The Early Years Centre opened in 2020. (Photo credit by Bridge Educational Society)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Open houses

Waldorf School accepting applications for kindergarten

Jan 19, 2024 | 2:00 PM

Parents with kids nearing kindergarten age are being asked to consider a facility the Lumby area.

The Okanagan Waldorf School and Early Years Center that make up the Bridge Land for Learning are hosting two information sessions in February for parents interested in learning more about Waldorf Education and the programs of the school .

The event is for adults to attend without their children.

Open houses are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10-11 a.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 4-5 p.m. at the school at 730 Whitevale Road in Lumby.

The Bridge Land for Learning programs have been operating out of the Whitevale Road neighbourhood of Lumby since 2006, currently offering care and academic experiences for infants, toddlers, preschool, kindergarten and grades 1-7.

B.C. Supreme Court

Crown calls for 7-9 year prison term for Vernon 'wine bottle' manslaughter

May 17, 2024

Stage 1 Restrictions

Greater Vernon preparing for drought, water restrictions to be increased 'as necessary'

May 17, 2024

How much do they pay?

District provides facts on tax impact of lakefront properties

May 17, 2024

The Okanagan Waldorf School recently won the 2024 BOB [Best of the Best] Award for Best School and is proud to show off why.

“Those familiar with Waldorf education will know that arts and music are a core part of the approach,a news release from the centre stated. “Waldorf graduates are also known for their academic excellence, nurtured through an experiential approach to learning with an emphasis on intellectual, social and emotional health. The Okanagan Waldorf School curriculum meets B.C. provincial criteria while adhering to Waldorf principles.”

The centre said Waldorf education is the fastest growing grassroots education movement in the world with seven schools across B.C. alone.

“This 100+ year old school system is still leading-edge. In fact, British Columbia curriculum updates in 2016 moved the public school system towards the Waldorf approach of child centered, experiential, project-based learning,” the news release said.

At the Okanagan Waldorf School and the Early Years Center class sizes are intentionally small when possible, so students get more individual attention. The use of digital technology is delayed until middle school, instead emphasis is placed on creative and critical thinking while engaging with peers and the world. By exploring the world of ideas and participating in the arts, music, movement and practical activities, children develop healthy bodies, well-integrated brains, practical skills and strong executive-function skills. (Okanagan Waldorf School)

As the community around Lumby grows, the school is welcoming more families. The school is tuition-based but fees are kept as modest as possible. The Okanagan Waldorf School offers a tuition assistance program for families of limited means and the Early Years Center offers $10/day childcare spaces as well as the Affordable Child Care Benefit.

For more information on open houses and the application process, visit www.bridgeeducational.org.