Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waldorf Education?
Waldorf Education is a non-sectarian worldwide independent school movement developed in Germany by Austrian Philosopher, social reformer and visionary Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy.
In 1919, Emil Molt, A German business and social reformer, invited Rudolf Steiner to lecture to his workers at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart. Out of these lectures came a new school, the Waldorf school. There are now more than 1000 Waldorf schools worldwide and it is considered among the fastest, growing educational movement in the world. Waldorf educational pedagogical principles are based on the development stages of childhood and is dedicated to promoting the healthy intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual development of each child.
Who was Rudolf Steiner?
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian philosopher, literary scholar, educator and artist. He brought forth out of his experiences an abundance of scientific, medicinal, agricultural, social, educational, architectural and artistic renewal.
Rudolf Steiner is the founder of ‘Anthroposophy’, philosophy which means ‘wisdom of the human being’. In addition to authoring of dozens of books, Steiner also gave approximately 6,000 lectures on a wide range of subjects. He initiated Waldorf education, Biodynamic farming and gardening, Anthroposophical medical work, and an art of movement called Eurythmy.
Is Rosewood religious?
Rosewood is non-sectarian and non-denominational. We welcome all families from a broad spectrum of traditions and interest. Rosewood is not part of any church nor advocate any particular faith or doctrine. We educate all children, regardless of their cultural, social, economical or religious backgrounds. The philosophy Rosewood is grounded, does not seek to teach a particular religious views; however, it recognizes and embraces all the world cultures, traditions and religions based on a belief that there is a spiritual dimension to the human being and to all of life.
Is Rosewood entirely bilingual (Spanish-English)?
We do not teach Spanish at academic level, however day by day children will be a part of a bilingual environment. Games, songs, stories, puppet shows, verses, activities, and celebration are shared in Spanish and English, in a natural, gentle and non intrusive way just as we did it when we learned our mother's tongue. This bilingual interaction will help children to gain Spanish comprehension, vocabulary and basic pronunciation at their own natural pace and also an invaluable appreciation for other culture
How old does my child need to be to enroll Rosewood Nature School?
Children who have reached the minimum age required by each program by September 1st are eligible to apply for admission.
If your child is of age within 30-days of the program start date, please call or email to request an exception describing your particular situation. We are unable to make exceptions beyond this.
What is your school schedule?
The school year begins around Labor Day and ends around Memorial Day. We follow a similar Teacher/Staff Holiday and Workday school Calendar provided by the CMS (Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools).
Our Preschool Program classes run from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. We also offer extended-day program from 12:30 - 2:30 pm.
Does my child have to use the bathroom independently before attendance?
Yes. Children will need to use the bathroom fully independently before they start in any of our programs except for Wild Nest, our Parent-Child Playgroup Program.
Why mixed-age grouping?
Our mixed-age group approach is extremely beneficial as it allows the children to learn from one another. Children are engaged in activities according to their age and abilities, while imitating the mood, gestures and work of the teacher and their older friends. The younger children are often inspired by the expertise and skill sets of the older children. The older children are given extra developmentally-based artistic, practical projects, responsibilities and more complex social environmental tasks. The older children nurture and embrace the steady and slower pace of the little ones. This helps them to stay sweeter and younger in consciousness for a little bit longer as they develop nurturing care, patience, tolerance, flexibility, and generosity towards the little ones and others. The older ones have a subtle incentive to display their best, for the little ones to look up to.
Does my child need to be vaccinated in order to attend Rosewood Nature School?
No. In compliance with North Carolina law (General Statute 130A-152-157), parents/guardian must present certification of the required immunizations at the age required by law on or before the first day the student enters school. However, parents in North Carolina have the right to exclude their children from immunization for medical or religious beliefs according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Then, Medical and Religious exemption are accepted in our State and so does Rosewood Nature School.
To learn more about N.C. Immunization rules and laws please visit here
To learn more about N.C. exemption from required immunization please visit here.
What is your communications policy?
“What is grander than gold?” inquired the King.
“Light,” replied the Snake.
“What is more refreshing than light?” said he.
— “Speech,” answered she.
Goethe, The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily.
As adults we are compelled to provide a model worthy of imitation for our children. As such, Rosewood Nature School, places a strong focus on social health, diversity and inclusion in our community. We are committed to honoring conversation based on mutual respect. We listen with an open heart and mind, and strive to create a space where different perspectives are acknowledged and embraced and positive outcomes are crafted in a fair and collaborative way while always remaining open to the possibility for growth. Rosewood Nature School values face to face communication to foster a strong community based on empathy, honesty and connection. We believe this is the most enlightened path toward conflict resolution and deep understanding.
During this unprecedented time in our world, we understand the unsettled space that many are in due to illness and hardship. We wish to continue to support you and your family with open and compassionate communication. If you are experiencing a hardship we encourage you to bridge the gap and connect with us.
Do you provide meals?
In most programs we provide a nutritious and wholesome warm morning snack traditionally prepared with the help of the children. To complement our meals, enrolled families participate in a rotating schedule providing fruits and flowers.
Although school has created a nutritional dense, organic, non GMO, and traditionally prepared meal that can satisfy different family eating styles; our school, is not dairy free and not entirely vegetarian or gluten free.
How do I connect with Rosewood Nature School community?
Connect with Rosewood Community visiting our FaceBook page and attending to our festivals, celebrations and other community events. Please subscribe to our school community email list on the main page to learn about all our events, workshops, programs and more.
