• #waldorfinwhistler

A Waldorf School in Whistler, BC

Whistler Waldorf School is a non-profit fully accredited independent school with B.C.’s Ministry of Education and is situated in the beautiful Canadian ski resort of Whistler, BC, Canada. WWS is a member of Independent School of FISA BC and also an accredited member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.

Launched in 2000, through the efforts of three founding families, WWS has grown exponentially thanks to the support and demand from the communities of Whistler and Pemberton for another choice in education in our region.

Inspiring a Genuine Love of Learning

A Waldorf education fosters socially-responsible, motivated self-starters who are resistant to our social world pressures and innately respectful of others.

At the Whistler Waldorf School, students learn from an early age to engage in their own learning process.

The imaginative play and grace of the early years evolves into an experience of meeting the beauty and complexity of the world with sensitivity and hope.

This foundation leads to a rich academic experience that supports young men and women in realizing their full potential as students, as people, as members of the human community.

Offering Students More

  • A non-secular, non-denominational, not-for-profit, Ministry of Ed. certified independent school
  • Approximately 200 students from Playschool – Gr. 12
  • An established independent school in Whistler for over 20 years
  • An age-appropriate and academically rich curriculum
  • One of four Waldorf High Schools in Canada
  • Opportunities such as International Exchange, International Student, and International Service Learning programs for students

Success for Life

95% of WWS graduates attain provincial honours and go on to post-secondary including universities such as University of BC, University of Victoria, McGill University, McMaster University, Queen’s University, University of Calgary, Berklee College of Music and many more.

Divergent Thinking

By engaging in a broad based and rich muti-disciplinary curriculum including the humanities, math, science, arts, music, languages and practical arts.

Relationship & Collaboration Skills

By appreciating others in a nurtured and supported environment where teacher-student roles are well defined and based on trust, respect and collaboration.

Community Engagement

By appreciating their school community and the wider field of the world they live in, while they work to develop themselves as engaged citizens of the future.

Environmental stewardship

By appreciating their natural environment around them and being immersed in outdoor education activities daily, becoming future stewards of the planet.

Academic Experience

By appreciating a thorough and robust curriculum which teaches students how to apply ‘real-world’ skills and solutions, bolstering academic resilience for their post-secondary education.

Our School’s Roadmap

  • 1999

    3 families start a grassroots home school group with a Waldorf approach to learning

  • Alta Lake school opens its doors to 10 students

    2000

  • 2008

    WWS joins the Assn. of Waldorf Schools of North America & officially changes name to Whistler Waldorf

  • School grows to 80 students in pre-k through Grade 8

    2010

  • 2016

    WWS graduates its first Grade 12 class

  • Addition of Spring Creek Early Years Centre - a Satellite Pre-K Program

    2019

  • 2020

    WWS serves over 215 students from Pre-K to Gr. 12

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  • Wonder in Learning

A Progressive, Thoughtful Education

Our Mission

To educate each child with reverence and respect; to nurture wonder, confidence and initiative so they may participate in the world guided by a sense of truth and responsibility.

Our Vision

Through a holistic and academically rigorous education, WWS fosters the development of socially responsible and innovative students committed to a lifelong love of learning, active engagement in society, and a sense of wonder for the world around them.

Our Values

  • Respectful communication
  • Harmony & Balance
  • Life Long Learning
  • Appreciation for the environment
  • Respectful, supportive relationships

A FISA approved Independent School

On the surface, BC’s independent schools don’t appear to differ to public schools in that they employ B.C.-certified teachers, have educational programs consistent with ministerial orders, provide a program that meets the learning outcomes of the B.C. curriculum, meet various administrative requirements, maintain adequate educational facilities, and comply with municipal and regional district codes.

However, independent schools differ in terms of financial opportunties:

  • Unlike the public schools, Group 1 independent schools receive only 50 percent of their local boards of education funding in terms of a per student allowance (based on a student’s Full-time Equivalent attendance at the school).
  • Also, independent schools are not eligible to receive capital grant funding for school property and/or any school indoor or outdoor equipment. This is why independent schools often have extra fees for tuition and enhanced education programming, as well as many participate in active fundraising for school enhancement and resources each year.

Given the extra costs of supporting a non-profit school, environment, WWS is proud that we can offer new student scholarships and provide over $200,000 in financial support to around 35% of its students. This level of financial support is extraordinary and a key feature of the culture and overall success of our school community who highly values Waldorf education.

Learn More About WWS