We are thrilled to introduce two new member schools that opened their doors to students and families this Fall on opposite sides of the country: Constellation Charter School in Florida and Shade Canyon Charter School in California.

Those of us who have been involved in starting a new school will remember the excitement, exhilaration, dedication, need for flexibility, surprises, and hard work that is required – it truly does take a village to raise a school! Enjoy this little glimpse into Shade Canyon Charter School—details to come with Constellation Charter School in future E-News school highlights.

Shade Canyon Charter School

Shade Canyon Charter School is in Kelseyville, in Lake County, northern California. They are in a small town in an area that is somewhat isolated, although there has been a growth in population with “work from home” encouraging people from the San Francisco Bay area to relocate. The school is in a former Lions Club building – the parents and teachers renovated the building over the summer to prepare it for its new use. There is ample outdoor space, and the site backs up onto a public park with open space and playgrounds available for use. The Lake County area has natural beauty with lakes, hills, and open space but has also historically been economically depressed. Shade Canyon has several Alliance schools within 75 miles, with a drive in any direction that takes longer than the miles suggest.

The school opened in September, a week later than planned due to last-minute planning requirements. It opened its doors with a Tk-K class of 20 students and a 1st/2nd combined class of 18 students. This will be the lead class as the school grows; it expects to add a grade each year until 8th grade.

Shade Canyon was founded out of a desire to provide tuition-free, nature- and place-based education based on and working actively with the Core Principles of the Alliance. A local home and farm-based bi-weekly playgroup served as a core and starting point for interested parents as plans developed. The school has the support of several experienced Waldorf teachers in the area, who are advising and supporting through teaching several specialty classes. There are 2 fulltime teachers, 2 aides, 4 specialty teachers (Games, Handwork, Modeling, and Gardening), an office manager, and an administrator. The school is supporting teachers and staff through participation in summer professional development and study.

The school’s mission is to provide accessible, holistic, nature-based education. It is consciously building an inclusive, welcoming community with a commitment to the statement “all are welcome here”. Plans include a garden program – already developing – and extensive use of local resources, including farms.

The school has participated in community events, including the local Pear Festival Parade in September, with several families representing the school. The school recently held its first Lantern Walk at a local farm with a wonderful turnout and mood. Parents supplied tea and snacks for the event. Plans are underway for an Advent spiral to be held on December 15. A dedicated core group of volunteers is forming the base of a parent association; the first Parent Community Council meeting will take place this week, where they hope to enlist parent volunteers to engage in community events.

Shade Canyon was established as an “independent” charter school, giving it some freedom in hiring and curriculum, but with responsibilities that include provision and maintenance of its site.

Learn more about Shade Canyon School https://www.shadecanyon.org/

Our Annual Conference

is coming up!

Don't miss out on our early bird pricing

Early bird registration, open through Nov. 30th:

Early bird: Alliance Member: $250

Early bird: Alliance Non-Member: $350

Registration rates go up December 1st.

We can't wait to regather and reconnect with all of you!

Conference Registration: here

Conference information and schedule: https://con ta.cc/3tXMfd0

Professional Development and Teacher Preparation

A listing by the Alliance is for information only and does not imply recommendation or endorsement. We encourage school leaders and teachers to fully research offerings before enrollment to ensure they align with their goals and needs. We recommend that you research familiarity with the unique needs and demands of Public Waldorf education. This is particularly important if public funds are used for professional development or teacher preparation.

Upcoming Learning Opportunities

PSC Online Workshops 2023/24

December 2nd, 9 am PST, 12 noon EST, online

Members of the Pedagogical Section Council of North America are offering a webinar series. The first 75-minute session will be presented by Betty Staley: Biography and the Challenge of Meeting the Adolescent Betty will explore the ways our biography impacts how we interact with adolescents.

Registration code: https://www.cognitoforms.com/WaldorfTeacherInstitute1/PSCFreeOnlineWorkshops202324

Kairos Institute: Healing in a World of Need

Fall 2023, online

https://centerforanthroposophy.org/kairos/kairos-fall-23-online-courses/

Starlight Rays in Darkened Times: Seminars on Contemporary Topics for Waldorf High School Teachers

Fall 2023-24, online

https://centerforanthroposophy.org/starlight/

International Handwork Teacher Development Program

2-year program beginning Jan. 2024, online

https://www.waldorfhandwork.org/teacher-development

Center For Anthroposophy: Mentor Training ~ Pedagogical Mentoring in Partnership

Jan. 2024-Nov. 2024, online with week-long in-person residency (Wilton, NH, Summer 2024)