Frequently Asked Questions
How do you support children with different learning styles and needs?
We support children through a truly multi-disciplinary approach, through patience, love and connection. As our school grows, we may or may not be able to meet the needs of all children. The faculty circle meets regularly to support children that have different needs, and we work closely with parents as well.
How many students are enrolled in the school program?
As of Oct. 31st, 2024 we have a total of 61 students enrolled in grades Kindergarten- Grade 6.
How much homework is there?
Small amounts of homework, installed in order to help children take responsibility for their learning and expand curiosity, begin in 5th grade. Children are expected to be able to complete these assignments themselves, without intensive adult support.
Do you do any structured word inquiry (based on the root of words) in 4th or 3rd-grade levels?
Yes. Our teachers use a structured program based on Orton-Gillingham principles with students, beginning in the Second Grade.
When do you teach reading?
Our goal is to foster passionate readers who continue reading for pleasure throughout their lifetimes. To that end, we introduce reading in a developmentally appropriate way, when students are more comfortable with the written word and fully ready to engage with them. Waldorf teachers begin teaching reading in the first couple months of first grade by teaching consonants and vowel names and sounds through an artistic approach of drawing, painting, movement, and speech. This artistic, deliberate process engages the children with great interest, and by the end of first grade, children are writing and reading sentences and short texts. Students typically begin reading printed readers with their teacher during the second half of second grade. This thorough and artistic approach to teaching literacy has been proven to build a solid base for advanced comprehension and vocabulary skills in later years.
How do you handle challenging behavior?
At the Juniper School, we teach “loving guidance”: we teach children how to meet their needs in a socially acceptable manner, where the self-respect and safety of everyone is preserved. How does this work?
In the Early Childhood these methods may look like:
-soft and firm voice
-close physical proximity and eye contact
-an honest observation
-mini “home visits” 1:1 connection with children throughout the day (rapport maintenance)
-always starting with rapport and relationship with the child
-paying attention, redirecting and shifting class energy through gentle leadership
-singing reminders/moving close
As children grow older, different approaches are needed. We are currently developing an approach in the Grades, influenced by the Virtues Project, with these
Principles of Discipline:
Linking Freedom with Responsibility
When it comes to safety, require simple obedience
Prevent power struggles- refer to co-created ground rules created by the student and teacher together
Always acknowledging effort and improvement
Strong Teacher/Student Community relationships built on love and respect
Do you have any licensed counselors on staff?
No
How much time is spent outside?
Children in both Early Childhood and Kindergarten half-day programs spend about 2 hours each day outside, except during the most extreme weather. During the Grade School day from 8:30-3:00, children spend close to two hours outdoors during free-unstructured recess and teacher-led game times. We value time spent in nature as the beautiful, rich, healing time it is, while also noting the boosts to cognition and attention during structured learning times. We plan to build an outdoor classroom shelter and offer opportunities for gardening projects. Those students who remain with us for Aftercare, we have an additional 1 to 2 hours of outdoor time, weather permitting.
What distinguishes your school from others?
Waldorf Education strives to teach the child in a broad, deep and thorough way that emphasizes the education of the Whole Child, learning through the hands, the heart and the head. There are 5 key aspects to educating the Whole Child:
Respect for Child Development
Multidisciplinary Teaching
Joy and Motivation
Movement and Outdoor Education
Character Education
For more information please see : https://sgws.org/waldorf-essentials/
Is there a religious base to the school?
The Juniper School is non-sectarian and non-denominational. We educate all children, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. The pedagogical method is comprehensive, and, as part of its task, seeks to bring about recognition and understanding of all the world cultures and religions. Waldorf schools are not part of any church. They espouse no particular religious doctrine but are based on a belief that there is a spiritual dimension to the human being and to all of life. Waldorf families come from a broad spectrum of religious traditions and interest. (From the AWSNA FAQ site)
Are there any after-school activities available?/What are the hours of operation? /Do you offer after school care?
Yes. For more information, please see our admission/tuition page.
What's your media/technology policy (thinking about both kids' apparel and also curriculum)?
At the Juniper School, we strive to grow children’s imagination and genuine motivation. In order to allow the imagination and will to flourish, we ask that parents limit visual media consumption as much as is possible for their family. As our faculty and families partner to raise children to meet the challenges of our future world, the archetypes, images and journeys found in the Waldorf/Steiner curriculum serve to nourish and protect the goodness, strength and kindness of children. As a faculty, we believe and see that the images brought forth through traditional media sources can counteract this effort. For this reason, we also ask children not wear apparel with media-related characters on them to school. During the early childhood and elementary school years, computers and technology are not used by students at school.
Are you a charter school?
Yes. We are a Non-Public Charter in the State of Ohio. We gained our Charter in December of 2023!
What is your policy on Background Checks for Employees and Volunteers?
All of our employees must complete the BCI and FBI background checks. The must be completed every 5 years.
All volunteers who will spend any time alone with children must obtain a background check.
Do you offer financial aid?
At this time, we are unable to offer any forms of financial assistance for preschool.
The Juniper School is eligible for EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion through the State of Ohio due to our Charter status. These programs are available for students in K-6.
The Juniper School has limited financial aid available for Kindergarten through fifth grade through the Waldorf Method Education Scholarship Association (WMESA), and any full and partial scholarships are prioritized for BIPOC. All aid requests are considered on a case-by-case basis by our financial aid committee. Please fill out the designated form for our committee to review before March 1st when applications are due. Financial aid assistance is reviewed each school year.
Do your teachers have teaching degrees?
All of our lead classroom teachers have college degrees, and our more experienced teachers have teaching degrees. As a non-chartered private school, our lead classroom teachers are not required to have teaching certificates through the state of Ohio. Our lead teachers consistently pursue furthering their Waldorf education through professional development opportunities, with some continuing to Waldorf teacher certification.