“Love is higher than opinion. If people love one another the most varied opinions can be reconciled - thus one of the most important tasks for humankind today and in the future is that we should learn to live together and understand one another. If this human fellowship is not achieved, all talk of development is empty.”
~Rudolf Steiner
Educational Programs
At Living Oaks, our Early Childhood Program provides a warm, nurturing environment where young children can grow, explore, and develop at their own natural pace. Through imaginative play, meaningful work, artistic activities, storytelling, music, movement, and abundant time outdoors, children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning while experiencing the joy and wonder of childhood.
Living Oaks offers two early childhood classes thoughtfully designed to support the unique developmental needs of each age group. Our Juniper Class welcomes children ages 2 ½ years old – 4 years old, while our Primrose Class serves children ages 5–6 as they prepare for the transition to first grade. Each class is carefully balanced to create a harmonious community where children feel secure, valued, and inspired to learn. To support the needs of young families, the Juniper Class also offers flexible part-time enrollment options.
Our experienced teachers guide the children through a predictable daily rhythm that fosters confidence, independence, creativity, and social-emotional growth. Through hands-on experiences, purposeful activities, and open-ended play, children develop practical life skills, strengthen relationships, and cultivate curiosity about the world around them.
Children attend four days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each day includes a gentle balance of indoor and outdoor play, circle activities, nourishing snacks, storytelling, artistic experiences, lunch, rest time, and opportunities for meaningful work and exploration. Surrounded by nature and a caring community, children are given the space and support to thrive during these important early years.
For families seeking a gradual introduction to school, part-time scheduling is available within the Juniper Class, allowing younger children to experience the benefits of a Waldorf-inspired early childhood program while honoring their individual developmental needs.
Early Childhood Program
Upper Grades (6th-8th Grade)
In Grades 6-8, worlds come alive through our Steiner-inspired curriculum. Main lessons include include the history and literature of of Ancient Rome, Medieval History, the Renaissance and the Age of Revolution; scientific exploration in physics, chemistry, physiology and anatomy; business mathematics, geometry and more. During this time of life, students continue to learn and navigate the world of social relationships, fostering respect and collaboration among the community within the class and as a whole. Throughout middle school, the students continue with their subject classes in addition to their main lessons. Click here to learn more about our curriculum grade-by grade.
Sweet Pea Program (12 month -3 year olds)
Our Parent-Child program invites parents and young children to come together to meet new friends and share the wonders of the first few years of life. The Parent-Child Sweet Pea class is a small group of children along with their parent that provides an opportunity to learn more about a Steiner Inspired Education and healthy parenting. It is held in a nurturing environment, with natural toys that bring out a child’s imagination and initiative while also encouraging the child to develop social skills. The program has a weekly class for toddlers and a class for babies. In our toddler class, there will be time for circle songs, inside play, a wholesome snack, and outdoor play. Information about early childhood topics and healthy parenting will be made available and discussed. Through reading, discussion, and most importantly class observation, parents learn how to support their children during their first seven years of childhood.
Sweet Pea classes are designed for children not of preschool age. Preschool age is 3 years old by September 1st. Come join for inspiration and enjoyable mornings with your child!
Parent-Child Classes
Lower Grades (1st - 5th Grade)
Children in Grades 1-5 are guided by a Class Teacher from first through eighth grade. Students and teachers develop a deep and important relationship through the shared experience of growing together as people through the years of the main lesson curriculum. The children create their own textbooks, full of their own interpretations from subjects taught by the class teacher. The goal of each class teacher is to bring lessons to their class in ways that will excite and ignite, allowing each student to dream, learn, create, and explore! Throughout the lower grades, students are offered subject classes in addition to their main lessons. Click here to learn more about our curriculum grade-by grade.
Grades Subject Classes
Music
Music is woven throughout the educational experience, nurturing the whole child through singing, movement, rhythm, listening, and instrumental study. From first grade through eighth grade, students develop musical skills in a joyful and age-appropriate progression that supports creativity, concentration, self-expression, and collaboration.
In the early grades, children learn through song, games, movement, and simple instruments, developing a strong sense of rhythm, melody, and listening. As they grow, students expand their musical understanding through recorder, choral singing, music theory, ensemble work, and opportunities to perform for their school community.
Music education strengthens memory, coordination, focus, and confidence while fostering a deep appreciation for beauty and artistic expression. Through individual practice and group performance, students learn perseverance, cooperation, and the value of contributing their unique voice to a larger whole.
By engaging both heart and mind, music becomes more than a subject—it is a living experience that enriches learning, cultivates community, and inspires a lifelong connection to the arts.
Art
Art is an integral part of the educational experience, providing students with opportunities to explore creativity, develop technical skills, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, handcrafts, and mixed-media projects, students engage in meaningful artistic work that nurtures imagination, observation, and self-expression.
From the early grades through middle school, artistic experiences are carefully tailored to meet students' developmental stages. Younger children are encouraged to explore color, form, and creativity through joyful, process-oriented activities, while older students gradually develop greater artistic technique, precision, and artistic understanding. Throughout the grades, students learn to observe closely, work thoughtfully, and bring their ideas to life through a variety of artistic mediums.
Art education strengthens fine motor skills, concentration, perseverance, and creative problem-solving while fostering confidence and an appreciation for beauty. By engaging both imagination and craftsmanship, students discover the satisfaction of creating meaningful work and develop a lifelong connection to artistic expression.
Through regular artistic practice, children learn to see the world with greater attention, curiosity, and wonder, cultivating skills and perspectives that enrich all areas of learning and life.
Movement & Games
Movement and Games provide students with joyful opportunities to develop physical skills, teamwork, confidence, and healthy habits through active play and purposeful movement. Through a wide variety of age-appropriate games, cooperative activities, athletic challenges, and movement exercises, students strengthen coordination, balance, agility, endurance, and spatial awareness.
In the younger grades, children engage in imaginative games, rhythmic activities, and cooperative play that foster social development while building fundamental movement skills. As students mature, they are introduced to increasingly complex games and athletic activities that encourage strategic thinking, perseverance, sportsmanship, and leadership.
Movement and Games nurture more than physical development. Students learn to work together, navigate challenges, respect rules, and support one another while experiencing the joy of healthy competition and shared accomplishment. Through active participation, children develop resilience, self-discipline, and confidence in their growing abilities.
By balancing physical activity with cooperation, creativity, and fun, Movement and Games help students cultivate a lifelong appreciation for wellness, teamwork, and the connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Woodworking
Woodworking classes offer students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and develop practical skills. These classes aim to foster creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a deep connection to the natural world. Students learn to work with different types of wood, tools, and techniques under the guidance of a skilled instructor. Through woodworking, students not only create beautiful and functional objects but also gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their abilities. These classes often emphasize the importance of craftsmanship, patience, and attention to detail, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for the art of woodworking.
Spanish
Spanish is more than a subject — it is a living, breathing experience of language, culture, and human connection. Foreign language instruction begins in the early grades because young children have a natural gift for language acquisition. Just as they learned their mother tongue through imitation, rhythm, and relationship, they are uniquely able to absorb additional languages in a joyful and organic way.
Teaching Spanish nurtures not only communication skills, but also flexibility in thinking, cultural appreciation, listening skills, and social awareness. Language learning strengthens memory, awakens imagination, and supports the development of empathy by helping children experience the world through another cultural lens.
Handwork
Handwork is a beloved part of the curriculum that nurtures creativity, perseverance, and practical skill through meaningful, hands-on work. Beginning with simple projects and gradually progressing to more complex techniques, students learn skills such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, weaving, and fiber arts.
Through the careful use of their hands, children strengthen fine motor skills, concentration, coordination, and problem-solving abilities while experiencing the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful. Each project is thoughtfully chosen to meet students at their developmental stage, fostering confidence, patience, and a sense of accomplishment.
More than simply learning a craft, Handwork cultivates an appreciation for quality workmanship, responsibility, and the connection between effort and achievement. As students transform natural materials into purposeful creations, they develop creativity, resilience, and a deep respect for the value of making things by hand.
Optional Friday Programs
Early Childhood Fridays
Open To: Living Oaks’ Students & Homeschoolers
Ages: 3 - 6 years old
Hours: 8:30am - 2:00pm
Extending the week with the same rhythm the children know and cherish.
Living Oaks’ Friday Program offers children in the Juniper and Primrose classes a gentle continuation of their week - nurturing their sense of belonging, supporting their development, and honoring the beauty of childhood.
Fridays is an optional program that is an additional offering to support your family’s needs.
Children enjoy the familiar routines, stories, songs, movement, nature and meaningful work. Play-based, hands-on activities support the imagination and growth while strengthening friendships and belonging in a nurturing environment.
Open To: Living Oaks’ Students & Homeschoolers
Ages: 7 - 11 years old
Hours: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Give your child an inspiring day of learning, creativity, and connection through our Friday Program for children ages 7 - 11 years old! Rooted in Waldorf principles, children will dive into Spanish through songs, poetry, and lively games like skipping rope and Lotería, building their own personalized lesson book of songs and poems along the way. They'll greet the morning with mindful movement (learning body parts in Spanish as they go!), then head outside to dig in and tend Living Oaks's biodynamic garden. Hands stay busy with rich, ongoing handwork — wet-felting wool acorns and soaps, crafting nature mobiles and Ojos de Dios, building their own piñatas and paper-mâché puppets, and trying introductory
Grades Fridays
woodworking. Open to homeschoolers and full-time students alike, this warm, relationship-centered community offers a meaningful blend of nature, art, movement, and purposeful work.
Designed to complement a variety of educational journeys, our Friday Program provides children with opportunities to build lasting friendships, cultivate creativity, develop confidence, and experience the joy of purposeful work within a warm and nurturing community. Whether your child attends school full-time or is homeschooled, all children are welcome to join us for a day filled with wonder, discovery, and meaningful experiences in nature.
