• If my child has not been in a Waldorf school before, how easy is it to transfer in?
• What is the thinking behind the recommendation that all forms of media be eliminated
• How large is the typical Colegio Rudolf Steiner class?
• What kind of training do your teachers have?
• Do you have a full Waldorf program?
• In what ways are parents involved at CRS?
• Will my child be prepared for entry into a SEP school or another public school in USA or Canada?
• What happens if my child and the Class Teacher do not get along?
• How do you work with giftedness?
• What help is available for remedial work?
• Is Colegio Rudolf Steiner affiliated with any religious denomination?
• How do you handle discipline?
• What are you looking for in a child and a family?
• Are you an art school?
• How is language instruction effective for children of different experience levels?  Is tutoring available? (SMA)
• Where can I find more information about expat living in San Miguel?  Can I speak with some families who will share their experiences?
  
• Is financial aid available?

If my child has not been in a Waldorf school before, how easy is it to transfer in?
Our experience is that it varies with the temperament of the child, how well he or she adjusts to changes, and the grade of the transfer. Generally, through grade 5, the transition goes smoothly with slight adjustments to a new learning environment, artistic activities, and foreign languages. Colegio Rudolf Steiner classes are known for welcoming new students in a friendly and inclusive manner.

What is the thinking behind the recommendation that all forms of media be strictly limited or eliminated in the early years?
Throughout the Waldorf movement, one of our major goals is to increase the neural pathways in the brain, thereby optimizing overall brain functioning. This is especially important for areas of discrimination and critical thinking - lifelong skills. The TV screen, video games, movies, apart from the content on the screen, all lay down simple, repetitive neural pathways and actually shut down those areas of the brain that activate higher level thinking skills and powers of discrimination.

Furthermore, for young children, their primary means of self-development is through healthy movement, active play, and fantasy, which arises out of an innate capacity to form images. This capacity of imagination, so strong in the young child, is what we at Colegio Rudolf Steiner value highly and cultivate consciously, because it is the basis for critical thinking skills that emerge in the adolescent.

How large is the typical Colegio Rudolf Steiner class?
Kindergarten: 18 children with a lead teacher and an assistant in each of our two kindergartens.
Grades 1-6: Ranges from 6-22, with certain subjects or electives split in half.

What kind of training do your teachers have?
About 98% of the teachers at Colegio Rudolf Steiner have completed a two-year Waldorf teacher training program in addition to having at least a Bachelor's degree. A number of teachers have Masters or Doctoral degrees, as well.

Do you have a full Waldorf program?
Kindergarten through Grade 6 - academics, music, drama, eurythmy, practical arts, movement, bilingual curriculum, and handwork. Please see Curriculum Overviews.

In what ways are parents involved at CRS?
Parents are vitally important to the smooth functioning of Colegio Rudolf Steiner: Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, governance and long range planning, Parent Council, festivals, fundraising, class trips, support for the teachers, organizing parent education evenings. Opportunities abound for parents to contribute their unique skills and energy to the school community.

Will my child be prepared for entry into another non-Waldorf school in Mexico, the USA, or Canada?
Absolutely!   While the how and why of what we teach is uniquely Waldorf, the curriculum not only exceeds all state requirements for graduation, but also provides a depth to learning and thinking skills that is unparalleled.

What happens if my child and the Class Teacher do not get along?
Our experience is that this situation is rare between the child and the teacher, because the Waldorf emphasis on honoring and supporting each child's individual unfolding and life path allows for a great embracing of differences. However, if the relationship hits a snag, frequent communication between teacher and parents ensures that any difficulties are resolved as quickly and as cooperatively as possible.

How do you work with giftedness?
The Waldorf ideal is to value all expressions of humanity, and so we see every child as gifted in his or her own unique way, to be appreciated for both strengths and weaknesses. Our approach emphasizes balance in the three distinct ways that human beings relate to the world: through thinking, through the life of the emotions, and through physical activity. In the curriculum all three aspects are cultivated. Although our methodology is such that all children are taught the same curriculum, a child who is gifted in certain areas, such as in music, language, or the arts, may go deeper or do more advanced work within the general classroom setting.

What help is available for remedial work?
When a child's needs extend beyond the resources of CRS, we recommend additional tutoring or consultation.  CRS teachers are available for extra help but will recommend outside tutoring when necessary.

Is Colegio Rudolf Steiner affiliated with any religious denomination?
No, we are not. We do, however, recognize that each human being in his/her essence is a spiritual being with a destiny to fulfill. The role of education is to support the unfolding individuality, but without any religious dogma. We honor various spiritual traditions and have confidence that, in our fundamental nature, human beings are alike, part of a global humanity.

How do you handle discipline?
Approaches to discipline are varied and relate directly to the age of the child, his/her temperament, and any unique needs that child has. Parents are often surprised at how cooperative and peaceful our classes are, because the age-appropriate curriculum, the artistic activities, and the amount of movement in the day all help to keep students engaged in their learning. When needed, a teacher meets with parents to discuss discipline issues and formulate a plan.

What are you looking for in a child and a family?
First and foremost, we want to be able to meet the needs of the child, so during the admissions process and the student visit, we make sure there are no issues beyond our ability to handle them. Also, we find that a child's success is further enhanced when parents understand and support our unique philosophy and educational approach. Towards this goal, we encourage you to ask us questions and become informed about the depth, breadth, and multifaceted aspects of our program.

Are you an art school?
While many artistic activities are woven into the daily experience of our students, we do not consider ourselves an art school. Rather, the arts are the context in which academic work is imbedded. We believe that drama, painting, handcrafts, singing, instrumental music, and eurythmy are highly important for children to reach their full potential, to help them build confidence in bringing their creative ideas into the world.

 I want my child to experience the Waldorf program, but he's already in the 4th grade. Can you start the Waldorf program at any grade?

A: Many young people begin their educations with Waldorf in kindergarten and stay with us throughout their academic careers. Nevertheless, there are plenty of families who come to us from other schools and at various ages. Waldorf nurtures new students during the transition. However, there is sometimes a period of adjustment in the lower school, because the Waldorf teaching style relies heavily on effective listening without the use of electronic media.

What about math and science?

A: The math and science curriculum is rigorous, and students are taught to engage math and science in a way that is practical in the real world. Waldorf graduates are critical thinkers and problem-solvers, and have found that the math and science foundation gained while at Waldorf prepares them to go into any field they choose.

My child (or the child of a friend) goes to a Waldorf School in another city. Is the program the same? How are Waldorf Schools related?

A: Each Waldorf school is independently operated, but all share a commitment to the same educational philosophy. Each school in the nearly 40 countries where they are located adapts its curriculum to its particular culture.

A diverse school setting is important to me. Is CRS diverse?

A: One of the hallmarks of a Waldorf education is our commitment to ensuring access to our program to people of all backgrounds. The school  draws from the international community of San Miguel.

urriculum is rigorous, and students are taught to engage math and science in a way that is practical in the real world. Waldorf graduates are critical thinkers and problem-solvers, and have found that the math and science foundation gained while at Waldorf prepares them to go into any field they choose.

Can you tell me about how children learn to read at Waldorf?

A: Waldorf students become voracious readers. The Waldorf program does not impose formal reading instruction too early. Rather, through storytelling, performance, and illustration of letters and words artistically, students naturally develop an enthusiasm for literature. Each student is encouraged to develop in a manner that supports a long-term love of reading.

What is the approach to homework?

A: Research has shown that homework begins supporting a student's school performance in middle school. However, we begin small homework assignments in 3rd grade so that students develop responsibility, organizational skills, and good habits. By the time students are in middle school, they have homework loads similar to those in other schools. Teachers try to avoid weekend assignments so that students have time to be with their families and pursue extracurricular interests.

A: Eurythmy combines movement, music, rhyme, story, and geometric shapes into an art form that develops one's concentration and capacity for aesthetic appreciation. Students learn to choreograph group movement and to be sensitive to other people.

A: Waldorf San Miguel: Colegio Rudolf Steiner is accredited as a school in development by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), and is fully compliant with all state and federal requirements.  

Is there a dress code?

A: There are no uniforms required at the school.

San Miguel Waldorf School benefits every time you visit our website, join our online programs, or visit our sponsors, so please visit often!