Sunrise Waldorf School

About

Sunrise Waldorf School is located at 2148 Lakeside Rd, Duncan, BC V9L 6M3 in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The school describes its purpose as educating and inspiring students to reach their full potential through a rich and artistic Waldorf curriculum. Founded in 1980, it is an independent, non-denominational Waldorf school and a full member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), with Waldorf-trained, BC-certified teachers. The school also states a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and acknowledges it stands on the territory of the Hul’q’umi’num speaking-peoples of Quw’utsun.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Cowichan Valley)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: Sunrise Waldorf School describes Waldorf Education as a non-denominational, independent school movement.

Grades: K-7

Phone: 250 743-7253

Email: mail@sunrisewaldorf.org

Principal: Rae Calder

Religious Affiliation

Sunrise Waldorf School describes Waldorf Education as a non-denominational, independent school movement.

Programs and Services

Early childhood and grade school programs Sunrise Waldorf School lists programs including Preschool, Kindergarten, Parent and Child, and Grade School, along with Special Subjects and After School Care. After school care The school offers After School Care as one of its listed programs. Student support / wellbeing The school has a Student Support Care Coordinating Group (CCG) made up of teachers, staff, and the Education Director that meets weekly and focuses on children’s wellbeing. The CCG may use tools such as support circles, change plans, tutoring, and counseling, and notes class activities (such as Council) that foster belonging, cooperation, and acceptance. The school also references working with outside expertise and resources, including Kim John Payne’s “Three Streams” approach (social, behavioral, and academic).

School Culture and Expectations

The school emphasizes an “ethic of care” and attentiveness to children’s needs, strengths, and growth areas. Sunrise also states a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to engaging respectfully with local Indigenous communities. The Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct outlines expectations for respectful and kind communication, inclusivity across many identities, participation in school life, and caring for school property and the neighborhood. It also describes a response process for code-of-conduct breaches, up to and including prohibition from school property or deregistration in persistent cases.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

The Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct directs families to follow the school’s “Parking Lot Etiquette,” including requests around speed management and drop-off/pick-up.

Enrollment

Sunrise Waldorf School directs families to use its online application forms and states it accepts applications on a rolling basis until classes are full; when classes are full, students may be placed in a wait pool (“first come first considered,” with additional factors considered). The posted application process includes steps such as submitting an application (with a required application fee for Kindergarten–Grade 8), an interview, and (optionally) a school visit after applying and interviewing. The school notes a non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance, and that new students have a trial period of up to four months. Families can contact admissions@sunrisewaldorf.org for more information.