Brooklyn Waldorf School
Brooklyn Waldorf School
The Brooklyn Waldorf School is an autonomous, non-religious, co-ed institution providing daycare and primary education situated in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York. It practices the Waldorf method of education, inspired by Rudolf Steiner's traditional approach. The school was established in 2005 and currently offers programs for Preschool/Kindergarten and Grades 1-8. In 2011, the school relocated to the Claver Castle. Despite being a recent addition to the community, the Brooklyn Waldorf School endeavors to maintain a strong and considerate presence in Bedford-Stuyvesant by collaborating with local groups, such as St. Martin de Porres/St. Peter Claver Parish, and arranging public events such as Community Basketball nights and diverse cultural workshops, including social justice training.
In modern life, creative problem-solving plays a crucial role. With this in mind, Waldorf instructors collaborate to build a curriculum that prepares children to confront problems with adaptive minds and responsive hearts. As a result, students develop into individuals who are conscious of their role in their community and enthusiastic about contributing to the world.
In the Brooklyn Waldorf School education, the learning progression is designed to align with the developmental stage of the students. The Brooklyn Waldorf School class teachers accompany their students as they move up the grades, providing a clear understanding of each child's intellectual journey. Small class sizes and personalized lessons are made possible by this approach. The teachers' undivided attention fosters an environment of delight and exploration, a mindset that guides students' academic pursuits even beyond high school.
Programs in Brooklyn Waldorf School
The ability to quickly adapt to change is crucial to the in-person, full-week classes offered at the Brooklyn Waldorf School. This flexibility is a fundamental characteristic of Waldorf education, which has evolved over a century of theoretical and classroom experience from around the globe. With the freedom and expertise to adjust the curriculum as needed, the school's experienced teachers ensure a seamless learning experience for their students.
The Brooklyn Waldorf School's Caregiver & Child classes provide a unique opportunity for adults to observe their growing child as they explore the world around them. The classroom environment is carefully crafted by a gentle, Waldorf-trained teacher to encourage self-directed play and exploration for children aged 4-36 months. The child's senses are stimulated by the use of organic materials like wood, silk, and wool, and caregivers are accepted into a welcoming, encouraging community where they may exchange ideas, ask questions, and pick the brains of others.
The classes are designed to meet the child's developmental stage and introduce them to the wonders of the natural world. The curriculum includes open, self-directed playtime, circle time with songs, movement journeys, and finger plays, snack time that the child may help prepare, sharing of weekly articles and discussion topics, and a seasonal puppet show. Both indoor and outdoor classes are available, with smaller class sizes to ensure safety and adherence to city and state health guidelines. The outdoor space, located adjacent to the school building, is designed for safe play in any weather conditions.
At the Brooklyn Waldorf School, children are provided with a pre-academic curriculum that emphasizes free play and encourages creativity and social awareness. All classes are held in-person from Monday to Friday, starting at 8:25 am and ending at 1:00 pm, with options for registration for pick up at 3:00 pm or 5:45 pm. The curriculum is designed to improve sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, and build foundational language skills that support successful reading.
For children in Grades 1 through 5, the Lower School program is focused on engaging all senses and cultivating lifelong learners. The main lesson comprises the first two hours of each day, allowing for a deep exploration of multiple subjects. Math and science are taught by looking at the environment, while outdoor play and nature stories inspire a sense of wonder. In addition to core subjects, students learn Spanish and Mandarin through dramatic storytelling. They also explore the local environment through map-making and field trips, developing a deeper understanding of New York geography. By using head, heart, and hands, students are fully engaged in their learning, resulting in a well-rounded and comprehensive education.
The Middle School program at the Brooklyn Waldorf School is aimed at providing a comprehensive and stimulating education that promotes the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of students. The curriculum is tailored to meet the specific needs of adolescents, emphasizing experiential learning and practical skills. This three-year program, spanning grades 6 through 8, is focused on building a strong foundation of academic skills while also nurturing the students' emotional and social development. The curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through a holistic approach that combines academic subjects with art, music, and movement. The Middle School program builds on the skills and concepts introduced in the Lower School, including math, science, literature, and history, and offers new challenges such as foreign language study, technology education, and independent research projects. The goal of the program is to prepare students for high school and beyond, fostering lifelong learners who are ready to tackle the challenges of the future. Experienced and dedicated teachers facilitate the Middle School program at the Brooklyn Waldorf School, providing a supportive and nurturing environment with small class sizes that allow for individual attention and close teacher-student relationships.
After School Programs in Brooklyn Waldorf School
The Brooklyn Waldorf School offers a variety of after-school activities that cater to the interests and needs of students of all ages. These activities are changed annually to ensure that they remain relevant to the students and their families while still being aligned with the school's educational values. These extracurricular activities include a diverse range of options such as Eco Arts, Capoeira, Basketball, Woodworking, and many others. Additionally, the school requires students in grades 3-8 to learn how to play a stringed instrument, such as violin, viola, cello, or double-bass. The school provides high-quality and affordable music lessons taught by excellent teachers in the school building after regular school hours. Families paying full tuition are required to pay $1,500 USD for the lessons, which includes 30 classes spread over the academic year, along with two makeup sessions. Families who require financial assistance can apply for tuition assistance to avail of reduced rates, and payment plans can also be established.
Accommodation in Brooklyn Waldorf School
The Brooklyn Waldorf School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York does not provide on-campus housing for international students. Nevertheless, there are several affordable and convenient accommodations that international students can choose from in the area.
The most popular and immersive option is homestay, where students live with a local family and get to experience the local culture firsthand. Homestay arrangements in Brooklyn are typically priced between $800 USD and $1,500 USD per month, depending on the location and amenities provided.
Alternatively, international students may also choose to rent an apartment or share a room in a shared house. While this may offer a more independent living experience, it may require more research and preparation. Apartments in Bedford-Stuyvesant are available from $1,500 USD to $3,000 USD per month, depending on the size and location. Shared houses or dormitories can also provide a communal living experience with prices ranging from $800 USD to $1,500 USD per month.
It is essential for international students to research and carefully consider their accommodation options, taking into account factors such as location, cost, and amenities. The Brooklyn Waldorf School is committed to supporting international students in finding suitable and comfortable accommodation options in the area.
Future Prospects after study in Brooklyn Waldorf School
International students who graduate from the Brooklyn Waldorf School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York have various future prospects in the United States. It is important to note that a high school graduate cannot immediately start working in the US, but they may be able to obtain a student visa status that allows them to attend a higher institution and then work through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs.
After graduating from a higher institution, international students may be able to use their OPT or CPT work authorization to gain valuable professional experience in the United States. This can be a stepping stone towards obtaining a more permanent work visa or even permanent residency. International students may also consider applying for a status of permanent resident or American citizenship.
Permanent residency, also known as a green card, grants an individual the right to live and work in the United States permanently. International students can apply for a green card through various channels, such as through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, or the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
American citizenship is another option for international students who wish to establish themselves in the United States long-term. Citizenship offers benefits such as the right to vote, work for the US government, and travel freely outside of the country. However, the process of obtaining citizenship can take several years and requires meeting certain eligibility requirements.
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