Early Childhood.
Ages 3 - 6 years
Play: The work of children.
After our Parent + Child programs, The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay offers an array of choices to meet the needs of both the child and the family. Parents are choosing different ages, speeds, and intensities to begin their child’s school experience, and we are proud to meet these diverse needs.
All the programs below require an application and begin in the fall with a year-round commitment for children 3 - 6 years. They all follow a similar, traditional Waldorf curriculum where childhood is honored, nurtured, and protected. Our programs do not introduce traditional academics at this age, but rather offer a rhythmic and gentle, home-like environment that combines imagination, nature, art, and developmentally appropriate practical skills, all creating the foundation to a strong, capable body that is ready (and eager!) for academics in first grade.
PreSchool - 4 day
Our gentle, play-based preschool program provides a nurturing and rhythmic environment where young children feel safe, supported, and free to explore. Through imaginative play, nature connection, songs, and simple handwork, children build social-emotional skills, confidence, and a sense of wonder. The daily rhythm includes storytelling, movement, artistic activities, and outdoor play, fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning in a joyful, screen-free setting.
For children who have reached their third birthday by August 15th.
Monday - Thursday from 8:30am to 12pm.
PreSchool - 5 day
The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay’s preschool program provides a warm, nurturing environment where young children develop a sense of rhythm, security, and joy in daily life. Our harmonious, homelike classrooms encourage imaginative play, meaningful work, and cooperative social interactions, all of which lay the foundation for confidence, coordination, and a love of learning.
Each day unfolds with a gentle, predictable rhythm, flowing from free play to seasonal songs, artistic activities, and a shared wholesome lunch around a beautifully set table. A deep connection to nature is woven into the program, with ample time spent outdoors—rain or shine—exploring, moving, and engaging with the natural world.
Children must turn three years by May 31st.
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Care (pmC): With faculty approval, children may stay until 3:00 PM, which includes a rest period and additional play for those who need extended care.
Mixed Age Kindergarten
Building on the foundation of Preschool, children four to six years participate in a similar rhythm in the formal Kindergarten curriculum, which begins to challenge them in developmentally-appropriate and meaningful ways.
A formal Circle Time allows children to both move their bodies and practice quiet listening, while stimulating the imagination through stories, songs and verse told from memory by the teacher. Seasonal crafts and celebrations mark the year and help children stay grounded in the natural world. Children also visit our wide-open Forest Meadow for free outdoor play to develop gross motor skills 3+ times a week.
Child must be at least 4 years.
8am - 1pm includes lunchtime.
Afternoon Care (pmC) includes rest time and play, with dismissal at 3pm. True Kindergarten-aged children are given priority, as we encourage 4 year olds to rest/nap at home whenever possible.
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
— Albert Einstein