Aurora Waldorf School
Secular, Founded 1994
Updated July 2026
Aurora Waldorf School is an independent, non-profit school serving students from Pre-K through eighth grade in West Falls, New York. It provides a rigorous, Waldorf-inspired education that integrates academics with the fine and practical arts, movement, and nature-based learning.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school follows Waldorf educational principles, which emphasize the development of the whole child—intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual. It prioritizes a relationship-based approach where teachers strive to truly see each student, often looping with classes for multiple years to foster deep connections. The philosophy values the preservation of childhood, the integration of arts and practical skills, and a reverence for nature.
Programmes
The academic programme spans Pre-K through Grade 8, beginning with a focus on consistency, warmth, and imaginative play in early childhood. The Grades 1-8 curriculum integrates language arts, mathematics, sciences, history, and geography with creative development classes such as handwork, music, world language, eurythmy, and woodwork. The school also offers a Parent-Toddler program and utilizes a 'Main Lesson' structure to deliver core academic content.
Outcomes
Graduates are described as self-assured, creative, and capable individuals who are well-prepared for high school and beyond. They are noted for their independent and critical thinking skills, a genuine love for learning, and the ability to contribute positively to their communities. Many alumni are sought-after honor students who exceed state standards.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides educational support to meet the individual needs of its students. Teachers are trained to adapt lessons to respond to the developmental stage and specific requirements of each child, ensuring that students are supported in their academic and personal growth. The school also employs an Educational Support (EST) coordinator to oversee these efforts.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- How much is tuition at Aurora Waldorf School?
- Annual tuition at Aurora Waldorf School is $5.2K–$14.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Aurora Waldorf School co-educational?
- Aurora Waldorf School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Aurora Waldorf School located?
- Aurora Waldorf School is an international school in West Seneca, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Morning 3-day Pre-K | 3–4 | $5.2K |
| Full-day 3-day Pre-K | 3–4 | $6.6K |
| Morning 5-day Pre-K, Kindergarten | 4–5 | $8.7K |
| Full-day 5-day Pre-K, Kindergarten | 4–5 | $11.5K |
| Grades 1 - 2 | 6–7 | $12.8K |
| Grades 3 - 5 | 8–10 | $13.6K |
| Grades 6 - 8 | 11–13 | $14.5K |
Other fees(5)
| Application fee· Per new student or student moving from Parent-Tot program to Early Childhood Program | $50 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Per student (max $500/family) | $250 |
| Materials· Program/Supply Fees for 3-day Pre-K (Morning and Full-day) | $200 |
| Materials· Program/Supply Fees for 5-day Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-5 | $325 |
| Materials· Program/Supply Fees for Grades 6-8 | $870 |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 2%
Admissions
The school offers an accessible tuition model, including tuition adjustment based on financial need and various scholarship opportunities such as the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund, the Cullen Foundation Scholars Program, and the Linda Hoeg Memorial Scholarship. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a guided tour and submit an inquiry form to begin the application process. Admissions decisions are made in accordance with a nondiscriminatory policy that welcomes students regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
Calendar
The school operates on a traditional academic calendar with classes held throughout the week. Thursday dismissal for Pre-K through Grade 5 is at 12:15 pm, with optional aftercare available until 2:50 pm. The school year includes various community events, festivals, and workshops that engage students, faculty, and parents.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated on a 13-acre campus featuring woods, fields, and a creek, which serve as primary outdoor classrooms for daily play and nature-based learning. Indoor facilities include light-filled classrooms, a full gymnasium equipped with gymnastics apparatus, and a climbing wall. The grounds also provide age-appropriate play structures and gardens that support movement and environmental education.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a wide range of creative and physical activities, including handwork, music, woodwork, and eurythmy. The middle school sports program features soccer, basketball, and track. Additionally, the school hosts frequent community events, festivals, and workshops to foster engagement among students, parents, and faculty.
- Jim AndersonPresident of the Board of Trustees
Jim Anderson serves as the President of the Board of Trustees. He is a parent of three children at the school and his wife is a teacher there, noting that the school's philosophy guides his family's life.
- Ed WattsVice-President of the Board of Trustees
Ed Watts serves as the Vice-President of the Board of Trustees. He is a parent of three children at the school and values the school's small size and natural environment.
- Bruce CarrowTreasurer of the Board of Trustees
Bruce Carrow serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. He was involved in the founding of the school, has served on the board previously, and his three children are graduates of the school.
- Mark Lim-AranduqueFaculty Representative
Mark Lim-Aranduque serves as the Faculty Representative on the Board of Trustees. He is also a P.E. teacher and middle school sports coach at the school.