SWSF School

School introduction

Founded by a group of parents in 1974 with eleven children, SWSF School has grown into a Waldorf community spanning early childhood through high school. Its 38-acre Santa Rosa campus connects classrooms and art studios with a working farm, bringing academic study into contact with nature and practical work.

The school emphasizes independent judgment, creative expression and responsibility. Faculty mentors support high-school students, while cross-age buddy activities connect older and younger pupils. Farm work, music and theatre give students tangible settings in which to collaborate and see a task through.

Curriculum

The regular high-school timetable begins with a 90-minute Main Lesson focused on one subject, alongside mathematics, languages, humanities, science and PE. Grade 9 topics include algebra, heat, anatomy, geology, and tragedy and comedy; Grade 10 extends to geometry, mechanics, acids and bases, and research writing. Spanish and German are language options.

Art is integral to learning. High-school students take music, with choices including choir, guitar and chamber ensemble, while drama develops performance and production skills. Practical arts across the grades include pottery, printmaking, bookbinding, weaving and blacksmithing, linking observation and design with making.

Farm learning grows in responsibility with age: animal care, composting and planting lead into practices such as pruning and grafting. These experiences connect food production, soil and everyday life. This describes the regular program; contact an advisor about Main Lesson topics, workshops and off-campus activities during a short stay.

• The campus restricts smart devices; high-school students check them into the office during the school day. Contact an advisor about arrangements for short-term students.

School features

• 38-acre campus with a working farm
• 90-minute Main Lesson blocks
• Music, drama and practical arts
• Faculty mentoring in high school

Grades available for short-term study & entry requirements

Grades available for short-term study

Grades 9–10 are recommended; contact an advisor about other grades

School application requirements

• English sufficient for regular-class participation is required. Contact an advisor about evidence and assessment arrangements.
• Parent-accompanied stays with self-arranged housing are preferred. Contact an advisor about host-family assistance and placement.

Dates, duration & fees

Duration

The school stated no minimum duration.

Dates

Enquiries are welcome year-round. Contact an advisor about attendance dates.

Fees

Contact an advisor

Accommodation & documents

Accommodation

Day School / Homestay

No campus accommodation. Parent-accompanied, self-arranged housing is preferred; help finding a host family may be possible, but matching can be difficult.

Documents typically needed

• Usually prepare a valid passport or applicable identity document.
• If applicable, prepare a valid U.S. visa or other entry and stay documents, according to the student’s status and proposed school arrangement.
• Immunization records and any health documents required by the school.
• Recent school reports or a learning summary; contact an advisor about grade-specific documents.

More campus & classroom photos

Regional location

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