Athletics Overview
Waldorf’s approach to athletics fits within a broader movement to reclaim youth sports for what they once were and always should have been: fun, communal, and participatory. There are no tryouts or cuts, even through high school. Instead, each athlete is inspired to reach their highest potential, contributing to the team through enthusiasm, hard work, grace, and resilience. Every athlete has their place on our teams.
Youth sports should not be adult-centered endeavors with an intense focus on winning at all costs. An emerging body of research suggests that, not only is the adultification of youth sports detrimental to young athletes’ happiness and well-being, but it also may derail their long-term success—that is, their ability to become the best they are capable of becoming. Let them play, and enjoy the success along the way!
Read this blog post on Success in Sports for more about the Waldorf philosophy.
Learning to win and lose with grace
After-school sports provide an opportunity for middle and high school students to specialize in a sports-specific movement discipline. Emphasis is placed on character development through teamwork, sportsmanship, and meeting both victory and defeat with equanimity and grace.
Waldorf athletes are guided to reach their highest potential while maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes academics, the arts, and involvement in family and community activities.
While DWS teams play to win, coaches are careful to play every player. There are no tryouts or cuts and all students who can make a commitment to the athletic schedule become integral parts of the school team.
Other Sports Teams
Interested in playing a sport not currently offered at The Denver Waldorf School? Many of our students have played at other area public and private schools, such as East High School, Denver Christian High School, and Kent Denver. For more information, please contact DWS Athletic Director Michael Quinn.
Summer Camps
SPORTS SEASONS
Middle & High School Boys/Girls Cross Country
- August – October
Middle & High School Girls Volleyball
- August – November
Middle School Boys/Girls Basketball
- October – December
High School Boys/Girls Basketball
- November – February
High School Boys Volleyball
- February – May
Middle & High School Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee
- February – May
Movement throughout the Waldorf curriculum
Grades 1 to 3:
Teachers bring movement skills to life in imaginative ways through picture images and nature games in a noncompetitive environment.
Grades 4 to 8:
Teachers emphasize developing and practicing skills in specific areas and various team sports.
Middle school:
Students are encouraged to develop athletic skills in a less pressured, yet still competitive environment through the following after-school sports:
- Girls Cross Country
- Boys Cross Country
- Girls Volleyball
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee
High school:
DWS is a member of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) and the Spartans compete on the 1-A level as active members of the 5280 League.
- Girls Cross Country
- Boys Cross Country
- Girls Volleyball
- Boys Volleyball
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee
High School Sports Physical
All participating high school students must submit a completed High School Sports Physical Form by November 1st.
Tours & Admission Events
Experience the Waldorf difference at our beautiful, welcoming campus in Denver’s Rosedale-Harvard Gulch neighborhood.