Principles and pedagogy of Waldorf Education.
Learn MoreMountain Sunrise Academy is a tuition-free, public K-8 Waldorf charter school that opened in 2020! We are located along the north side of Utah Lake on the border of Lehi and Saratoga Springs.
Mountain Sunrise Academy is a member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education and is adhering to best practices for public Waldorf Charters including following the principles and pedagogy of Waldorf Education.
Waldorf education is based on the educational philosophy of founder, Dr. Rudolf Steiner. This pedagogy strives to develop students’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner.
Waldorf Education uses a developmental model that follows 3 distinct stages from ages 0-7, 7-14, and 14-21. Through the use of Waldorf methodology, children’s cognitive development and their natural love of learning are nourished by incorporating the unique developmental stages each child experiences into the curriculum and instruction.
The Waldorf developmental model engages the child in a healthy developmental and psychological way, which leads to children thriving intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.
Nature is highly valued in Waldorf Education. Classroom time includes much time outdoors including gardening classes and field trips. Natural materials in and outside the classroom are used where possible.
Waldorf education has a consistent philosophy of child development underlying the curriculum. Curriculum and content are introduced in line with appropriate neurological (brain development), physiological, and psychological developmental way. One example is younger children have a greater need for movement and the curriculum through the grades reflects that. Another example is use of media. Technology can be a great tool and in Waldorf schools it is introduced at a more developmentally appropriate time in the older grades.
Waldorf schools honor and protect the wonder of childhood. There is a focus on whole child development which recognizes human beings consist of body, soul, and spirit and have a rich inner life. Education is taught in a holistic way that engages thinking, artistic expression, and physical hands-on activities in experiential ways. This is often referred to as educating “head, heart, and hands.”
Waldorf education values creating a secure and nurturing environment for children which is why teachers ideally loop with their class in subsequent grades. This creates a rich, deep relationship and connection with teachers and students staying in the same group throughout the grades.
Waldorf Education has a rich multi-cultural focus in its curriculum through the grades and explores many cultures through literature, festivals, dance, art, and music. This creates value and respect for diversity and an appreciation for all people.
Finally, Waldorf schools produce graduates who have developed themselves in a holistic way. They have cultivated academic, artistic, emotional, social, moral, and physical capacities and also possess the 21st century learning ideals of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Throughout the grades, students have explored the adage “Know Thyself” and have developed the capacities to fulfill their life path purposes and desires.
Currently, there are more than 1,200 Waldorf schools and 1,700 kindergartens in 80 countries.
Approximately 202 Waldorf schools are currently operating in North America.
In 1919, Dr. Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher, scientist, and artist was invited to give a series of lectures to the workers of the Waldorf-Astoria factory in Stuttgart, Germany on education. From this place was derived the first school and name, Waldorf Education.
The Waldorf public school movement is currently expanding rapidly in the United States.
In 2010, there were 12 Waldorf-inspired public schools. In 2019, there were 54 such schools.
We would love to meet you. Experience first-hand our amazing building, programs and classrooms!
Schedule a TourDecember 20-January 5
What is it?
This beloved European tradition is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year and mark the beginning of the Christmas season. St. Lucia Day was adopted from the Scandinavian holiday that has been celebrated in Sweden since the late 1700s, in which a young woman was selected to travel from farm to farm delivering baked goods before dawn. It commemorates Lucia of Syracuse, who according to legend, brought food and aid to those in need. She was said to wear a candlelit wreath on her head to light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible. It is also known as the Festival of Lights.
MSA Traditions
Traditionally, the first or second graders spend part of their day making sweet bread and delivering it to classrooms around the school.
The winter festival is a school-wide celebration and festival when families and community members are invited to come celebrate winter, hear student performances, purchase student creations, hear carols, and enjoy time together!
How is it celebrated?
Each class is invited to either create something to sell at the faire, or provide an activity for friends and family to enjoy while at the faire. Sometimes vendors are also invited to sell their goods.
Angel Room
One of our Kinder rooms typically hosts our beloved Angel Room. Families drop off any new or gently used items to sell at the front office preceding the faire. Students can then go to the Angel Room with cash or coin and do their holiday shopping!