Quotes

“I think that it is not exaggerated to say that no other educational system in the world gives such a central role to the arts as the Waldorf School Movement. There is not a subject taught that does not have an artistic aspect. Even mathematics is presented in an artistic fashion and related via dance, movement or drawing to the child as a whole. Steiner’s system of education is built on the premise that art is an integral part of human endeavors. He gives it back its true role. Anything that can be done to further his revolutionary educational ideals will be of the greatest importance.”

Konrad Oberhuber
Professor of Fine Arts
Harvard University

Admissions

High School Admissions

Below please find detailed instructions and inclusions for the High School Admissions Process.

Completed Application Form and Fee
A completed application for High School applicants will consist of:


  • Application , including parent(s)/guardian(s) narrative and signed transcript/records request form(s).

  • Application fee of $75

  • Copies of applicant’s academic record for the past three years (in most cases this will be provided by student’s current school and is requested by CWS using the records request form). This may also include grades received, standardized test scores, copy of Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) if relevant, copy of educational evaluation if relevant, and attendance records for the past three years.

  • Letters of recommendation from student’s current English teacher, Math teacher and principal or guidance counselor. Common Recommendation Forms can be downloaded here and must be mailed directly from the teachers.

Please click here to download the English Teacher Recommendation Form for High School Admission.

Please click here to download the Math Teacher Recommendation Form for High School Admission.

Please click here to download the Principal Recommendation Form for High School Admission.

Please click here for a downloadable Chicago Waldorf School Application.

It is highly recommended that High School applicants visit for a day. Although this is not a requirement of a completed application, it helps families decide whether or not to apply. We encourage applicants to our 9th grade to visit during the late fall of their 8th grade year. Visits can be scheduled most times throughout the school year with the Admissions Office.

Mid-year transfer applicants are considered until March.

Interview
The application will be reviewed by the Admissions Director, the Class Advisors (for the class to which the student has applied) and, in some cases, a member of the Educational Support Program. The Admissions Office will contact the family to let them know if we will schedule an interview. The interview team will consist of the Class Advisors and, in some instances, the Admissions Director member of the Educational Support Program staff, eurythmy teacher or other faculty members.

The interview will begin with the Class Advisors providing an overview of the High School Program, which includes:

  • Curriculum
  • Schedules (including Daily, Morning Lesson and Art Block schedules)>/li>
  • Conduct expected of High School students
  • Service learning and community service
  • Senior Projects
  • Foreign Exchange Program
  • Extracurricular activities (athletic, academic, and social)

The student will then go to a separate room with one of the Class Advisors or Admissions Director to assess English and math proficiency. During that time the parents/guardians will stay with the other faculty members present at the interview and may discuss:

  • Any personal issues mentioned in the application (including but not limited to medical diagnoses, social dynamics, learning differences, etc.)
  • The parent(s)/guardian(s) role at the Chicago Waldorf School
  • Chain of communication within the school
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • School Directory/Handbook/High School Handbook

Admission Decision and Notification
Admission decisions are made by the High School faculty. Notification will be sent in writing within 3 weeks or as soon as possible once a decision has been made for late or mid-year applicants.

There is a three month probationary period for all new students of the Chicago Waldorf School. This gives the Class Advisors and family an opportunity to discuss initial adjustment and identify what is necessary to ensure a successful transition to our school.

Tuition, Tuition Adjustment and Sibling Discount
Please visit the Tuition and/or Affording CWS page(s) for specific information regarding tuition and tuition adjustment.

Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy
The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate against qualified applicants for employment or admissions to the School on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical disability in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship, financial aid, athletic, and other school-administrated programs.