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Waldorf School of Lexington

United States, Boston

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $15,000 - 34,417
Ages 0 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 190
Type Co-educational
Opened 1971
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Waldorf Steiner Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin, German
Typical class size 18
Strengths Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Waldorf School of Lexington (WSL) serves children from six weeks through Grade 8, with a preschool–Grade 8 program and a Great Meadows Child Care program for infants and toddlers. The campus sits beside the 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land, with gardens, beehives, a pollinator hotel, an indoor gym, and an auditorium. Classrooms are screen-free and the curriculum follows Waldorf Steiner principles, emphasizing meaningful human connections. In the early years, academics are taught artistically through drama, story, art, music, and movement, with Spanish and Mandarin introduced early and developed to grammar by Grade 8. Main Lesson is a daily two-hour block on a single subject for three to four weeks; Grade 1–5 teachers remain with students through looping, then transition to middle school specialists for Grades 6–8. A Forest School program on adjacent Great Meadows serves ages 3–6; long-term field experiences include Hawthorne Valley Farm and Hulbert Outdoor Center trips. Together.

739 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420, United States

The Essentials

Waldorf School of Lexington has 190 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Lexington, Massachusetts, about 12 miles west of Boston. It sits on a historic campus adjacent to the 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land. The address is 739 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420-3916.

Stages
WSL serves preschool through grade 8, including our Great Meadows Child Care Program for children as young as eight weeks old.

Type
Waldorf School (Preschool–Grade 8).

Additional learning support
The Student Support Department works with teachers to address each student's learning needs.

Country affiliation
United States

School day structure
Every morning for Main Lesson, the two-hour block begins the day. Grade 1 includes an early dismissal option at 1:35 p.m.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a dress code with clothing guidelines to support participation in all classes and activities, safety, and self-expression. Clothing and footwear must allow full movement and safety in activities such as eurythmy and outdoor work. Attire should be free from advertisements and political statements.

Food Options
Lunch is cooked daily in the on-site kitchen by a professional cook. Nursery and kindergarten meals are provided by the school and included in tuition. The lunch program is available for grades 1–8, and the eighth grade has a Friday Pizza Lunch fundraiser.

Governance and Ownership
The Waldorf School of Lexington is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is accredited by AWSNA and NEASC, and it is a member of AISNE and NAIS.
Fees

Annual tuition at Waldorf School of Lexington ranges from USD 15,000 to USD 34,417 for 2026/27.

Application fees and enrollment deposit

- Application Fee: USD 50 for the first child; USD 25 for each additional child in the family.
- Non‑refundable holding / tuition deposit due at enrollment: USD 1,000.

Tuition fees (2026–2027) — annual and typical installment breakdowns

Note: annual tuition amounts are listed first, followed by a sample semi‑annual installment (50% of annual) and a sample 10‑month installment (annual ÷ 10) to show how payments are commonly structured under the school's payment plans.

- Forest Program (full‑morning outdoor program, listed by available schedules):
- USD 15,000 per year (example semi‑annual: USD 7,500; 10‑month: USD 1,500/month).

- Nursery (ages and times as published):
- USD 23,851 per year (5 days/wk); USD 19,825 per year (4 days/wk); USD 15,799 per year (3 days/wk).
- Example semi‑annual (5‑day): USD 11,925.50; example 10‑month (5‑day): USD 2,385.10/month.

- Kindergarten (published schedule):
- USD 25,801 per year (typical single schedule shown). Example semi‑annual: USD 12,900.50; 10‑month: USD 2,580.10/month.

- Elementary (Grades 1–8):
- Grades 1–2: USD 33,058 per year (semi‑annual: USD 16,529; 10‑month: USD 3,305.80/month).
- Grades 3–5: USD 34,103 per year (semi‑annual: USD 17,051.50; 10‑month: USD 3,410.30/month).
- Grades 6–8: USD 34,417 per year (semi‑annual: USD 17,208.50; 10‑month: USD 3,441.70/month).

Aftercare, Extended Day and drop‑in fees (2026–2027)

- Nursery & Kindergarten aftercare (12:30–3:00):
- USD 7,224 (5 days/wk); USD 5,779 (4 days/wk); USD 4,334 (3 days/wk); USD 2,890 (2 days/wk); USD 1,445 (1 day/wk).

- Nursery & Kindergarten aftercare (3:00–6:00):
- USD 9,057 (5 days/wk); USD 7,246 (4 days/wk); USD 5,434 (3 days/wk); USD 3,623 (2 days/wk); USD 1,811 (1 day/wk).

- Extended Day (Grades 1–6) Monday–Friday 3:00–6:00: same tiered rates as above (USD 9,057; 7,246; 5,434; 3,623; 1,811). Thursday 12:30–3:00 option USD 1,126. Daily drop‑in rate: USD 50.

Payment plans, billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment plan options in current practice:
- Annual plan: full tuition due July 1.
- Semi‑annual plan: Tuition protection fee plus 50% of tuition due July 1; balance due December 1.
- Monthly plan: 10 monthly payments (typical schedule July 1–April 1); the tuition protection fee is billed with the first installment. Monthly plans require online signup for automatic debit through FACTS billing.
- Tuition Protection Program (TPP): a required fee of 2.25% of gross tuition (excluding the holding deposit) for families using installment plans; families paying annually may opt out by notifying the Business Office in writing before the stated deadline. The TPP fee is billed in the first installment and is non‑refundable.
- Late fees and contract timing: the school assesses a late fee for signed contracts returned after the published deadlines (historically USD 200 for late signed contracts). Enrollment requires a signed Enrollment Contract; signers are jointly and severally liable for tuition and fees shown on that contract.

Sibling discount and tuition assistance

- Sibling discount: 10% discount for families with more than one child enrolled; sibling discounts are not available to families receiving Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards.
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): confidential need‑based assistance is offered; many awards historically range from 10%–40% with some awards larger where demonstrated need exists.

Other routine fees and charges

- Tuition Protection Program fee: USD amount = 2.25% of gross tuition (calculated on each family's tuition amount, excluding the holding deposit). This is billed as described above.
- Application fee (see above) and non‑refundable holding deposit (see above).
- Afterschool/Extended Day program change fee: USD 50 for program changes.
- Daily drop‑in rate for Aftercare/Extended Day: USD 50.
- Hot lunch program: a school‑run hot lunch is offered (fees for lunch are charged separately when applicable). The program is run from the school kitchen; pricing is published to families through the school's billing channels.
- Dress code: the school maintains clothing guidelines but does not operate a formal uniform purchase program. Families should provide outdoor gear appropriate to seasonal outdoor activities.

Boarding

- The school is a day school serving early childhood through Grade 8 and does not provide boarding; therefore there are no boarding fees.

Refunds, withdrawal and how refunds are issued

- Tuition refund schedule under the Tuition Protection Program / Enrollment Contract (standard structure used by the school):
- Withdrawal prior to June 1: annual tuition (minus the holding deposit and any tuition assistance) is refunded; the holding deposit is retained by the school.
- Withdrawal prior to August 1: 70% of annual tuition (minus the holding deposit and any tuition assistance) is refunded.
- Withdrawal prior to January 1: 40% of annual tuition (minus the holding deposit and any tuition assistance) is refunded.
- Withdrawal after January 1: no refunds will be issued.
- Any refund is first applied to any open balances on the student account; remaining amounts are returned by check to the financially responsible party named on the Enrollment Contract. The TPP fee itself is non‑refundable. Written withdrawal, signed by a parent or guardian and addressed to the Director of Admissions, establishes the withdrawal date for refund purposes.
- Afterschool/Extended Day refund schedule (program registration is for the full year; prorating and refunds follow the schedule below):
- Prior to July 1: 100% refund.
- Prior to September 1: 70% refund.
- Prior to January 1: 40% refund.
- After January 1: no refunds.

How fees are billed and payment channels

- Billing is administered through the school's enrollment and billing systems: applications/enrollment are handled through the Ravenna application portal; ongoing tuition billing and installment plans use FACTS (automatic debit signup is required for installment plans). The Tuition Protection Program fee is billed with the first installment where applicable; families paying annually may decline TPP in writing before the deadline. Business Office staff manage billing and account matters.

Summary of the most important figures (quick reference)

- USD 50 application fee (USD 25 for additional children).
- USD 1,000 non‑refundable holding deposit due at enrollment.
- Elementary tuition (2026–27 example): Grades 1–2 USD 33,058; Grades 3–5 USD 34,103; Grades 6–8 USD 34,417 (annual).
- Extended day / aftercare top tier: USD 9,057 (5 days/wk, 3:00–6:00). Daily drop‑in USD 50.
- Tuition Protection Program fee: 2.25% of gross tuition (non‑refundable). Refunds under the program: prior to Aug 1 = 70% refund (after holding deposit and TAP adjustments); prior to Jan 1 = 40% refund; after Jan 1 = none.

If you need any of these fee figures presented in a different format (for example as semi‑annual or monthly exact installments for a specific program), the annual tuition amounts above can be used to compute those exact installments under the school's existing payment plans (annual, semi‑annual, or 10‑month).
Academics

Waldorf School of Lexington teaches Waldorf Steiner Curriculum for students aged 0 to 14.

Curriculum
WSL follows a Waldorf curriculum for preschool through grade 8, including a Great Meadows Child Care program for infants and toddlers. The curriculum is mapped to children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development and is delivered through meaningful human connections. In the elementary years, academics are taught artistically through drama, story, art, music, and movement, with an arts-integrated approach to humanities, mathematics, and sciences, and two world languages. Main Lesson is a daily two-hour block in which one central subject—language arts, history and world cultures, mathematics, or science—is studied in depth for three to four weeks. World languages are taught throughout the grades, with Spanish and Mandarin represented from the early grades and developed to grammar and composition in the middle grades; in Grade 8, students specialize in Spanish or Mandarin. In the middle school years, expectations expand and the program uses teacher looping, moving from a class teacher for Grades 1–5 to a specialized middle school teacher from Grades 6–8, supported by subject specialists in math, science, languages, music, movement, handwork, and athletics.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at high schools, colleges, and universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Forest School provides outdoor learning for ages 3–6, with two- or four-day schedules, emphasizing free imaginative play, motor-skill development, and social-emotional growth. Forest School is led by veteran Waldorf teacher Maureen Ryan. Movement and athletics support students' mental wellbeing, social-emotional development, and confidence. The school is committed to equity and inclusion, fostering a diverse and respectful community. Faculty are trained to address students' cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Mental Wellbeing
Forest School sessions support mental wellbeing through outdoor play and social-emotional growth. Movement and athletics contribute to mental wellbeing and confidence. Waldorf pedagogy addresses emotional and physical development alongside academics. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to the community, supporting students' sense of belonging. A school nurse is available for health and well-being concerns.

Safeguarding
Health and safety are the top priority at WSL. Immunizations follow state policy, and students must be fully vaccinated or have an exemption on file. Immunization data is reported to the state. A school nurse is on site to address health and well-being concerns. The school rejects discrimination and fosters an inclusive community.
Parent Experience

History
WSL celebrated its 50th birthday in the 2020–2021 school year. A group of parents opened a kindergarten and day care in the basement of St. James Church in Cambridge in 1971, guided by Steiner's educational model. Three years later the School added a first grade, moved to the First Armenian Church in Belmont, and incorporated as The Waldorf School while applying for AWSNA membership. In 1980 the School relocated to the Adams Public School building in Lexington, and the community helped patch, paint, and later purchase the building; AWSNA full membership followed in 1993. The high school opened in 1996 and became an independent entity in 2004, relocating to Belmont; today the campus serves children from six weeks through 8th grade, with preschool expansion completed in 2005 and a long-term land lease securing the future.

Community
Festivals & Special Events mark the seasons and celebrate the world's great traditions to cultivate a joyful community spirit. The School's calendar features a variety of seasonal and cultural observances that involve students, families, and staff. The events include the Rose Ceremony, Festival of Courage (Michaelmas), Lantern Walk, Autumn Assembly & Grand Morning, Middle School Arts Evening, Mendenhall Benefit Concert, May Day, and the 5th Grade Pentathlon.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Waldorf School of Lexington Community Association (CA) has a vital role in nurturing and tending the school's community life. It supports the Community Life Department and inspires joyful parent/caregiver participation while organizing collective efforts to advance the School's mission. CA meetings are held select Fridays each month in the music room from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., with the Community Café running simultaneously. Volunteers organize Winter Warming Angel Room Crafting, maintain the Community Lending Library, and run the WSL Everything Is Free Facebook group. The CA also hosts the Parent & Community Education Series, Parents Night Out, and a Family Camping Trip.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus features an indoor gym, an auditorium with basketball nets, a soccer field, an outdoor basketball court, and a skating pond. The campus is adjacent to the 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land with gardens, beehives, and a pollinator hotel.

Sports Facilities
The school's sports facilities include an indoor gym, a soccer field, an outdoor basketball court, a skating pond, and an auditorium with basketball nets.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are screen-free. World languages include Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Special subjects include Handwork, Woodworking, Visual Arts, Instrumental Music & Chorus, Drama, Athletics & Movement, and Eurythmy.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Forest School program for ages 3–6 operates on the adjacent 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land; gardening, beekeeping, and a pollinator hotel are on-site learning features. In grades 3–6, students take a week-long Hawthorne Valley Farm field trip; grades 7–8 participate in trips to Hulbert Outdoor Center or Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership. The school also hosts a Fifth Grade Pentathlon and an Olympic Pentathlon.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
In first grade, students begin an arts-integrated academic curriculum including the humanities, mathematics and sciences, two world languages, choral and instrumental music, visual and performing arts, and athletics. Main Lesson is a two-hour daily block focusing on Language Arts, History & World Cultures, Mathematics, and Science. Teacher looping is a long-standing feature, with Class Teachers staying with students through the early grades (first through fifth) before transitioning to a specialized middle school teacher for grades 6–8.

Arts & Creative
Choral and instrumental music and visual and performing arts are part of the curriculum. In Grade 1, World Languages include Spanish and Mandarin songs and poems; Art includes Form Drawing and Watercolor; Music includes Pentatonic flute and singing.

Cultural & Language
Spanish and Mandarin are the two world languages taught. In Grade 1, world language activities use Spanish and Mandarin; in Grade 8, students specialize in Spanish or Mandarin with grammar, composition and culture four times per week.

Social & Hobbies
Afterschool Programs extend the day; Nursery/Kindergarten Aftercare and Extended Day Programs; Grades 1–6 Extended Day include sports and clubs for Grades 5–6. Afterschool Athletics for Grades 6–8 include soccer, cross-country running, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and track and field. WSL Community Chorale is a social/music activity open to the public, held weekly.

Community & Service
Social inclusion and community service are part of Grades 7 and 8. Volunteer opportunities exist in the WSL community, including Winter Warming Angel Room Crafting and Kitchen Volunteers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Beyond the Classroom emphasizes outdoor exploration, gardening, and engagement with the natural world. Students visit the 183-acre Great Meadows conservation land, work in the school garden and beehives, and participate in long-term field experiences such as Hawthorne Valley Farm trips (grades 3–6) and Hulbert Outdoor Center or Hurricane Island trips (grades 7–8).
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish and Mandarin are taught as world languages beginning in Grade 1. The program progresses from songs and poems in early grades to vocabulary development, grammar, reading, and writing in later grades. In Grade 8, students specialize in Spanish or Mandarin and study grammar, composition, and culture four times per week.
Reputation

Accreditations
AWSNA; NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges); AISNE; NAIS
Admissions

Admissions
1. Learn about Waldorf School of Lexington and its educational approach. Review why parents choose WSL and browse the FAQs to understand programs and community. This information helps families determine whether WSL's philosophy and environment fit their child's needs.

2. See WSL in action by attending an Admissions event or taking a campus tour. These events provide a view of classrooms and allow you to meet teachers and staff. They help you ask questions about the program and daily life at WSL.

3. Submit the online application and all required supporting materials. The online application is submitted through the Ravenna hub. After submission, the admissions office will reach out to schedule a time for you and your child to visit the school.

4. There are two application deadlines: November 1 for early decision and January 30 for regular decision. Applicants who apply by November 1 will receive admission decisions by January 15. Regular decision applicants will be notified by March 15.

5. School visit: After the application is submitted, the admissions office will reach out to schedule a visit for you and your child. The visit provides an opportunity to observe classes and meet admissions staff. The visit helps families understand the daily rhythm of WSL and ask questions about the program.

6. Rolling mid-year enrollment: If applying past the deadlines or seeking mid-year enrollment, WSL offers rolling admissions as space allows. Contact the Admissions Department for information about availability and timing. Rolling admissions provide additional flexibility for families who need an off-cycle start.

7. A $1,000 non-refundable tuition deposit is due upon enrollment. The deposit confirms enrollment and is required to secure a place at WSL. The deposit is due after enrollment and completes the enrollment process.

8. Rolling admissions continue to be available as space allows. Mid-year starts depend on space, class capacity, and program needs. Please contact Admissions for more information.

Scholarships
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps families access Waldorf education. Most TAP awards range from 10%–40%, and one third of families participate in TAP. TAP funds are enhanced by the Susan Cody Scholarship Fund (SCSF), established by the Board of Trustees in 2019 to increase accessibility. A separate Mendenhall Scholarship Fund also supports scholarship efforts.
School Events
The school has not added events
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