Camellia Waldorf School in Sacramento, California

“The first time I came onto the campus I knew I was in a very special place. The quality of teachers, the nurturing environment, the focus on developing both a child's creative and intellectual capacities, as well as cultivating in them a sense of reverence for the natural world makes this the only place in Sacramento that I would send my children. While gardening, music, arts and movement programs are something that are considered 'extra' (or are non-existent) in most schools, at Camellia they are integral to their mission of educating the WHOLE child, not just the child's brain. The school's committed to making this education as available as possible through a progressive tuition assistance program is beautifully reflected in the diversity of the student body. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in a giving their child an opportunity to reach his or her true life potential.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are new to Camellia. We have been very impressed with the strong parent community and the effort and care demonstrated by the teachers. The curriculum is very beneficial in bringing out the best in students. They turn out very well rounded individuals, stimulating them in the areas of academics, music, art, physical development, spirituality and social abilities. If the public school chaos concerns you, Camellia is worth a look!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a member of the faculty and also a parent at Camellia Waldorf School. I enjoy so many things about this school it is hard to know where to begin. I wholeheartedly respect my fellow colleagues who are multi-talented, insightful and optimistic. I enjoy the down-to earth- parent body whose love for this school warmly welcomes any newcomer. The children are the greatest gift, and this community, parents and faculty alike, strive to work together to support healthy children who enjoy learning.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I have two children in adjoining grades. They love to go to school and learn. This is due to the fact that learning is made to be fun. The teachers take a genuine interest in the learning and well being of the children. The parents are very involved and make class functions enjoyable and memorable. I enjoy watching them grow in to young adults with the solid footing that their schooling gives them.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I was skeptical of sending my son to private school, but my concerns went away after just a few weeks in the Waldorf system. There are many reasons why I've been happy with our experience at Waldorf (many are listed by others in these reviews), but the 2 items that stand out the most to me are: 1) they recognize that spiritual and religious ideas are an important part of the overall educational experience and 2) they focus on teaching the children to learn through experience and play instead of lectures and homework.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Camellia is not just a school but also a wonderful community full of dedicated and well-trained teachers, diverse students, and active parents. Our son is in kindergarten and has blossomed in a magical environment full of stories, songs, painting, friendships, chickens, bunnies, baked bread, soup, quesadillas, tree climbing, rope swinging, mud, sand, and water. What more could a boy want? Camellia is a find by any measure you wish to use.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Camellia Waldorf couldn't be better for my daughter. Due to financial circumstances, we tried the first grade at a public Waldorf school; however, it did not have the magic of Camellia. So we returned to Camellia. Our daughter will be graduating this year. The Waldorf method emphasizes the needs of the individual child. Our daughter has academic challenges and the teachers have been fantastic at challenging her at her level of development. Our experience there has been marvelous with our daughter excelling in the arts, struggling with the academics, and maintaining high self-esteem.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“With little understanding of Waldorf education initially, we enrolled our 2-year old in the parent-tot program at Camellia. It s been 4 years now at CWS and we value Waldorf pedagogy and its balanced curriculum integrating arts and humanities with math and science. My nephew, a CWS graduate, attends a high school for technology and is a critical thinker and entrepreneur. He has been recognized for his ability to work as a team player and deliver oral presentations. We attribute this to Camellia. My husband and I are pleased with Camellia s early childhood program and have so much to look forward to as our children reach grade levels and beyond. Also, the socio-economic and cultural diversity at Camellia are part of what makes the school unique. We re a family of mixed cultures (Asian and African American); diversity was imperative in our decision-making. Take a tour. Tip: Ask about financial aid.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two sons, who are in 2nd and 4th grade at Camellia. Both started at Camellia in kindergarten. My older son, I am confident would have been 'diagnosed' with some sort of ADD-type of condition because he had a hard time paying attention and listening to instructions up until about 3rd grade. Instead this school recommended curative practices for him, worked with him, worked with us, and demonstrated a level of caring and dedication I have never seen in another environment. And guess what? He has no diagnosable condition! And he is doing very well today. He was delayed in sensory integration development and the teachers realized this and worked with him. Both of my children are thriving. Both of my children LOVE to go to school! Both of my children are very creative and kind people. I owe it all to this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son started in the parent-toddler program when he was two, and he is now four and in Kindergarten. He has blossomed at Camellia. He has the opportunity to play and learn through his playing, without pressure to perform academically, and at the same time I see his intellectual development is being nurtured and encouraged. He is a very physical boy, and the teacher is able to direct his physicality in positive developmental directions. My second son is now in the parent-toddler program, and absolutely loving it!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Camellia was a great choice for our child. She thrives in the holistic curriculum that includes handwork, cooking, eurythmy, movement, art, and music. These are fully integrated into the school day so that they feel like an essential part of school life -just as much as the core academic subjects.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We love Camellia! Our kindergarten class has 15 students with a wonderful teacher and an amazing aide. Our children adore and feel safe with them. Teaching is an art form to both and that they care deeply for each child and their education. Camellia s kindergarten is a magical place. The play yard, daily rhythms, daily art, rich language play, healthy snacks, and inspiring classroom make school a special place. The teachers and parents are down to earth, funny, and wise. We never thought we could afford Camellia, but generous tuition assistance has made it possible.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are so grateful for our son's 3.5 years at Camellia so far! My husband and I both attended public schools and went on to complete Masters Degrees. When our son was born we thought we would send him to the school down the street. However, we began hearing from family members who teach at public schools about the changes that standardized testing are creating in the classrooms. In addition I was researching up and coming industries for a client and discovered findings that our current school system is not designed to create innovators and workers for the coming global economy. While private school was a huge paradigm shift for us- we are so glad we took that leap! Our son is thriving body, mind, and spirit. And best of all, he loves school and learning. Camellia is a warm and diverse community. I recommend a tour!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has been a student at Camellia since kindergarten and will be graduating this year. I have watched him develop academically and emotionally, and am confident that he is ready to face high school. Thanks to the support and guidance of teachers and staff, Camellia continues to thrive as a nurturing environment for all.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Camellia Waldorf is a gem! Our child is learning in an environment that enriches his whole person and is the most developmentally appropriate education model we have found. I strongly encourage any parent to come and see what this amazingly caring, creative, inspiring school has to offer their children. We could not be happier with our experience at Camellia Waldorf.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Camellia provides an environment where my children enjoy learning and are allowed to do so at their own pace. My child who excels at math is given work that challenges him, which is beyond what the others in the class may be doing. Another child who excels at reading is allowed to read at his own ability, but is also encouraged to assist others in the class with their reading skills. Camellia is a community. The other parents and the teachers are part of that community. We all support one another. I am so grateful to have found this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“One of my children is about to graduate from Camellia Waldorf School, having been here since 1st grade. I feel so grateful for what he has experienced here - a very rich intellectual experience, with a profound grounding in history, literature, science, and math, all taught with a perspective on how these various disciplines have developed as human culture has progressed. This has been great preparation for high school, as demonstrated by high scores on standardized testing that is done in 7th and 8th grades. The parent and student community is amazing - every child, even the most challenging, is part of the community - there are no outcasts. My child also discovered his passion for music here, and it has expanded his world. I know on graduation day I will be very tearful - fortunately I have a younger child who will still be at Camellia next year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Camellia Waldorf is a wonderful school that brings education alive for our two children. The children are happy and engaged in their play and in their learning. We moved our high achieving academic child from a public magnet school to Camellia last year and couldn't be happier with our experience. This a wonderful school community that is really worth investigating for your child!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Truly dedicated faculty, wonderful parental support, charming grounds, unparalled movement and music programs, awesome fieldtrips! In an ideal Waldorf setting, the teacher that greets your child at the beginning of 1st grade sees them through their 8th grade graduation. This gives an opportunity for these teachers to really come to know their students and develop relationships which would simply not be possible in a more traditional environment. However, this doesn't always happen and occasionally it shouldn't happen. Furthermore, there is no principal in a Waldorf school. Instead the schools are governed by the faculty themselves. Again, good and bad. Awesome when it works well but have seen it work not so well too. In the end I would say that Waldorf schools create individuals unlike anything else out there. Their students are recognizably unique and interesting and to know them is to love them. Each and every one.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Camellia Waldorf is an excellent school that fosters imagination, creativity, discipline, and independent thought. The parents and teachers form a supportive community of adults, looking out for the well-being of all the children. Although art, music, and movement are stressed, they are tools for learning, not the ends themselves. The graduates from the eighth grade have been able to go into the high school of their choice and have excelled in the sciences as well as the humanities. Our children learn about tolerance and acceptance of all world cultures. Spirituality, not religion, is promoted, as the Waldorf philosophy believes in the education of the whole child, body, mind, spirit, and heart. As the student body is small, each child is given individualized attention and allowed to progress at the their own pace without outside artificial pressures and standards. Yet these children score well on standardized testing.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“When I first enrolled my daughter in this school I fell in love with the artistic and spiritual world that she was immersed in. The school events were magical for adults as well as children. As the year went on though my daughter began to get bored. She wanted to learn to read (they don't teach reading until 1st grade). Her friend next door was doing homework, so my daughter made up her own. I realized that she needed more than magic and art-she needed something to challenge her. Waldorf doesn't really offer much of that at her age level. Parent involvement was very good-we had gardening days and things such as that to keep up the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school, where education is a journey not a race. Loving environment with care on the academics, arts and movement”
This review was posted by a parent.