Highland Hall Waldorf School in Los Angeles

Posted: August 3, 2026

There arent enough positive things I could say about being part of the community at Highland Hall! Having been at the school for three years, and having been a very active member of the schools parent community, I can say with full confidence that it is the complete staff and parent collaboration that makes the school so amazing. Both of my children are thriving in this environment, where the focus is not on technology, but in developing their creative skills in writing, mathematics, music, sports, and above all how to be wonderful humans with their fellow classmates and teachers. We see a dramatic difference from the students around the school in comparison to children who are at the same age group going to public school and for us theres no comparison. This environment allows the students to thrive in ways we only hoped our children would experience. We truly have only wonderful things to say about our experience thus far in these last three years and will absolutely look forward to staying at Highland Hall for the remainder of their education.

Posted: August 3, 2026

Posted: February 1, 2026

The school is truly a second home and family. The level of education is like no other. The school, staff, teachers and community are welcoming to all. Children are well rounded and receive a great deal of skill learning opportunities.

Posted: February 1, 2026

Posted: January 16, 2026

This school is an absolute dream! The campus is stunning and a completely unexpected find in Los Angeles. There are acres of woods, gardens, chickens, and beautiful play areas. The preschoolers help make organic homemade snacks, paint, play, and sing. The teachers genuinely care about the children and are invested in their growth and joy. Highland Hall has beautiful traditions (lantern walk, winter faire) with many opportunities for parents to get involved. We became parents during the pandemic and it has been life changing to feel a sense of community.

Posted: January 16, 2026

Posted: October 27, 2025

A Place Where Childhood and Learning Flourish Together

As a current ECC parent at Highland Hall, I came for the beautiful play-based kindergartenand that alone felt like reason enough. But I've stayed because I'm genuinely excited about what the grades program offers: an educational journey rooted in awe and joy.

Yes, Highland Hall moves slower in the younger years than other schools. That's by design, and it means resisting the urge to compare your child to those in traditional schools focused on rote memorization and early academics with minimal play. But when you see the upper school studentsbright, thoughtful, deeply engagedthe wisdom of this approach becomes clear. Their relationships with one another are notably strong, cultivated with real intentionality by the faculty.

In this day and age, my greatest priority isn't early reading or advanced mathit's protecting my children's attentional capacity. Highland Hall offers something rare: an environment that fiercely guards childhood while fostering a deep sense of wonder about the world, genuine curiosity about how things work, and academic excellence that emerges from authentic interest rather than external pressure.
For families seeking an education that honors both the child and the learning process, Highland Hall is extraordinary.

Posted: January 29, 2025

The education is exponentially better than most. The tools of learning and the advancement through them build an incredible foundation for personally driven success. The community is supportive. The faculty is invested and driven to better the students. The students themselves are an incredible mix that show the future is bright and attainable

Posted: December 8, 2024

I have been a parent at Highland Hall for over 12 years, my both children started very early preK and love being at school. The school provides a wide range of programs that benefits their social, academic, movement skills. I highly recommend visiting the school and taking a tour.

Posted: December 8, 2024

Posted: September 29, 2024

My two daughters graduated from HHs high school and middle school this year. My eldest daughter spent 13 years, and my younger daughter spent 8 years growing up in a lush, nature-rich environment, blessed with patience and supportive teachers. Thanks to them, my daughters were able to cultivate inner strength in both mind and body.

In particular, we owe a lot to Ms. Andersen, who was my both daughters homeroom teacher, Mrs. Pinckney, the college counselor, and Ms. Horie, the math teacher. They always had their doors open for us, shared our worries, thought things through with us, and gave us heartfelt advice.

When my eldest daughter faced her college application essays, she said it made her deeply reflect on who she is. Reflecting on her learning at HH helped her find the answer. This fall, my eldest daughter started at Stanford University, something that would have been impossible without their support.

In an era where scores are often the main focus, HH has teachers and staff who teach what truly matters. We are deeply grateful.

Posted: September 29, 2024

Posted: December 15, 2022

The students are respectful with each other and their teachers.
The community is engaged.
Waldorf Education at its best!
Highly recommend if you want your kids to have a complete mind, body and spirit education.

Posted: December 15, 2022

Posted: July 26, 2022

Highland Hall offers a warm and enveloping yet academically and artistically rigorous approach. Both my (very different) kids are flourishing in ways I could not have expected. Woven into daily experience are the arts, original analysis, compassion, respect for the natural world, ethical choices and personal responsibility.
The primary and supporting faculty, and administration are available and communicative and come from a place of genuine love and care for each student. Social issues and emerging problems are discussed and re-visited quite openly and in a healthy manner.
The larger community is welcoming, wise, a bit crunchy, but very kind. We have found strong and wonderful relationships here.

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: July 24, 2021

This school is extremely disorganized, the children are not supervised adequately, and there is unfortunately lots of bullying. Your concerns will not be addressed unless you are extremely wealthy or you work at the school. In our time there, many families left due to these issues.

Posted: July 24, 2021

Posted: June 8, 2019

Perfect amount of homework where kids can still have a life after school and do the things they were meant to do, like chores, interact with family, have down time to relax or ride a bike

Posted: June 8, 2019

They understand child development and care deeply about the children as individuals

Posted: June 8, 2019

Waldorf education teaches hands, head and heart approach to learning

Posted: June 8, 2019

Leadership is collaborative and the leaders at Highland Hall put in many many hours over and above what their job description requires because they are devoted to this miraculous education and take pride in our community

Posted: June 8, 2019

The teachers take the time to really know the pupils and their families and meet the child in their specific and unique moment of development

Posted: June 8, 2019

There is zero tolerance and the school makes great effort to build community. The kids hang out together and help each other

Posted: June 8, 2019

Wonderful, enlightening, so grateful to be a part of the Highland Hall community

Posted: June 6, 2019

I have seen my son flourish in his 3 years at Highland Hall, from the enchanted experiences in the Early Childhood Center, to learning to read and write and speak German. My son's teacher is incredibly insightful and tuned in to his needs at every turn, and the community is such a big, important part of our whole family's lives.

Posted: June 6, 2019

My son is in second grade and only just started to get small homework assignments this year. My son's teacher mostly custom designs homework for each child, based on something they may need to work or improve on, or has them read aloud to their parents - which I love because it helps my son while letting us spend time together as a family. No pointless worksheets!!

Posted: June 6, 2019

Waldorf education is about developing the whole person. The teachers actively work on the students' personal development and promote qualities like respect and service to others right along with academics.

Posted: June 6, 2019

My kids have been at the school over 12 years and have had an incredible, priceless experience. Highly recommend this school!

Posted: June 6, 2019

Highland Hall takes a thoughtful, reasonable approach to homework. Homework doesn't begin until third grade and then ramps up slowly in an age appropriate manner so that by High School students are ready to manage a solid academic load. My three kids are all different ages and are being met with homework in a way that feels supportive of their learning and supportive of being a well-rounded human being.

Posted: June 6, 2019

My children have had a range of teachers, from good, to better, to best. Some have deeply inspired them while others have done a solid job. Every teacher cares about the students and endeavors to inspire the students.

Posted: June 6, 2019

I've been so impressed with their seniors and graduates. Their alumni stand firmly and solidly as thoughtful, caring people.

Posted: June 6, 2019

Waldorf schools follow a different model for running a school so there is a learning curve for parents to navigate exactly who to go to. But once you figure out you realize the wisdom in this leadership model- the people who know your child the best (their teachers) are most empowered to make the important decisions concerning their education (like what to do in the classroom!)

Posted: June 6, 2019

From what I've observed the school provide significant support and individualized learning for students with a wide range of learning and socio-emotional needs. They direct parents to other resources as needed.

Posted: June 6, 2019

Mostly bullying is not an issue at the school. The teachers work closely with the students to develop a close-knit caring community. There are always social conflicts between students but they are addressed in a thoughtful and healthy manner.

Posted: March 8, 2018

My child and I went to the Mommy & Me class with Mrs. Shabazi and she is an absolute angel. This was the best class ever and really helped me with my parenting. My kid is now in kindergarten. I have checked out every school in Los Angeles and this is definitely the best school in the city. If you want your child to know who they are and feel comfortable in their skin so that they can be free to express their spirit and be seen, then this is the place to go. This school produces the most confident, present children that are not afraid to be who they are.

Posted: March 8, 2018

Posted: February 11, 2018

Our daughter entered Highland Hall in 7th grade, after the disappointing experience of public middle school ( 6th grade) in a popular "10 out of 10" school district. (Parents Beware:The transition from elementary to middle school can be challenging enough, even with a "great kid" like ours!) Highland Hall is a breath of fresh air- literally! Traditional education isn't teaching our kids the CAPACITY to learn, to adapt, to COLLABORATE or to think for themselves, and Highland Hall does just that. We have never seen our daughter SO excited about academics...from chemistry to music, deep immersion into 2 foreign languages, history, math, etc. We have also never seen her so socially conscious, collaborative, and creating meaningful relationships without the "clique" factor. The teachers here are so dedicated to being PARTNERS with the parents to create a whole child through a "head, hands and heart" curriculum. What a different world it would be if all people were educated in the brilliant reflection of Rudolph Steiner's reverence and respect for children and the world.. This school is the greatest gift you can give your children. We are very grateful to the teachers, staff, and other families at Highland Hall for being an example of the highest standard for LIFE.

Posted: February 11, 2018

Posted: February 1, 2018

Highland Hall Waldorf School is much more than just a school for our son. It's his tribe, his village, his friends for life, and the parents and most of all it's the amazing teachers whom I his dad will always cherish. Alex was at Carpenter in Studio City and doing well but you could sense he was getting lost in that sea of children, pushed around too much on those paved playgrounds. And I had a friend who's 3 children had had a dream childhood at Highland Hall so I finally did the tour. And I knew we wanted in. In a nut shell everything they stood for was my way of thinking. Deep and full of purpose, caring and incredibly welcoming and personal. And most of all the same and yet much more of what I new was going to make Alex a really great human being. And so he thrives and has friends and relationships I can't imagine he would have at any other school. And Highland Hall's curriculum is everything he needs and then some. The teachers are unique, caring and most of all a team. A really dedicated faculty that really cares and guides. The whole idea of how the school is run and the diversity of the education is really worth understanding. Especially with the way the world is today. I am telling you do not miss the opportunity of having your kids go to this school. And yes it goes through to high school and prepares them for the tough world and the college life that lies ahead. Feel free to email back if you'd like more information from me.

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: January 30, 2018

What a beautiful and nurturing place to go to school... I attended Highland Hall for ten years, during which time I learned everything you could possibly need to know to be a happy and whole individual for life. I look back upon my time there with love and a deep appreciation for all of the incredible teachers who taught me not only how to read, write, knit, and do math, but also how to believe in myself. I am forever grateful for my parents for sending me to such a magical place of self-development and self-discovery. Your child will be incredibly fortunate if he or she ever has the chance of attending Highland Hall.

Now that I am twenty-one and living life on my own, I have found that I remember more of the skills and materials that I learned during my time at Highland Hall than I did at my college prep high school. It's now that I really kick myself for not having attended Highland Hall all the way through high school, as I most definitely would have learned and retained much more.

Posted: January 28, 2018

It's just not tolerated. There is an initial communication with the parents and teachers to see what is going on, then a warning if the behavior continues, then I have seen parents/student be asked to leave the school.

Posted: January 28, 2018

Knowing our child is in the sacred space of the Highland Hall Waldorf School allows my husband and I to breathe a sigh of relief! She's been there since nursery and is now in 2nd grade and will go on to high school!
A beautiful environment that truly nurtures deep play, evolving ideas, and true learning.
We get to watch the beautiful unfolding of our children at every stage.

Waldorf education based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, emphasizes the role of imagination in learning, striving to integrate holistically the intellectual, practical, and artistic development of each student. It truly nurtures the whole human being and is not just a "result" orientated school; although seeing what develops through these student's journey and witnessing the end "result" along the way is just breathtakingly stunning!

At Highland Hall, we have a strong sense of community and when our children see us in this capacity, it strengthens them even more that their parents are there and get to see what they do and participate as well.

I love knowing our daughter is encouraged to learn to think for herself in an atmosphere that fosters this process. She is versed in many topics and will be able to articulate and discuss Life's questions and her place in this world in a vibrant healthy way!

Everyday knowing our child loves going to school, loves learning, love her friends, loves her teachers and that her teachers LOVE her...gives us the greatest peace of mind any parent could wish for!

Posted: January 27, 2018

Highland Hall is a school like no other! It's a very special place where the teachers and staff truly care for each child as an individual. The method of teaching is extremely engaging and specific to every age while academic standards are very high. My daughter has learned so much! She is in 8th grade and not only has she had blocks in physics and organic chemistry, but she plays flute in an amazing school orchestra, can speak a little German and Spanish, and knows how to make a stool from her wood working class! Plus she made beautiful geometric drawings in 5th grade and learned how to knit her own socks. Best of all, these accomplishments have contributed greatly to her self confidence and belief in her ability to be successful. Everyday she discovers who she is and what's true in her heart. I am so grateful to have found this amazing place and hope many others do as well. I cannot say enough great things about Highland Hall.

Posted: January 27, 2018

We have been HH parents for over 12 years. We have two daughters that have had the joy of being both students of the Waldorf curriculum and more importantly part of the strong community/family at HH.
I personally went to a very prestigious all girls school in Los Angeles and I am fully aware of the enormous stress that I endured at school and I didn't want that for my children. I want them to be able to learn not be overwhelmed by the rat race. If my daughter wants to be a doctor, and is already stressed out by school in the third grade, how are they going to make it through medical school?
The beauty of both HH and Waldorf education is that the education meets the child where they are developmentally. Allowing a child to be a child while still stressing academics and not ignoring the arts, music, and so many other vital things that make a well rounded human that can think out of the box. Not just a robot that can rattle off a lot of facts and pass bubble tests.
Coming to HH is the best decision we have ever made for our children.

Posted: September 19, 2017

I have been a parent at this school for the past 5 years. I have two children (ages 4 and 6 years old) in the nursery and 1st grade. The atmosphere in the Early Childhood Center (ages 2 1/2 years old until 6 years old--Nursery - Kindergarten) is peaceful, loving, and joyful. My children are listened to and cared for with deep respect and understanding. Another plus about the school's Early Childhood Center is the children get to help prepare the snacks in the classroom!
Now, my daughter is in the 1st grade and we still love the school just as much as when she was in the Early Childhood Center. Visit the school and take a tour as soon as you can.

Posted: September 8, 2017

All 4 of my children have loved their experiences at Highland Hall. A friendly social atmosphere, challenging academics, fine arts, performing arts, and sports involve every student. However, you must visit the school to really appreciate what makes Highland Hall unique.

Posted: September 4, 2017

This is a lovely school full of teachers and staff who care deeply about meeting the children and helping them to grow in all areas. I love that my children have been allowed to be children here. The academic expectations are strong and they are complemented by very enriching offerings in movement, practical work and the fine arts. That balance has really worked for my son and daughter. They adored their kindergarten and nursery years and are now thriving in elementary school! My son's class teacher is incredibly supportive of his learning differences and thanks to her patience and encouragement he is making good progress. The rich curriculum really meets his interests and skills - recent highlights were making salsa in gardening class, exploring string instruments, building forts during recess, and knitting his very own teddy bear. My daughter thrives on the language arts - the touching and beautiful stories resonate with her and have helped to mold her character and her sense of right and wrong. As our family is multicultural, I've personally appreciated that my children are given exposure to two languages starting in first grade. One of my favorite things is to listen to my children sing beautiful songs from different cultural traditions as we drive to school!!

Posted: September 1, 2017

Both my daughters attended Highland Hall since they were babies. They are now in honors programs in their university. My youngest tested so well in her language classes in college that she will have a minor with only taking 4 college classes. My other daughter auditioned and was accepted in a selective theater conservatory. The girls had very different experiences, but what was consistent was the remarkable curriculum that really met them at every developmental stage. They have friends that they will have for life, which is the case for every Waldorf graduate I know, and we have been involved in a Waldorf community for 20 years. It is not Eden, there were snags along the way, but it was remarkable to be in a community where, for the most part, adults and children are taught the value of human interaction, communication, conflict resolution, and respect. Teachers everywhere are devoted and hard working; here, they become a part of the family's journey, partnering with parents in support and collaboration. We did indeed have that all important village. We feel deeply blessed to have been and to continue to be a part of this amazing, flawed, remarkable, hardworking, joyful, compassionate, conscientious, fun community! I would encourage any parent to explore this education. I know when teachers and parents work together, these children LOVE coming to school every day - even as teenagers, just as my girls did!

Posted: September 1, 2017

This is a school that nourished my daughter and gave her the space to be a child, not rushing her past a time of imagination and play. It was magical. She thrived in classes which helped her build her creativity and was engaged due to the richness and depth of an engaging curriculum. Now an "out of the box" thinker, she sees the world in such a unique way. I'm captivated every time I hear her perspective. Thank you, Highland Hall!

Posted: July 27, 2017

People should take the one star reviews with a grain of salt. In my 12 years of being a parent at the school I have never witnessed or heard complaints of teachers being complacent, burned out, disinterested, etc. These teachers are overwhelmingly caring, hard working and incredibly knowledgeable about child development. The education my kids have received has been an amazing gift and its thanks to the great faculty at Highland Hall.

Posted: May 21, 2017

After both of my kids spent years on very academic tracks in public school in CA and NYC, Highland Hall is a breath of fresh air. Set in a magical wonderland with beautiful views and forests , Highland Hall is developing bright, aware, thoughtful
human beings that will go into the world and make a difference.

Posted: May 4, 2017

Both of my children attended Highland Hall (one from kindergarten and one from first grade). They had amazing experiences learning more than just what they could find in a textbook. The Waldorf approach allowed them to better "experience" what they learned in many ways. The opportunity to weave the arts and sciences together helped them to better understand how to be better thinkers and problem solvers. Both are now doing very in college studying Engineering and involved with several extra-curricular activities. Both children have thanked us for sending them to Highland Hall and allowing them the opportunity for a well-rounded education. As parents, we also found the community (other parents, teachers, and staff) extremely supportive of our children and us as parents. Reflecting on how our children are doing today, we believe that this was the best education decision we could have made.

Posted: May 4, 2017

Posted: March 12, 2017

" run from this school ", is a correct statement.
Spent your money and time and trust with your children some place else.

Posted: June 16, 2016

We have loved every single day that we've been at Highland Hall! Our son literally skips on the way to his classroom in the morning and can't stand to miss a day of school. He loves the handwork that they are taught, gardening, German and Spanish, and all the outdoor time that the kids have throughout the day. As parents, we couldn't be happier. We are watching him begin his academic life in a positive and supportive environment, where he is learning creative and critical thinking through all of his work; this alone makes it all worthwhile for us.

Posted: November 18, 2015

Our daughter has gone to Highland Hall since the Mommy and Me days, and it has been one of the best decisions we've ever made. The school follows the Waldorf program, first developed by Rudolf Steiner nearly 100 years ago. It's fully integrative learning, offering children instruction that connects art, music, visual learning, math, and reading so that they not only absorb information but really become better learners, no matter what challenges/problems they face. The other parents have been terrific, which provides an overall community that enriches both our daughter's and our experiences. I can't recommend Highland Hall highly enough; it's a great place, presenting an education that respects the children, and all taking place in a beautiful environment.

Posted: November 2, 2014

This school has been an extraordinary experience for our daughter and our family. She's currently a Jr. in the High School; she started at HH in Kindergarten. The philosophy, the community, the faculty, the camaraderie, the quality of the education - all have served to create/allow/invite a fluency in music (cello), language (German), the arts, strong academics, as well as incredible self-confidence and creative ability to think way outside the box. I only have grief that I never knew about Waldorf education for my older children!

Posted: November 2, 2014

I am both a former K-12 student and a current parent. I can't thank Highland Hall enough for 13+ years of the well rounded artistic, academic, and athletic education I received in the 80s and 90s through 2002, and that my children are receiving now. Between the great teachers, the multitude of artistic and academic options available, and finally the beautiful campus, I can confidently say that there is no better school than Highland Hall out there.

Posted: October 27, 2014

My family absolutely loves this school. The teachers are amazing, the grounds are beautiful, and the curriculum is unmatched! If you are looking for a school with a rigorous academics and plenty of arts and music - this is the place. My daughter's experience at Highland Hall is not only preparing her for life, it's helping shape her into an incredible adult.

Posted: September 14, 2014

I think there is no greater gift you can give your child than a Waldorf education and Highland Hall really delivers. My child, who started in nursery, is in high school now and friends and family who worried about her unconventional schooling are wowed by her maturity, her brightness, her level of engagement with the world and her sensitivity to people and things around her. I'd like to think her dad and I played a part, but Highland Hall was a huge factor in helping her develop into the extraordinary person she is continuing to become.

Posted: September 9, 2014

academically rigorous, fosters creativity, involved, caring community, instills values and inner and out awareness, shapes independent inquisitive individuals who have the courage to look into the future, ask questions, ponder and explore possibilities and act on it. I knew why I wanted to send my kids there and I got so much more than I could realize or hope for. I wish all kids were exposed to a place as such. It is much more than full education.

Posted: May 18, 2014

My son loves school and doesn't want to miss a day. His teachers have been caring and dedicated, and the curriculum is infused with so much intention. Everything at Highland Hall is carefully thought out to create the healthiest, most well-rounded and conscious educational experience. It's been a wonderful experience so far and I look forward to many more years at Highland Hall.

Posted: April 24, 2014

At our school, students I know are fully engaged in the deeply thought-out and well-rounded curriculum. Teacher commitment, dedication and attention to the students' developmental and academic needs are impressive. The school community including committed staff and parents makes this a safe, beautiful and culturally diverse place to pursue education from early childhood to high school.

Posted: April 9, 2014

Our son is thriving at Highland Hall. We have been at the school since kindergarten and can't imagine being anywhere else. He is fully engaged in his academic subjects like math, geography, mythology, ancient civilizations and equally engaged in orchestra, winds, crafts, woodworking and games. His class teacher, who travels with them through the 8 years is a caring, utterly devoted, gem of a teacher. On top of everything else, the school is an oasis of acres of green rolling hills, grass and trees. Whole soul education not found anywhere else in LA that I am aware of.

Posted: April 9, 2014

I'm so thrilled with the academic achievement, the grounded sensibility, and the well thought through viewpoints that my children are exhibiting from their education at Highland Hall. We've been at the school for over 9 years and I am loving it more and more as I see how the Waldorf curriculum is guideling my children's education.

Posted: October 15, 2013

We love Waldorf education! We moved our three children to Highland Hall Waldorf School and have been thrilled with every aspect of the school. The children are thriving in their new school. As soon as we walked on the campus, we just felt the warmth of the community, the staff, and the teachers. We have visited many Waldorf schools and this one seems to have grabbed our hearts!! We love Highland Hall. ~The Rascon Family

Posted: October 14, 2013

Highland Hall is a school that has beautifully serene tree filled grounds, a garden, and plenty of space for children of all ages to run around. I feel like my children and allowed to be children there. They play, they learn, and most importantly, I feel like the love of learning is fostered here. Questions and critical thinking are encouraged. Music and art are taught. My children have flowered while being students here. I would encourage anyone to visit the school and see firsthand what a beautiful place it is in every sense of the word.