Winterberry School

Posted: August 23, 2026

The school's broader handling of racism and bigotry has also been deeply troubling. A school cannot claim to be compassionate and inclusive while dismissing, minimizing, or failing to adequately address discriminatory behavior. Families deserve clear policies, consistent enforcement, transparent investigations, and concrete support for students who experience bias or harassment—not vague assurances or institutional defensiveness.
We also perceived unequal treatment in how the school communicated with and responded to parents. Our experience was that asking difficult or unwelcome questions could affect how a family was treated or whether it remained under consideration.
The teacher and principal appeared more focused on protecting the school and minimizing concerns than on fully investigating what happened, acknowledging harm, or ensuring accountability.
Academically, the school also falls short of what many families may expect. Math performance is particularly concerning, with only approximately 18% of students reportedly performing at grade level.
The Anchorage School District’s directive requiring Winterberry to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is also significant. The directive followed years of complaints involving bullying, safety, and ineffective discipline. According to the district's memo, the school had not fulfilled its charter commitment to establish and maintain a schoolwide behavior plan. District intervention and increased oversight beginning in the 2025–2026 school year suggest that these concerns should be taken seriously.

Posted: August 23, 2026

Posted: August 23, 2026

Posted: August 23, 2026

Posted: August 23, 2026

Posted: August 23, 2026

Posted: August 23, 2026

Posted: May 15, 2025

We really wanted to love this school. We've built strong friendships here and met teachers and families who genuinely care about kids. That makes this review even harder to write. It's disheartening to see students experiencing racism, bigotry, and a lack of academic rigor in a place that should be safe and inclusive.

The school has consistently failed to address serious concerns about school climate. Reports of bullying, discrimination, and inconsistent behavior management have persisted for years. The administration has shown little accountability in creating a respectful, equitable environment.

Academically, the school is well below standards—particularly in math, where only 18% of students are at grade level. There’s a lack of support for both struggling and advanced learners. Gifted students are left without enrichment or acceleration opportunities, and the overall academic challenge is minimal.

The school promotes a low-tech, screen-free philosophy as part of the Waldorf model, but many families do not follow through with these guidelines at home. This results in a disconnect that leaves some students unprepared for the digital demands of high school and beyond.

Adding to these concerns, the Anchorage School District recently issued a formal directive requiring Winterberry to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This decision follows eight years of unresolved complaints about bullying, safety, and ineffective discipline practices. According to a district memo, the school failed to honor its own charter commitment to a schoolwide behavior plan. As a result, the district is stepping in to enforce compliance and oversight beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.

There are caring people in this community, but systemic issues are being ignored. If you're considering this school, ask direct questions about academic performance, behavior support, and how diversity and inclusion are actually practiced—not just promised. Families deserve better.

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: January 28, 2017

My child went K - 8 at this school and now is in high school getting great grades in all classes, including honors classes (English and history), is active in sports, and is a well rounded individual. The concept of educating the "the whole child," and not just educating "to the test," worked for us. We are grateful for the friendships that we made and the opportunities that we received by choosing Winterberry.

Posted: January 28, 2017

This school has the same issues as other schools in the district.

Posted: January 28, 2017

The curriculum is presented in many different ways and meets most childrens needs. if there were more funds available, the school would be able to bring in additional staff and that would make a huge difference for children who need more individual attention.

Posted: January 28, 2017

Leadership has been going through changes. The teachers and families hold the classes close. Stronger leadership is developing.

Posted: January 28, 2017

This is the best of Winterberry. By the end of 8th grade, they are standing tall.

Posted: January 28, 2017

the longer the teachers are at the school, and deepen their knowledge of Waldorf methods, and learn about their class (they loop with the children from 1 - 8th grade, ideally), the better they are. There are cases where the teachers do not or can not continue with a class. It is always a loss.

Posted: January 28, 2017

Winterberry does not assign homework in the lower grades. As the children progress through the grades, the project given are meant to deepen their understanding in a given subject. They present their projects to the class in an oral report. My child in high school notices the skills gained in grade school when the others students get up to speak.

Posted: October 13, 2016

The people running this place have good intentions but what a mess! As a former teacher there all I can say is send your kids somewhere else where they will get a more well rounded experience. Granola crunching snobs at this game place.

Posted: October 1, 2013

"For Waldorf teachers, math is often one of the more difficult subjects to teach. On the one hand, memories of our own school days can cloud our view of the developmental needs of the child; while on the other hand, Steiner's many indications do not form a cohesive structure for the math curriculum. Thus, many different ways of teaching were developed during Waldorf pedagogy's seventy-year history. This diversity underscores the responsibility each teacher carries for his/her lessons. This guide does not intend in any way to diminish this responsibility, but seeks to contribute to a unified view of Steiner indications for a developmentally appropriate math curriculum. Our approach may differ from existing ones, mainly in directly and quickly beginning math activities and avoiding pictures when introducing the numbers. Other differences may exist as well." -Ernst Schuberth is a mathematician, Waldorf high school teacher, and Waldorf teacher educator.

Posted: September 10, 2013

We have truly enjoyed watching our children grow as confident and courageous citizens of the school and their community. We have watched them blossom in way we never imagined. The teachers have such a love for their students and for the students'n families that it makes learning a real joy. We are so thankful to be a part of the Winterberry community and look forward to all of our children having a wonderful Winterberry experience.

Posted: August 20, 2013

Our experience was that asking the wrong questions gets you taken off the "list". Basically we asked questions about how Rudolph Steiner and Anthroposophy inspire this public school. What we experienced was that all parents do NOT receive equal treatment or equal communication from the school at the discretion of the leadership. It has been an experience of not being treated with dignity.

Posted: November 22, 2011

Grandkids love school at Winterberry. They are involved in their classes and excited about learning!