FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waldorf education?
The aim of Waldorf education is to educate the whole child, “head, heart, and hands.” Waldorf education is a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. Waldorf homeschoolers integrate the arts in all academic disciplines for children from preschool through twelfth grade to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf Education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.
Drawing, painting, music, theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate their intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world.
Here are some helpful articles to give you more information:
Unique Aspects of Waldorf Education
Free Resource Library of Articles on Waldorf Homeschooling
Here are some helpful sites to give you more information. These sites are authored by our Board Members, Carrie Dendtler and Jean Miller respectively.
Are you Waldorf purists? How strictly Waldorf are you?
We are Waldorf-inspired. This means we have taken what we consider to be the best of Waldorf education and incorporated it into our school. Art-based learning, nature-based learning, circle time, storytelling, and festivals are a few of the Waldorf ideas we love.
Do we have to be Waldorf homeschoolers?
No! Many of our students are not Waldorf homeschoolers, but are attracted to the idea of whole-child education that infuses the arts into all subjects and incorporates a lot of time in nature. We have a variety of homeschool styles represented by our students, including Waldorf homeschoolers, eclectic homeschoolers, homeschoolers who use a full packaged curriculum, and virtual schoolers.
Why do you celebrate Festivals and Seasons and why do you incorporate the preparation for Festivals and Seasons into your program?
These special festivals, or holidays, are integral to the rhythm of life and passing of the seasons. In celebrating seasonal holidays, the goal is to develop in the child (and adult) a sense of the rhythm of the seasons and the passage of time, and a sense that there is something bigger than himself. Our lives are seasonal as we go through ups and downs and it’s important for us to remember that seasons change and time passes so we are never in a “down season” forever. Celebrating the rhythm of the year helps us remember this truth.
Rudolf Steiner said, “The original idea of any sacred festival (or holiday) is to make the human being look upward from his dependence on earthly things to those things that transcend the Earth.”
Even more than that, though, we take these moments as opportunities to show gratitude both for the time we’ve been granted together, and anticipation of the gifts of time that lies ahead.
In class, we take time to prepare for or celebrate upcoming Festivals and Seasons. This will be a time for storytelling, art, crafting, literature, poetry, song, memories, and excitement. Examples of festivals or seasonal days include our Fall Festival, our Spring Festival, Martinmas, Michaelmas, Christmas, Candlemas, St. Nicholas Day, May Day, and more. We will work on crafts and art projects to further enhance your family celebrations at home. We will not focus on the religious aspects at school, but encourage you to do so at home or make it your own in however works best for your family.
What curriculum do you use?
We primarily use Waldorf curriculums: Earthschooling and Christopherus for our elementary grades, but we give our teachers freedom to incorporate their own ideas too. In the middle grades, we begin to incorporate curriculum outside of Waldorf specifically. Specific curriculum is determined by the individual teachers, and you can find more details in the class descriptions. We also incorporate a variety of classic literature, stories, and poetry.
Are you an umbrella school or private school covering?
No. Most of our students are registered with the state as homeschoolers. Ultimately, you are responsible for your child’s education. We are here to offer enrichment and as a supplement to your homeschool.
How are your classes divided by age? My child is 7 now, but will turn 8 in October. What class should she enroll in?
We group ages according to what age the child is at the beginning of the school year. If you are 7 in August, but turning 8 in October, the 7 year class is the appropriate class for you. Our 7 year olds will all turn 8 during the school year. We are not able to place children in different classes based on friendships or academic ability. We are an enrichment program and strive to leave the academics to you. Children will be placed with their same aged peers and will get many opportunities throughout the day to see friends in other classes.
Additionally, students must be 4 years old by the beginning of school to enter our 4 year program.
My child was 4 last year and was in the 4/5 class. He is 5 this year, so he stays in the 4/5 class again. Will he be repeating the same things?
No. The subjects stay the same in general, but we do a two year rotation in classwork, so it will not be a repeat of the same year.
Must my child attend both days or can we just enroll in one day per week?
You can choose which works best for your family. You can enroll full time (both Thursday & Friday) or choose Thursday only or Friday only classes.
Must I enroll in your day program in order to enroll in the after school classes? Or can I enroll in an afterschool class only?
If we decide to offer after school classes again, they are open to all homeschool students. Whether you attend our day program or not, you can enroll in an after school class.
Do you have an attendance policy?
We do not require a formal attendance record. We realize that one of the joys of homeschooling is flexibility and the freedom to travel when it is best for your family. As a courtesy, if you are going to be absent, we ask that you let us know. As stated in the Tuition Policy section, your financial commitment is for the semester, independent of the number of days you physically attend.
Do you have a sick policy?
Yes! We wish everyone optimal health, but we know illnesses sometimes occur. We have students with lowered immune systems at our school, and we ask that you join us in our concern for keeping germs to a minimum.
If anyone in your household has been vomiting, had a fever, or exhibits any virus symptoms in the last 2 days, please do not bring your student(s) to school until all symptoms have subsided in your home for 2 days. Likewise, if they have an active cough, sore throat, or runny nose, please keep them at home.
We trust your judgement and ask that you be as careful as possible when it comes to spreading germs. We realize it can be very disappointing for the student to have to miss school when they only attend one or two days per week. It will likely happen to all of us. If you miss school due to an illness, the teachers will fill you in on what was missed and save any supplies for your student.
Do you have a dress code?
No, but we do a lot of artwork, movement, outdoor play, and gardening in all of our age groups so please wear clothes that can get dirty and allow unrestricted movement. Please dress your student(s) appropriately for the weather. Students do need closed toe shoes to explore the woods and socks for inside, no-shoe time.
When we enroll, what is the financial commitment?
Tuition may be paid in full each semester or in four-week increments. If tuition is being paid monthly, please note that if, for any reason, your child is unable to finish out the semester, you are still financially responsible for the full semester's tuition. We use your payment commitment to guarantee our teachers' salaries, rental contracts and liability insurance contract for the semester. Your submission of the online registration form is acceptance of this financial commitment.
We keep our class sizes small because we feel this creates a better environment for students and teachers. For this reason, we depend on each student’s tuition to cover our costs.
The supply fee and registration fee are non-refundable, even if you decide not to attend The Dreamers’ School after registering. Our small classes fill up very quickly and we turn people away due to full classes. Your payment is a commitment to the best of your knowledge that your student will take that spot for the semester.
Monthly tuition payments are due every four weeks. We ask for your help in paying your tuition promptly as it is extremely embarrassing and uncomfortable for us to have to track down payments. We have a sign posted at the check in table displaying payment due dates.
What discounts do you offer?
We offer a 20% sibling discount for full time siblings.
We offer a 10% discount for full time families who pay the semester in full.
We offer a 10% discount for full time students who are dual enrolled with The Dreamers’ School and Trailblazers.
*Discounts cannot be combined.
Can we schedule a time to visit the school prior to registering?
Yes, please contact us via email info@georgiadreamers.com to schedule a time to visit.
Do you have a Facebook or Instagram page?
Yes, https://www.facebook.com/groups/147215015975626/ and Instagram: @thedreamersschoolofgeorgia. We use our private Facebook group to share photos from our day and make important announcements.
Are you affiliated with a church or religion?
No.
Does this mean my religion or beliefs might be condemned or challenged? Will my child be taught things that go against my religion or beliefs?
Absolutely not. We do not incorporate religion into our lessons, but many of our students and staff are religious. As parents, one of the reasons we homeschool is so that we can be the primary influence on our children at this age, and we respect the parents’ choice to be this. Everyone at our school will be valued and treated equally no matter what their beliefs are.
What is your discipline policy?
We make every effort to practice restorative discipline versus consequential tactics. If a child is behaving out-of-sorts or disruptively, we work with the parent and child to help them feel more at ease, engaged, confident, and included. We do not use consequences, “time out”, isolation, or fear tactics. If a student is disrupting class, we ask the teacher to engage the assistance of one of the directors so that we can help sort out the issue. We may call a parent or guardian if needed. In all cases, we want to work with you to help your child and build them up in confidence and self-esteem.
Do you offer field trips?
We do not formally plan field trips, but parents are welcome to plan field trips for the school. Many families express the desire to get together outside of school and field trips can be an ideal way for this to happen.
Does my child need to bring lunch and snacks from home?
Yes. We do have snack and lunch times each day and all food must be brought from home. Please be sure to pack healthy lunches and snacks for your child. We ask that you do not send candy. We ask that water be the only drink that you provide. Sodas and juices aren’t allowed because we rent our space and do not want to be responsible for any spills or stains. We also try to spend time outside as much as possible so water bottles are easy to refill using the water fountain.
Please ask your child not to share food with other children. Many of our students have varying food allergies, and for safety reasons, we have a no-food-sharing policy.
**Please be aware that we attempt to be a nut-free school. But since we are in a shared space with food coming in from different homes and on days we aren’t in school, we cannot guarantee a completely nut free space. **
What does my child need to bring to school each day?
Your child should bring a healthy snack and lunch, a water bottle (or two), a yoga mat, and a backpack. A change of clothes is suggested for younger students.
When is tuition due?
The once-per-year registration fee of $100 is due at the time of registration, and the Fall semester's supply fee of $100 is also due at the time of registration. We often offer a discounted registration fee during the spring. Please note that we cannot hold your child's spot in the class unless these fees are paid. It is likely that we have a full roster, so for this reason, we accept students on a first-come, first-serve basis based on Registration and Supply Fee payment.
You may pay each semester in full or monthly installments. Late payments are subject to a $25 late fee.
Fall Semester (16 weeks)
If you choose to pay tuition in full it is due by August 11th.
Spring Semester Supply Fee due: January 5th
Spring Semester (16 weeks)
If you choose to pay tuition in full it is due by January 5th.