Sanderling Waldorf School in Carlsbad

Posted: January 22, 2026

While I am new to the Sanderling Waldorf School, I am not new to Waldorf education. My daughter completed Kindergarten through High School and I can share that Waldorf education is phenomenal. It is truly designed to meet each developmental phase of childhood and adolescence, so that your child will grow into an independent, capable, kind, generous and productive adult. My daughter has a strong circle of friends, is close with her immediate and extended family, and is generally a happy and fulfilled adult. She now has a successful and lucrative career and is often told that that she takes her own initiative, has a "can do" attitude even toward things she's never done before, can complete multi-disciplinary projects, is unflappable even under tight deadlines, can manage stressful situations with grace and equanimity, and that she has a unique ability to anticipate others needs before they voice them. I attribute much of this to her Waldorf education and would highly recommend to any parent. It may take a slower more measured approach, with less screens/tech in school and at home, but it sure does pay off in the end!

Posted: January 22, 2026

Posted: July 16, 2025

What we have found at Sanderling has far surpassed our expectations for education. Beyond academics, the Waldorf philosophy has given our 7-year-old son independence, confidence, the ability to hold conversations with adults, and interest in activities he never would have been exposed to (he'll go from playing sports to finger knitting in the same hour).

From what we've observed, Sanderling develops well-rounded, confident, resilient, and kind kids. We couldn't ask for anything more.

Posted: July 16, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Waldorf education has changed my life and my kids. After spending a couple years in public education even in the best district, it was just not nourishing my childs whole being. This school is so much more than just the intellectual education, it supports emotional and social education. Teachers actually KNOW the child and really care about the dynamics that happen within the classroom, their creativity and who they are meant to be is not only explored but encouraged and guided. We are so grateful.

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: November 4, 2024

We have been at Sanderling Waldorf for 5 years and all my children absolutely love it. I feel like this unique and creative education system is perfect for each of my kids, all with very different learning styles. I also have a child with dyslexia who has had so much love and support from her teacher. I highly recommend Sanderling!

Posted: November 4, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

One of the most impactful models for education that support love of learning and child at the center. Such a great experience with this school and the community of parents who value the integration of nature, protection of childhood, and life skills that a Waldorf education provides. Also love the international scope of the school and that the traditions of the past carried forward are now shown by the rigor of science to be the best protocols for education, and true success in life (health and happiness). Couldnt be happier with our familys experience here.

Posted: September 17, 2024

Sanderling Waldorf School is the best decision our family has ever made. Our daughter enrolled at Sanderling in second grade. She absolutely loves going to school and is thriving academically, socially and emotionally. The teachers and administrators are some of the most lovely, supportive people I've ever met, who have a deep reverence for child development and understanding of Waldorf pedagogy. Children at Sanderling love to learn! A walk through the halls will be met with children chopping vegetables for homemade soup, knitting handmade items, playing stringed instruments, and creating the most beautiful artwork in their main lesson books. The yard outside is full of vegetables and flowers that the children have planted. You'll see children jump roping to learn multiplication and fifth graders training for the pentathlon. I highly recommend you take a tour and see what Waldorf education is all about!

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: August 8, 2022

Sanderling Waldorf School is a perfect fit for my child. She does hands-on meaningful work through the main lesson blocks, Gardening, Spanish, German, Games and Handwork classes. Art is beautifully woven into every class. Sanderling's lovely festivals include Michaelmas, Martinmas and the Lantern Walk, the Winter Spiral, Santa Lucia and the May Faire. The Sanderscouts camping trips get the school community out in nature to hike, explore and enjoy quality time around the camp fire together year-round. Sanderling teachers are well-trained in Waldorf teaching methods. Children feel safe, loved and nurtured in this beautiful school community.

Posted: August 8, 2022

Posted: September 1, 2021

Such a racket. Ive never seen such unprofessionalism. If you like to be lied to and strung around this is the place for you. And dont even think about setting foot in this school if you are less than perfectly abled. Shameful.

Posted: December 4, 2020

Choosing the right school can be challenging. We were grateful to find Sanderling Waldorf School. Our daughter attended Sanderling for nine years, starting in the early childhood program and graduating 8th grade last year. Our son is currently in 7th grade and has also attended since nursery/kindergarten. Although my children's learning styles are completely different from each other's, the Waldorf curriculum has proven to be an excellent fit for both.

It's a long list when I think about what attracted us to and kept us at Sanderling; these are a few of the things that made it to the top - a calming daily rhythm, nourishing snack time around a beautiful table, teachers who really see each child and their unique strengths, a strong community of parents who've become some of my best friends, an integration of academics, physical activity, the arts and moral responsibility, annual festivals, a reverence for the natural world, a developmentally appropriate curriculum, parent enrichment classes, and possibly at the very top of the list, the fact that my kids truly enjoy going to school each day. They have formed deep meaningful friendships, developed a sense of self-confidence, and exude a love of learning that I can only imagine will last their lifetime.

Thankfully, in this unprecedented time of Covid, Sanderling has created outdoor classrooms and strict safety protocols that allow children to attend school in-person. This makes a huge difference for my son. I am grateful each morning when I drop him off, knowing he's in excellent hands, learning from his amazing teacher in-person and not staring at a screen all day. Plus, I get to focus my attention on my own work at home. In-person learning might not feel comfortable for everyone right now, and I think it's important to note that Sanderling also offers a supported homeschool program.

In summary, I believe Waldorf education can have a profound impact on the course of a child's life. Over the past decade, I've seen Sanderling's curriculum produce creative, resilient, innovative and strategic thinkers with a high level of emotional intelligence - kind, generous, and intelligent human beings. Their program is something special and I value it over traditional rote learning. If this resonates with you and you'd like to learn more I highly recommend giving the school a call and scheduling a tour. They can do a much better job of explaining the magic than I can. :)

Posted: December 4, 2020