all aspects of the child and all types of learning styles. Teachers are dedicated to generating a genuine inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. Beginning in the first grade, the children are introduced to numbers and letters, writing and mathematics, two foreign languages, a musical instrument and a variety of movement classes and artistic activities. Their days are filled with rhythm, storytelling and opportunities for active social development. This work continues throughout the grade school, and the demands on the student gradually increase with the child's age and development. The early and middle grades are filled with the study of literature (ancient myths and folklore, biographies of influential figures who have changed our world, poetry and drama), history (ancient civilizations, the Roman world, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance), and science (botany, geology, astronomy and meteorology, physics, biology and chemistry). Mathematics, starting with all four processes in the first grade, becomes more challenging each year, and by the 8th grade the students are able to tackle quadratic equations, algebra and the geometry of Platonic solids.

The Waldorf student, through a very rigorous and exciting academic curriculum, is given a diverse foundation of human culture and civilization. By the end of 8th grade, the student is able to confidently consider the complexities of our modern world. He or she is also given practical training in the arts, music, foreign language, English composition and drama. Within these eight years the student develops a deep respect and love for the process of learning.

A rich, classical Waldorf education strengthens not only the intellect but the child's whole being. It educates the heart and the hands, so that the student may develop the courage and strength to transform their thoughts, hopes and dreams into deeds and reality in our expanding communities. It is shown that Waldorf students, no matter what their choice for secondary education, easily make the transition into the challenges of high school, flourishing in either public or private schools.

The Clover Hill School cordially invites anyone who may be interested in learning about Waldorf education to attend our "Evening with The Clover Hill School" on Saturday, April 14th, at the Norwalk City Hall at 6:30 p.m. There will be a lecture, fine food, musical entertainment and a display of student work. Come for open discussion and conversation with experienced Waldorf teachers and supporters of our initiative. Tickets will be on sale at the door. Please contact me kelly@thecloverhillschool.org to receive more information about our grade school initiative. Visit our website www.thecloverhillschool.org for more information about Waldorf education.

Sincerely,

Kelly Beekman
Waldorf Teacher and Board Member of The Clover Hill School