Founded in 1995 as a public charter school operating on a non-profit basis, Pine Forest began its journey at the foot of Mars Hill close to the Sante Fe railway and Lowell Observatory. A significant milestone in the school’s timeline occurred in 2014 when it acquired the site and structures of the historic St. Pius X Church located in the Sunnyside neighborhood. In 2016, the campus underwent renovations to align with an educational vision, leading to the relocation of all students and staff.
Pine Forest is a member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education committed to the Core Principles.
Rudolf Steiner founded the first Waldorf school in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. Waldorf schools were developed as a response to the rising industrialization and homogenization of education. It aimed to renew society post- WW1 through a holistic “head, heart, and hands” approach. Consequently, Waldorf schools were designed with a reverence for childhood, curiosity, and individuality, committed to inspiring life-long learning in all students and enabling children to fully develop their own unique capacities.
In 2005 the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education was established to support the growth of Waldorf schools in the public sector.
1. Image of the Human Being
Public Waldorf education is founded on a coherent image of the developing human being.
2. Child Development
An understanding of child development guides all aspects of the educational program, to the greatest extent possible within established legal mandates.
3. Social Change Through Education
Public Waldorf schools seek to be agents of positive social change through the development of each individual and through the community life of the school.
4. Human Relationships
Public Waldorf Schools foster a culture of healthy relationships.
5. Access and Diversity
Public Waldorf Schools work to increase diversity and access to all sectors of society.
6. Collaborative Leadership
School leadership is conducted through shared responsibilities within established legal structures.
7. Schools as Learning Communities
Public Waldorf schools cultivate a love of lifelong learning and self-knowledge.
