diversity in education

City of Lakes Waldorf School works to create and nurture diversity in education through a diverse learning community of children, teachers, families, and staff; recognizing and valuing individual differences while promoting and celebrating the richness in our local and global communities.

Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is one of the compelling forces behind AWSNA’s strategic priorities.
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Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Waldorf education is founded in a worldview that acknowledges the spiritual nature of all human beings. City of Lakes Waldorf School works to create and nurture diversity in education through a diverse learning community of children, teachers, families, and staff; recognizing and valuing individual differences while promoting and celebrating the richness in our local and global communities. We acknowledge and embrace the statement below as a full member and accredited school of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).

Statement of Equity and Racial Justice

The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) recognizes the historic and ongoing impact of racism on our continent and the injustice and discrimination faced by Black, Brown, Indigenous and People of Color. We understand that racial justice in education is a journey of both moral and educational imperative. As such, we take seriously our responsibility to bear witness to what is happening in the world, to center the voices of color in justice work, and to change the course of inequities by identifying and breaking down structural racism in all forms within Waldorf education.

We acknowledge that Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf education (1919), offered many profound insights that support the value and dignity of each human being and form the foundation of our organization’s histories and worldview. Yet, he also made statements that reflect harmful assertions regarding race and ethnicity. Racism, explicit or implicit, stands in direct conflict to the fundamental principles of Waldorf education. We commit to working to address any dehumanizing or disparaging aspects of our history and practices.

Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is one of the compelling forces behind AWSNA’s strategic priorities. These priorities are central to our work and aim to bring us closer to the world that we want for our youth.

We know that we have far to go as an association and as individuals in our understanding of racial oppression and social justice. Please join us by elevating your own commitment to social renewal and transformation.

Our Community

  • Of the families who choose to racially identify their students, 28% of children in toddler – 8th grade are racially diverse
  • 19% of our families identify themselves or their student as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
  • 40% of our families receive tuition assistance
  • 16% of our staff identify as racially or ethnically diverse

Anti-Racism Resources for Parents

It is an important time to talk with young people about race and abuse of power in a developmentally appropriate way. Here are several resources that you may find helpful in speaking with your children about racism.