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Washington Waldorf School

Bethesda, MD

PrivateCombined · Grades Pre-K–12
School Profile

Location

Suburb, Large

Religious Affiliation

Not Religious

Student Body

Coed

Enrollment

249 students

Student-Teacher Ratio

3:1

Demographics
Hispanic/Latino2.0%
x
White88.8%
x
Black or African American3.6%
x
Asian4.0%
x
Two or More Races1.2%
x
American Indian or Alaska Native0.0%
x
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander0.4%
x
Teaching Approach

Updated 8mo ago

Washington Waldorf School describes a “whole child” approach that develops students academically, emotionally, and physically through a curriculum that integrates rigorous core academics with strong arts, music, drama, movement, and outdoor education. They emphasize a developmentally appropriate progression—prioritizing free play in early childhood, introducing formal academics in the early grades with rich storytelling and arts, and building toward critical thinking and independence in high school. The school also notes that it does not “teach to the test” and that it is intentional about limiting and gradually introducing digital media.

Admissions

Updated 8mo ago

Washington Waldorf School encourages prospective families to attend a tour/open house and submit an inquiry form; PK–12 applications are submitted through the Ravenna portal (Parent-Child classes register directly on the school website). (washingtonwaldorf.org) For the 2026–2027 school year, applications received by the priority deadline of January 12, 2026 receive priority, with decisions released February 27, 2026; after that, the school continues with rolling admissions as space allows (and it notes rolling admissions for 2025–2026 as well). (washingtonwaldorf.org) Requirements vary by division but generally include a completed application and a $60 fee, school records/transcripts, teacher recommendations (and student questionnaires for grades 6–12), plus an interview and (for many grades) an on-campus student visit typically lasting 2–3 full school days. (washingtonwaldorf.org) For grade placement, WWS uses a May 31 birthday cutoff for first grade and up (e.g., a child must be 6 by May 31 to enter first grade that September). (washingtonwaldorf.org) The school does not publicly describe a formal admissions waitlist process; instead, families are directed to email the Enrollment Office to confirm availability and are considered as space allows, with stated priority given to applications completed by the January deadline (and Parent-Child enrollment handled first-come/first-served). (washingtonwaldorf.org)

Admissions Timeline

Updated 8mo ago

Application DeadlineJan 12
Interview: Required
App Fee: $60
School Hours

Updated 8mo ago

8:15 – 3:00

After-School Care

Updated 8mo ago

Available
3–6 PM
After School Program for Early Childhood Students Time: 3–6 PM Full year discounted rate: $3,500 Drop in rates (as space is available): $25.00 per day After 6 p.m. Late fee of $5/minute. After School Program for Students in Grades 1–6 Time: 3–6 PM Full year discounted rate: $3,200 After 6 p.m. Late fee of $5/minute.

After School Programs for WWS Students are offered for Early Childhood students and for students in Grades 1–6. Drop-in rates are available as space allows. For more information or to drop in, email afterschool@washingtonwaldorf.org. Late pickup after 6 p.m. incurs a fee.

Private school survey

PSS ID 02032165

Community
Suburb, Large
Religious orientation
Nonsectarian
School type
Nonsectarian, regular
Student body
Coed
Enrollment
249 students
Teachers (FTE)
72.5
Student–teacher ratio
3.4:1
Daily instruction
6.5 hours

Student demographics

Hispanic/Latino2.0%
x
White88.8%
x
Black or African American3.6%
x
Asian4.0%
x
Two or More Races1.2%
x
American Indian or Alaska Native0.0%
x
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander0.4%
x

Sources