A Waldorf-Inspired Curriculum

The TRCCS curriculum is guided by the Core Principles of Public Waldorf Education. The Waldorf method is a tried and true method of educating with 94% of students attending college or university. This whole-child, developmentally aligned approach was developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 for the children of the employees of the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Factory in Austria, and now has thousands of public and private schools in over 70 countries. Now more than a century later, the foundations of Waldorf are being supported by scientific discovery and have been adapted for public school instruction.

At TRCCS, we are dedicated to delivering this educational experience to students of Wisconsin regardless of their income as a public charter school through open enrollment. Our National Enrollment is available worldwide on a tuition basis, regardless of geographic location. Learn more at NATIONAL ENROLLMENT.

The Waldorf Way

The Arts

Music, art, and movement are greatly employed in the learning process. Those emphasized are knitting, crocheting, games, eurhythmy, watercolors, flute/recorder, and in later years violin, ukulele, guitar, choir, theater, percussion, songs in the round, and wood carving.
Storytelling

Storytelling is used to awaken imagination, retain attention, and teach subjects such as math, history, geography, social studies, writing and reading. Classic stories, folklore and mythology are used to explore ancient cultures and to convey morals and ethics.
Nature

An emphasis is put on nature and environmental stewardship. Children spend much time outside exploring the world around them gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them. Gardening and environmental education are introduced in 1st grade.
Practical Life Skills

Children are taught real-life tasks such as housekeeping, cooking, fiber arts, and gardening. Mastery of these basic life skills helps build the foundation for self confidence and independence.
Foreign Language

Foreign language is introduced in first grade and continues on into eighth. Through the study of these languages, students are introduced to diverse cultures, cultivating a deeper understanding of the people they share a planet with.
Seasonal Celebrations

Seasonal studies and festivals are taught and celebrated throughout the year. Families are invited to come together as a community for most ceremonies to allow for opportunities for community connections.
Fostering Imagination

Technology is de-emphasized in the early years at school and at home. Parents of enrolled children will be expected to greatly limit their children’s exposure to computers, TV, and video games. Students begin to utilize Chromebooks in middle school grades.
Nurturing Staff

Teachers advance with their students from first grade until middle school. This allows teachers to develop a stronger relationship with their students, giving them the knowledge to tailor the lessons to their students’ needs and strengths, and to the reach and support their social/emotional health.
Immersive Studies

Main lessons, including all traditional subjects, are taught in 4 week blocks. Main lesson teachers and specials teachers collaborate to deliver content through various methods ensuring engagement and retention for a variety of learning modalities. Lessons are balanced in the realm of academic skill, artistic expression, and kinesthetic engagement

Watch "What is Waldorf Education?"

Our Schools

Both our on-site and virtual schools use the same Waldorf curriculum, only via different methods due to physical space and distance. Follow the links below for more information how the Waldorf approach is applied in these different environments.