Okanagan Waldorf School

About

Okanagan Waldorf School is located at 730 Whitevale Road on The Bridge Land for Learning campus in Lumby/North Okanagan, BC. The school is operated by the non-profit Bridge Educational Society and offers Waldorf education through purposeful, developmentally appropriate experiences that balance physical education, humanities, sciences, nature, and the arts. The Society emphasizes learning on a nature-infused rural campus and aims to uncover each person’s potential so they can live with courage and purpose, while fostering positive social and ecological growth.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Vernon)

Education language: Okanagan Waldorf School offers world-language instruction beginning in Grade 1; the school states it teaches Japanese in the lower grades and French in the upper grades. The sources provided do not describe the core language(s) of instruction for the main curriculum, and they do not mention an English Language Learning (ELL) program.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-6

Phone: 250 547-9212

Email: principal@bridgeeducational.org

Principal: Jillian Martin

Education Languages

Okanagan Waldorf School offers world-language instruction beginning in Grade 1; the school states it teaches Japanese in the lower grades and French in the upper grades. The sources provided do not describe the core language(s) of instruction for the main curriculum, and they do not mention an English Language Learning (ELL) program.

Programs and Services

Music / instrumental program Music is described as an important part of the Waldorf approach at the school, including singing and rhythm throughout the day for younger students. The school states that all students learn to play recorder in Grade 1 and are later introduced to orchestral string instruments; middle school students may need to rent or provide an instrument. Technology & digital citizenship The school describes a Waldorf approach to developmentally appropriate technology. It states students are introduced to Cyber Civics beginning in Grade 4 (with direct work starting formally in Grade 6) as part of Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies, and that keyboarding is offered in Grades 7 and 8. Student support / special education The admissions review includes assessing whether the program can meet a student’s learning needs before offering placement based on space. The team listing includes “OWS Student Support” and educational assistant roles, indicating student support staffing is available.

School Culture and Expectations

The Bridge Educational Society states it is committed to creating an inclusive community for all students, families, staff, faculty, and community members—especially those impacted by racism and oppression—and describes ongoing learning and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. For enrolled families, the admissions page describes expected family involvement, including mandatory attendance at class meetings and parent/teacher conferences, and working within school guidelines for communication, student discipline, student dress, and exposure to electronic media. Families are also required to meet fundraising/community involvement commitments described in the Family Guidebook.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

The Society notes it established a Transportation Department to provide bus services for childcare students aged 5–12 (Early Years Centre). The sources provided do not describe Okanagan Waldorf School student transportation, drop-off/pick-up procedures, or parking.

Enrollment

Families can begin the Okanagan Waldorf School admissions process (Grades K–8) by completing an online “Application of Interest.” After submitting, the school states its Admissions Coordinator will contact families to book a tour and discuss next steps; families can also contact the school directly by email or phone. The school notes that only complete applications are reviewed and that offers depend on fit with student learning needs and available space; tuition adjustment and scholarship information is also referenced.