DWS Variety Hour - The Denver Waldorf School

Our 10th graders took the stage this week for their theater showcase, sharing their work with our school community! Through monologues and scene study from various plays, students practiced the art of bringing a character to life. With less emphasis on elaborate sets and costumes, they were able to focus on the heart of their performance - the voice, movement, expression, and emotion that make a story come alive.

The performing arts has long been a powerful medium for getting us into our bodies, whether it’s through dancing, plays, or musical concerts. Theater is the physical embodiment of story that literally and figuratively moves us as human beings. It is a key component of our Waldorf education with its integration of thinking, feeling, and willing. We all practice theater together, with every student in each grade participating in a class play. Through their practice of bringing a character to life, they develop not only empathy, but also confidence, creative expression, and collaboration. These are skills they will carry forward not only into their class plays in 11th and 12th grade, but in experiences far beyond the stage!

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Our 10th graders took the stage this week for their theater showcase, sharing their work with our school community! Through monologues and scene study from various plays, students practiced the art of bringing a character to life. With less emphasis on elaborate sets and costumes, they were able to focus on the heart of their performance - the voice, movement, expression, and emotion that make a story come alive.

The performing arts has long been a powerful medium for getting us into our bodies, whether it’s through dancing, plays, or musical concerts. Theater is the physical embodiment of story that literally and figuratively moves us as human beings. It is a key component of our Waldorf education with its integration of thinking, feeling, and willing. We all practice theater together, with every student in each grade participating in a class play. Through their practice of bringing a character to life, they develop not only empathy, but also confidence, creative expression, and collaboration. These are skills they will carry forward not only into their class plays in 11th and 12th grade, but in experiences far beyond the stage!

Extraordinary. Awesome. Kindness...these are some of the words that came to mind to our 3rd graders as they reflected on their recent adventure to Mesa Verde!

After several days immersed in the landscapes and history of Mesa Verde, our students have settled back into the rhythm at school by bringing their experience into their classroom work. Together, they created a word wall inspired by their journey and then sorted them into nouns, adjectives, and verbs - a first step toward writing their own personal reflection about their trip. With the diligent work of their hands, they also sculpted their own Mesa Verde landscapes, giving form to the impressions they carried home with them.

We always cherish these opportunities for our students to grow both individually and as a class community. It is a wonderful gift to be able to immerse ourselves in the wonders all around us together! This trip was especially relevant to their curriculum this year as they look forward to the shelter project coming this spring. Their memories at Mesa Verde will surely be a meaningful foundation as they begin exploring the relationship between people, place, and shelter.

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Extraordinary. Awesome. Kindness...these are some of the words that came to mind to our 3rd graders as they reflected on their recent adventure to Mesa Verde!

After several days immersed in the landscapes and history of Mesa Verde, our students have settled back into the rhythm at school by bringing their experience into their classroom work. Together, they created a word wall inspired by their journey and then sorted them into nouns, adjectives, and verbs - a first step toward writing their own personal reflection about their trip. With the diligent work of their hands, they also sculpted their own Mesa Verde landscapes, giving form to the impressions they carried home with them.

We always cherish these opportunities for our students to grow both individually and as a class community. It is a wonderful gift to be able to immerse ourselves in the wonders all around us together! This trip was especially relevant to their curriculum this year as they look forward to the shelter project coming this spring. Their memories at Mesa Verde will surely be a meaningful foundation as they begin exploring the relationship between people, place, and shelter.

Sound advice for our middle schoolers from comedian Josh Blue @joshbluecomedy! Yesterday afternoon, our students had the rare treat of hearing about Josh’s life and asking him all of their burning questions about his comedy work, his time as a volunteer at a zoo in Senegal, his Paralympic soccer experience, living with cerebral palsy, his journey on America’s Got Talent, all of his favorite foods, and his memoir, “Something To Stare At”.

From stages across the world to our music room at DWS on a Tuesday afternoon, Josh reminded us all to embrace who we each are and to always love laughter! We’re incredibly grateful to Josh for sharing his stories, his perspective, and plenty of laughs with our middle school community ❤️.

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Sound advice for our middle schoolers from comedian Josh Blue @joshbluecomedy! Yesterday afternoon, our students had the rare treat of hearing about Josh’s life and asking him all of their burning questions about his comedy work, his time as a volunteer at a zoo in Senegal, his Paralympic soccer experience, living with cerebral palsy, his journey on America’s Got Talent, all of his favorite foods, and his memoir, “Something To Stare At”.

From stages across the world to our music room at DWS on a Tuesday afternoon, Josh reminded us all to embrace who we each are and to always love laughter! We’re incredibly grateful to Josh for sharing his stories, his perspective, and plenty of laughs with our middle school community ❤️.

Come experience the intentionality and warmth of our curriculum and classrooms THIS WEEK on 10/22 from 8:45 - 10:45 am. The Denver Waldorf School provides a preK-12 curriculum that enriches, inspires, and develops the whole child. Our studies deliberately build upon themselves — month to month, year to year, serving as stepping stones to greater knowledge, self confidence, and wholeness. As our students grow in mind and body, they acquire the tools to contribute to the broader world, the heart to care for each other and their communities, and the wisdom to be lifelong learners.

The morning will begin with coffee and a welcome before families join guided classroom observations in their child’s division. Visitors will have the opportunity to quietly experience the rhythms, relationships, and hands-on learning that define a Waldorf education.

Following the classroom visits, families will gather for a leadership panel and Q&A with school directors, who will share more about our developmental approach, curriculum, student support, high school experience, and college pathways.

Join us to see firsthand how we integrate critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and artistic expression to prepare our students to make meaningful and relevant contributions to the world we share. Comment “Open House” for more information and to RSVP!

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Come experience the intentionality and warmth of our curriculum and classrooms THIS WEEK on 10/22 from 8:45 - 10:45 am. The Denver Waldorf School provides a preK-12 curriculum that enriches, inspires, and develops the whole child. Our studies deliberately build upon themselves — month to month, year to year, serving as stepping stones to greater knowledge, self confidence, and wholeness. As our students grow in mind and body, they acquire the tools to contribute to the broader world, the heart to care for each other and their communities, and the wisdom to be lifelong learners.

The morning will begin with coffee and a welcome before families join guided classroom observations in their child’s division. Visitors will have the opportunity to quietly experience the rhythms, relationships, and hands-on learning that define a Waldorf education.

Following the classroom visits, families will gather for a leadership panel and Q&A with school directors, who will share more about our developmental approach, curriculum, student support, high school experience, and college pathways.

Join us to see firsthand how we integrate critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and artistic expression to prepare our students to make meaningful and relevant contributions to the world we share. Comment “Open House” for more information and to RSVP!

Our podcast is back! This season, DWS School Director Kelly Molinet and Educational Director Charlie Orphanides launch a new series exploring the increasing relevance of Waldorf education within broader educational trends and research from around the world. This series begins by asking: what’s up with individualized screens in education? This question is prompted by a recent Washington Post article penned by a pair of university professors and entitled, “What Elementary Schools Are Slowly Learning About Screens: Technology Came to ‘Optimize’ Education. Young Children Pay a Heavy Price.” Using this article as a jumping off point, Kelly and Charlie cover a wide array of topics, including how Waldorf education builds the human capacity to learn and thrive in an ever-changing world. Listen to the whole conversation in Spotify or wherever you like to podcast.

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Our podcast is back! This season, DWS School Director Kelly Molinet and Educational Director Charlie Orphanides launch a new series exploring the increasing relevance of Waldorf education within broader educational trends and research from around the world. This series begins by asking: what’s up with individualized screens in education? This question is prompted by a recent Washington Post article penned by a pair of university professors and entitled, “What Elementary Schools Are Slowly Learning About Screens: Technology Came to ‘Optimize’ Education. Young Children Pay a Heavy Price.” Using this article as a jumping off point, Kelly and Charlie cover a wide array of topics, including how Waldorf education builds the human capacity to learn and thrive in an ever-changing world. Listen to the whole conversation in Spotify or wherever you like to podcast.

What happens when curiosity meets a little wire, some magnets, and a couple cups? This is a lesson in our 8th grade physics block!

Our students explored the fascinating forces of electricity and magnetism by first constructing microphones and then transforming them into headphones! They don’t just study the principles in theory, they get to bring them to life. Through hands-on experiments, they are able to observe firsthand, developing a deeper understanding of the science around us every day! It’s a lesson that goes well beyond memorization as they discover why and how things work in the world.

If you’re curious to learn more about our Waldorf middle school curriculum, join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP

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What happens when curiosity meets a little wire, some magnets, and a couple cups? This is a lesson in our 8th grade physics block!

Our students explored the fascinating forces of electricity and magnetism by first constructing microphones and then transforming them into headphones! They don’t just study the principles in theory, they get to bring them to life. Through hands-on experiments, they are able to observe firsthand, developing a deeper understanding of the science around us every day! It’s a lesson that goes well beyond memorization as they discover why and how things work in the world.

If you’re curious to learn more about our Waldorf middle school curriculum, join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP

What makes The Denver Waldorf high school education different from other private or public high schools in Denver? It looks like learning that happens in more places, in more ways, and with deep purpose.

Our students study abroad through our global exchange program. They take on real-world junior year practicums. They dive deep into a passion through their senior project. They experience academics through block teaching, challenge themselves with all honors-level coursework, continue to develop their creative capacities through integrated arts, and apply their learning through outdoor expeditions. We ask students to dig deep, work hard, and collaborate with each other.

We’re proud of our students’ strong academic achievements (our Class of 2026 alone earned an average of about $430,000 per student in merit scholarships for college!!), but even prouder of the people they become. We believe that a meaningful education goes beyond academic preparation. As educators, we strive to inspire, challenge, and awaken students to the world around them and to their life’s purpose, well beyond college.

Come see what we’re all about - join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP.

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What makes The Denver Waldorf high school education different from other private or public high schools in Denver? It looks like learning that happens in more places, in more ways, and with deep purpose.

Our students study abroad through our global exchange program. They take on real-world junior year practicums. They dive deep into a passion through their senior project. They experience academics through block teaching, challenge themselves with all honors-level coursework, continue to develop their creative capacities through integrated arts, and apply their learning through outdoor expeditions. We ask students to dig deep, work hard, and collaborate with each other.

We’re proud of our students’ strong academic achievements (our Class of 2026 alone earned an average of about $430,000 per student in merit scholarships for college!!), but even prouder of the people they become. We believe that a meaningful education goes beyond academic preparation. As educators, we strive to inspire, challenge, and awaken students to the world around them and to their life’s purpose, well beyond college.

Come see what we’re all about - join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP.

Sometimes the love of the game brings you an undefeated regular season to show for it🌟! From missed serves…to the perfect hits…to putting your whole self on the court and never giving up - this is the joy of sport. We couldn’t be more proud of our Spartans for their teamwork, dedication, and enthusiasm this season. The journey continues this week in the championship tournament on Thursday! We will be cheering our middle school girls on every step of the way 👏.

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Sometimes the love of the game brings you an undefeated regular season to show for it🌟! From missed serves…to the perfect hits…to putting your whole self on the court and never giving up - this is the joy of sport. We couldn’t be more proud of our Spartans for their teamwork, dedication, and enthusiasm this season. The journey continues this week in the championship tournament on Thursday! We will be cheering our middle school girls on every step of the way 👏.

We are calling all makers, creators, and crafters to come join us as a vendor at the Artisan Market at our beloved Winter Fair! We would love for you to share your artistry and handcrafted items with our community during our adults-only shopping event “UnWined” on the evening of 12/4 as well as our Winter Fair on 12/5. Our artisan market is full of talented artisans and makers of unique holiday gifts and handcrafted items - we’d love for you to be a part of it all!
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And for our DWS staff, parents of current students, and alumni - did you know there is a special exhibitor rate? It’s just $35 to join (and no application fee). And students are free! Comment MERCHANT and I’ll send you direct info on how to join.

PLEASE NOTE: DWS is handling applications for this event. Please DM us directly for questions or go to the link at the Denver Waldorf School website under events. Don’t fall for a scammer messages!

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We are calling all makers, creators, and crafters to come join us as a vendor at the Artisan Market at our beloved Winter Fair! We would love for you to share your artistry and handcrafted items with our community during our adults-only shopping event “UnWined” on the evening of 12/4 as well as our Winter Fair on 12/5. Our artisan market is full of talented artisans and makers of unique holiday gifts and handcrafted items - we’d love for you to be a part of it all!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And for our DWS staff, parents of current students, and alumni - did you know there is a special exhibitor rate? It’s just $35 to join (and no application fee). And students are free! Comment MERCHANT and I’ll send you direct info on how to join.

PLEASE NOTE: DWS is handling applications for this event. Please DM us directly for questions or go to the link at the Denver Waldorf School website under events. Don’t fall for a scammer messages!

We’re excited to share that The Denver Waldorf School has been ranked as #7 of 28 for Best Private K-12 Schools in Colorado, #3 for Best Private High Schools for the Arts in Colorado, and #5 for Most Diverse Private K-12 Schools in Colorado!

This recognition reflects what we value deeply at DWS: nurturing the whole child through meaningful learning, creativity, connection, and a strong sense of community. At the heart of our Waldorf education is the belief that education should foster what it is to be human, cultivate lifelong curiosity, and inspire love for the world. We’re so grateful to our students, teachers, and staff who bring this spirit of Waldorf education to life each day from pre-K through grade 12!

Thank you to our wonderful community for helping us create a place where children are known, supported, inspired, and encouraged to grow into their fullest selves.

If you’re curious to learn more about our Waldorf curriculum, join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP

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We’re excited to share that The Denver Waldorf School has been ranked as #7 of 28 for Best Private K-12 Schools in Colorado, #3 for Best Private High Schools for the Arts in Colorado, and #5 for Most Diverse Private K-12 Schools in Colorado!

This recognition reflects what we value deeply at DWS: nurturing the whole child through meaningful learning, creativity, connection, and a strong sense of community. At the heart of our Waldorf education is the belief that education should foster what it is to be human, cultivate lifelong curiosity, and inspire love for the world. We’re so grateful to our students, teachers, and staff who bring this spirit of Waldorf education to life each day from pre-K through grade 12!

Thank you to our wonderful community for helping us create a place where children are known, supported, inspired, and encouraged to grow into their fullest selves.

If you’re curious to learn more about our Waldorf curriculum, join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP

A micro-adventure for our 8th graders to close out their block on graphing - and yes, this was the finale to a math block 😉

They ventured to the woods for a simplified version of orienteering, navigating their way from checkpoint to checkpoint with a compass, their problem solving skills, and a lot of teamwork. Orienteering gave them an exercise to apply their graphing skills into real life - using direction, distance, and coordinates to navigate from one clue to the next. Along the way, they soaked in the beauty of the aspens, practiced navigating unfamiliar terrain, and challenged themselves to build self-reliance.

When lunchtime came, they continued their newfound independence in the wild by preparing themselves a hot lunch in small groups - tacos, burgers, bratwurst all tasted delicious under the open sky!

It was a day to collaborate, enjoy the season, and put practical wilderness skills into action. As one student remarked, “I’ve never felt so alive!”

If you’re curious to learn more about our middle school program, join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP

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A micro-adventure for our 8th graders to close out their block on graphing - and yes, this was the finale to a math block 😉

They ventured to the woods for a simplified version of orienteering, navigating their way from checkpoint to checkpoint with a compass, their problem solving skills, and a lot of teamwork. Orienteering gave them an exercise to apply their graphing skills into real life - using direction, distance, and coordinates to navigate from one clue to the next. Along the way, they soaked in the beauty of the aspens, practiced navigating unfamiliar terrain, and challenged themselves to build self-reliance.

When lunchtime came, they continued their newfound independence in the wild by preparing themselves a hot lunch in small groups - tacos, burgers, bratwurst all tasted delicious under the open sky!

It was a day to collaborate, enjoy the season, and put practical wilderness skills into action. As one student remarked, “I’ve never felt so alive!”

If you’re curious to learn more about our middle school program, join us for our upcoming Open House on 10/22 from 8:45-10:45 am! Comment “Open House” for more info and to RSVP

Last Friday, our school came together to celebrate Michaelmas. Michaelmas is a traditional Waldorf festival that reminds us to find our own strength and courage to overcome fear in our lives. This year, we celebrated with a school-wide pageant to embrace the underlying meaning of this festival. Our students and staff came together to act out a story of light overcoming darkness, with acts of service bringing to life the spirit of Michaelmas. Through service to others and service to land, our pageant ended with each class sharing the virtues they learned - to be a reminder that within each of us, the light may thrive.

We will move forward in the weeks ahead sharing our light and goodness as we continue our works of service within our community and carrying forward the spirit of Michaelmas!

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