Curiosity, imagination and the ability to think creatively—the basis of a healthy and lively intellectual life—take root in early childhood.
The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School understands how important the early years are to healthy development and lifelong well-being.
Kindergarten, Nursery and Parent-Toddler Circle programs foster the young child’s sense of wonder and trust, encouraging openness toward life and learning. this creates a solid foundation for later academic education, and supports children in learning to care for themselves, one another and the world.
Early Childhood at GBRSS offers…
- A balance of meaningful activities for children to participate in every day.
- Wholesome snacks prepared together.
- Beautiful classrooms filled with natural, open-ended toys that spark imagination and creative play.
- Year-round outdoor fun in the play grounds and woodlands.
- Gardening in the vegetable and flower beds.
- Beloved festivals celebrating the seasons, such as Lantern Walk in autumn, and May Day in spring.
Early Childhood Programs
Kindergarten and Nursery programs engage children in a range of joyful activities that include singing, creative play, listening to stories and puppet plays, working together, gardening, painting, crafting and exploring the outdoors. Sliding-scale tuition is available for Kindergarten and Nursery programs.
- Kindergarten , for children ages four to six years, offers a 5- or 4-day option, full days or mornings.
- Nursery, for children ages two-years-and-nine-months to four years, offers a 5- or 3-day option, full days or mornings.
Parent-Toddler Circle is an opportunity for very young children and their parents to experience firsthand the rhythms of a Waldorf early childhood classroom.
- Parent-Toddler Circle, for parents and their children under age three, is offered once a week in 8-week sessions throughout the school year.