Keep Our Waldorf Heart Beating

There is something uniquely special about a school that children can’t wait to enter each morning, that inspires families to move across cities and states to attend, that welcomes alumni back as devoted teachers, and that brings a whole community together to ensure that Waldorf students continue to thrive. That is Ithaca Waldorf School.

We are more than an international education, a science-backed learning model, and a campus embraced by natural beauty. We are a living, breathing community, deeply committed to making Waldorf education accessible to families across Ithaca and the Finger Lakes. We offer a holistic curriculum music, art, handwork, farming, animal care, Spanish, outdoor learning, and hands-on experiences that strengthens students’ relationships with themselves, each other, nature, and the wider world.

Why your gift matters right now

• We need to close the $300,000 budget gap this 2025-26 school year in order to set us up for the 2026-27 school year.
• 75% of our families receive financial aid. Your gift keeps tuition within reach for neighbors, classmates, and friends.
• Your support sustains what makes IWS extraordinary: excellent educators, our farm and arts programs, Spanish and handwork, and a diverse student body that learns and flourishes together.

The impact your gift has today and long-term

• Tuition assistance that lets students return next year and invites new families in
• Exceptional teachers who integrate head, heart, and hands in every lesson
• Farm, garden, and animal care that build responsibility, wonder, and real-world skills
• Music, art, and handwork that support attention, memory, and creativity
• Outdoor, nature-rich learning that reduces stress and builds resilience
• A welcoming, diverse community where children are known and grow with confidence

Give with confidence and heart. Research shows that children learn best when movement, music, language, and nature are part of everyday strengthening neural pathways, focus, and social-emotional skills. Waldorf education has practiced this for over a century. Your gift ensures that children in our region continue to receive this whole-child education right here at home.

Why give today?

• Momentum matters: Early gifts build the “goal-gradient effect” as we get closer, more people join. Your gift today accelerates every gift that follows.
• Certainty inspires action: You’ll know your donation directly helps keep IWS open and funds financial aid this coming school year.
• Now beats later: Acting today turns intention into impact for real children and teachers you can meet and know.

If you prefer to give by check, please mail or drop off at the office. Any questions please contact Michelle Cross at mcross@ithacawaldorf.org.