Detroit Waldorf School (DWS), is fully accredited by Independent Schools of the Central States and Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and provides pre-K to eighth grade Waldorf education in an Albert Kahn historic building in Indian Village. As the only independent school option in the city, DWS, founded in 1966, offers an education with a strong focus on abundant time spent outdoors, education devoted to creativity and the promotion of imagination, a technology-free environment and a unique curriculum that weaves art and music with academic learning for an immersive, hands-on experience where children bring learning to life and truly step into the history, science, art, and math that they study.

DWS founders Amelia Wilhelm and the late Dr. Rudolf Wilhelm opened the school during the Civil Rights turmoil of the 1960s, bringing the unique curriculum and philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner to a city that needed healing. Students spend a lot of time outdoors year-round. Teachers support families in making parenting decisions that are healthy for their entire families, and parents may participate in parent education and community program opportunities. Teachers address the comprehensive developmental needs of the child, working with parents closely to create an ideal environment for a thriving childhood.

With a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, DWS has an Accessible Tuition program to make Waldorf education available to a wide array of students and families. Created in 2009, the program ensures that acceptance of a child into the school does not depend on the financial resources of the family, because every family adds value to the school community.

Teachers often stay with a class from first through eighth grades, giving them a chance to get to know the students and tailor the education to each student’s unique needs, as well as create a harmonious group of peers that truly grow up together and stay connected. The student population draws from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties; high school and college instructors say DWS graduates are often their top students and many go on to create entrepreneurial careers.

Detroit Waldorf School is located at 2555 Burns, in Detroit. For more information, call 313-822-0300 or visit DetroitWaldorf.org.