
early childhood events
Experience the joy of early childhood at CWS.

Early Childhood Playdate
Join us for a fun and enriching family outing designed to give you a glimpse into the joyful world of Waldorf Early Childhood education. Whether you're new to Waldorf or simply curious to learn more, this hands-on event offers something special for both children and parents.
Enjoy a warm and welcoming space where your child can explore, play, and create while you learn about the Chicago Waldorf School Pre-K and Mixed-Age programs.

Parent/Child Classes
Each session offers delightful experiences like puppet plays, circle time, poems, songs, seasonal crafts, and plenty of play and exploration. Beyond the activities, our classes are a space to learn about child development, discuss parenting topics, and build community with other caregivers of young families.

Fall School Tours
Admissions events provide an in-depth opportunity to experience and learn about the unique philosophy and child-development focused curriculum of The Chicago Waldorf School.

Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest at Chicago Waldorf School is a beloved tradition that began with a few CWS homebrewers and has grown into an annual celebration of community, craft, and culinary talent.
Enjoy a festive evening filled with house-brewed beers, homemade pretzels, bratwursts, smoked meats (while they last!), and other German-inspired fare. The event takes place outdoors in Nora’s Sun and Moon Park, under our glowing Oktoberfest tent with lights strung throughout the space.
Please note that this is an adults-only gathering.

Harvest Festival
You’re warmly invited to the Annual Chicago Waldorf Harvest Fest coming Saturday, October 11th, from 10am to 12pm at Nora’s Sun and Moon Park. Enjoy live music, delicious homemade treats—including vegan and gluten-free options—and hands-on nature crafts made from pumpkins, pinecones, and more.
Our Early Childhood teachers and children have been busy preparing seasonal favorites like applesauce, apple cakes, and cornbread to share, alongside hot coffee and fresh apple cider. Join us in singing harvest songs as we celebrate the season’s bounty and the spirit of community.
Bring your family and friends for a joyful morning of food, music, and fall fun—we look forward to seeing you there!

Open Lessons
From Early Childhood through High School, you'll observe a range of classes and see firsthand how our students engage deeply with hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning. Watch as teachers bring subjects to life and help students grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.
Beyond classroom visits, you'll have the chance to connect with fellow parents, faculty, and members of our vibrant school community. Open Lessons offers an inspiring glimpse into the heart of our educational approach.
Please note that this is an adults-only event.

Holiday Fair
Experience the wonder of the season with festive activities for children and adults alike. Little ones will love the Children’s House, where 6th grade students guide early childhood visitors through a magical holiday journey. Enjoy enchanting puppet shows performed by our Early Childhood teachers, and dive into hands-on crafting fun like candle decorating and ornament making.
Wander through our Vendor Village on the second floor, where local artisans showcase beautifully handcrafted gifts perfect for the season. Warm up with delicious food and coffee as you explore, create, and connect.
Inquire today
Fill out the inquiry form below and a member of the admissions team will reach out to answer any questions you may have about enrollment at Chicago Waldorf School.
play comes first
Ignite your child's curiosity with the Chicago Waldorf School Early Childhood Program! Step into a world of discovery where play is the gateway to growth. Our passionate educators nurture each child's unique path through imaginative play, outdoor exploration, and enriching hands-on experiences like cooking and storytelling.
We prioritize social development, ignite creativity, and lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning. Designed for children ages 3-6, our program offers a balanced blend of fun and education. Enroll today and watch your child flourish in a space where curiosity knows no bounds!