Joyful Learning Lives Here

Joyful

Learning

Lives Here

Hands-On, Creative, and Community-Driven

At City of Lakes Waldorf School, children learn in a hands-on, screen-free environment rooted in nature, creativity, and community. As a Waldorf school, we nurture the whole child — head, heart, and hands — helping students grow into grounded, confident, and curious individuals, ready to live with purpose, imagination, and heart.

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The New Smart

Our programs

Early Childhood

Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten

Creative play provides the foundation for all future learning experiences.

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Early Childhood

Elementary School

Grades 1-5

Arts, music, and movement, integrated into a robust, well-rounded academic curriculum.

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Elementary School

Middle School

Grades 6-8

An academically challenging liberal arts education that builds capacity for creative thinking and encourages self-discovery.

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Middle School

"CLWS has been a life-changing educational experience for my children."

CLWS Parent

“Waldorf has definitely made me the person that I am today. It’s given me a lifelong desire to learn, and the ability to question things that don’t seem right in the world. It taught me to see everything as either an opportunity for learning, or an unrecognized strength. It’s inspired me to always want to create, and always want to grow. I feel as though I’ve been hungry for what’s next since kindergarten.”

CLWS Alumni Student

“CLWS brings out the best in our children, and also in us as parents.”

CLWS Parent

“CLWS is a place where my classmates aren’t just friends, they’re family.”

CLWS Student

News and Updates

Early Childhood students engaging in play

The CLWS Experience

Why We Approach Screens Differently

As a low-tech, screen-free school, City of Lakes Waldorf School helps children develop focus, creativity, and resilience before introducing technology. Our approach—rooted in neuroscience, child development, and mindful learning—builds the foundation for healthy, balanced engagement with media.

The Power of Play-Based Learning

In a Waldorf classroom, play isn’t separate from learning—it is learning. These early experiences nurture creativity, social skills, and critical thinking, laying the groundwork for strong, confident learners.

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Students juggle in the annual CLWS Circus

Start: April 24, 2026,7:00 PM

End: April 25, 2026,9:00 PM

33rd Annual CLWS Circus: The Marble Palace

City of Lakes Waldorf School in collaboration with Hup (clap) HEY! is pleased to present its 33rd Annual Circus, The Marble Palace, on Friday, April 24…

Event Details

May 9, 2026

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

2026 Doors Open Minneapolis | City of Lakes Waldorf School

Discover City of Lakes Waldorf School during Doors Open Minneapolis 2026! Enjoy hands-on family and kids’ activities, both indoors and outdoors, while touring our historic…

Event Details