School Fundraiser

For the past two years, we’ve hosted a gala at beautiful event spaces. This year, we’re bringing the event to our campus, making the evening more relaxed and financially accessible while keeping the same underpinnings of connection and purpose.

Join us on Saturday, December 6, from 9am–3pm for The Denver Waldorf School’s 51st Annual Winter Fair- a cherished community celebration for families and friends of all ages. Step into a festive winter wonderland filled with more than 50 artisan merchants, student musical performances, and an array of traditional activities that capture the magic of the season.

Children’s Activities include:

Puppet Shows (two showings, ideal for little ones)
Elf Land (build your own enchanted world)
Cookie Heaven
Rainbow Votives / Candle Holders
Beeswax Candle Dipping
Cinnamon Star Ornaments
Children’s Shoppe (parent-free shopping experience)

Guests can also:

Shop for hand-decorated wreaths and Christmas trees
Enjoy breakfast burritos, Rudolf’s Diner, and food trucks
Experience festive musical performances by Denver Waldorf students

With something for everyone, the Winter Fair is a holiday tradition not to be missed.

Cost: $25 activity wristband (children’s activities); artisan market and performances are free to attend. $30 wristbands at the door

by Rebecca D'Andrea

Adventures in Anthroposphic Education- A Conversation of Curiosities and a Life's Work in Waldorf Education

*Please RSVP Below

Dear DWS Families,

We are excited to invite you to our fifth talk of the year in our Adventures in Anthroposophic Education series on Wednesday, April 29th at 5:30PM.

Adventures in Anthroposphic Education - A Conversation of Curiosities and a Life's Work in Waldorf Education with Waldorf icons and pioneers, moderated by Charlie Orphanides

The culmination of over 200 years of combined Waldorf wisdom together in one room, for one night. The stars aligned and we are the beneficiaries of the light they’ll produce.
Hear from the educators that have dedicated not only their careers, but their lives, to Waldorf education and who have played pivotal roles in the school we entrust our children to.In an education that centers and deeply nurtures curiosity and a love of learning – not just the outcome or the discovery, but the process itself – how are teachers engaged in this process, how does knowing form within them, and how do students stand to benefit? After our moderator’s nearly 20 years immersed in this education - exploring, experimenting, modeling, and guiding - what curiosities remain to seek the wisdom of our panel? Come find out!

It’s a conversation sure to reveal both enduring insights and questions that continue to inspire.

Meet the Panel

Ina Jaehnig - High School Teacher and School Founder

Ina Jaehnig’s life journey has been deeply intertwined with the roots and growth of Denver Waldorf School. Born in 1943 outside Munich during World War II, Ina experienced Waldorf education from an early age in Stuttgart, where the Waldorf School had reopened after the war. In 1971 she moved with her family to Colorado. Soon after, they began a small kindergarten in their living room, gathering families and sharing Waldorf educational ideals. In 1974, alongside her husband Diethart and fellow pioneer Joan Condon, Ina helped establish the Denver Waldorf School, teaching full time and nurturing the young school through its early moves and challenges. In the early 90's, she was invited to become a member of the pedagogical section and to join the AWSNA board, contributing to the development of Waldorf education beyond the local community. Over the decades, she has continued to shape Waldorf education locally and internationally while remaining a beloved teacher and guiding presence at the Denver Waldorf School, where her dedication still supports the life of the school today.

Tom Clark - Honorarium Teacher, High School Art and Middle School Physics Teacher

Tom Clark has been a grade school teacher at DWS since 1985 and has taken three classes through the grades. Since 2010, he has been teaching art and science in the high school and science classes in the middle school. Tom brings experiential learning to the students through hands-on projects and with activities bridging the worlds of art and science. He is a Waldorf teacher trainer and mentor.

Laurie Clark - Waldorf Mentor & Author

Laurie Clark has had the privilege of being a Waldorf early educator since 1978. She incorporates her therapeutic training into all aspects of the classroom and is in continual research through observation and constant engagement with the young child. The deep question of how to meet the children of today and exploring their needs in practical applications lies at the heart of her work. Laurie mentors teachers, is a frequent conference presenter, and has co-authored two books with Nancy Blanning on therapeutic movement for young children.

Nancy Blanning - Waldorf Mentor & Author

Nancy Blanning is an early childhood educator with a special interest in movement and has been working with young children in Waldorf settings for nearly 40 years. She has served as Denver Waldorf School faculty since 1987 as both lead kindergarten teacher and educational support staff. Nancy is a keynote speaker and workshop presenter at national and international Waldorf early childhood conferences. She is co-director of Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training at Sunbridge Institute in Spring Valley, NY, and is a guest faculty at other teacher training programs. Nancy has also traveled widely as mentor and consultant to Waldorf schools in the US and Canada. She is editor of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association journal, Gateways, has edited several books, and is author of Walking With Our Children, Parent as Companion and Guide. DWS colleague, Laurie Clark, and Nancy have written and published movement imaginations for Waldorf early childhood teachers, Movement Journeys and Circle Adventures, Vol. 1 and 2.

Meet the Moderator

Charlie Oprhanides - Education Director and Current 8th Grade Teacher

Charlie Orphanides has spent the last fifteen or so years as a class teacher, Games and Movement teacher, middle school math teacher, therapeutic movement specialist and circus arts teacher, and is now the Education Director (although this year he is generously standing in as 8th grade class teacher). Along with The Denver Waldorf School, Charlie has taught at the Brooklyn Waldorf School and Boulder Valley Waldorf School. Along with his deep commitment to forwarding the work of anthroposophy in the world, he has completed the 5-year In-Service training from the Spacial Dynamics Institute as well as a certification in Bothmer Gymnastics. After studying several modalities in intentional and therapeutic movement, Charlie has most recently immersed himself in a general study of somatic therapies and coaching, particularly around how to address the effects of trauma, both for individuals as well as in the classroom, including the Emergency Pedagogy courses with Bernd Ruf at the Kairos Institute. Along with the realms of movement, awareness and education, Charlie is personally interested in family, healing, creativity and laughter.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 29th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Music Room
Childcare and dinner provided for kids: RSVP needed by 10 AM on 4/28 to ensure we have enough food and support for childcare

We look forward to seeing you there!

by Rebecca D'Andrea

Adventures in Anthroposophic Education

The Art of Cultivating a Love and Capacity for Learning and Why that Matters in the World, presented by HS Maths and Physics Teacher Adam Newman; HS Art Teacher & Laura Shope

by Rebecca D'Andrea

Adventures in Anthroposophic Education

Adventures in Anthroposphic Education Movement and Anthroposophy- A Family Affair

How does the Waldorf curriculum support non-traditional learners? How does movement support strong reading skills? Movement Specialist Faustina Pfister and Reading Specialist Milandra Pfister discuss the ways developmental movement and reading acquisition intersect, and share a glimpse into how anthroposophy shapes alumni and teacher biographies.

About the speakers:

With 25 years teaching at the Denver Waldorf School, and as a parent to two alumni, Faustina Pfister observed the impact of movement on children’s academic success as a 1-8 grades teacher.

Faustina’s first encounter with Waldorf education was as a kindergarten student herself—the first time she remembers feeling truly seen, held by the warmth of a teacher. Later, witnessing a sibling struggle with learning differences deepened her interest in how children learn in diverse ways.

As a grades 1–8 teacher, she noticed that students who struggled academically often faced challenges with movement, including coordination, balance, and bilateral integration. She came to see how rhythm supports math learning and how crossing the midline strengthens language development.

Inspired further by her own daughter’s learning journey, Faustina transitioned out of the classroom to focus on therapeutic movement, offering children embodied pathways to learning that support the whole child.

Milandra Pfister is wrapping up her seventh year at The Denver Waldorf School, where she brings both structure and heart to her work as a Reading Interventionist. A Waldorf alum herself, and daughter of a Waldorf teacher, Milandra grew up surrounded by education. Milandra is passionate about helping children access the joy and freedom that comes with reading. She’s especially attuned to the emotional journey of students who struggle with literacy, celebrating each breakthrough and building their confidence through patient, individualized instruction.

In her classroom, Milandra uses a mix of learning games, manipulatives, and lesson variation to keep things dynamic and engaging. Her approach draws on the thinking, feeling, and willing framework central to Waldorf education.

Milandra hopes her students leave her care not only with strong reading skills, but also with a deep sense of self-trust, the confidence to advocate for their unique learning styles, and a lifelong love for reading- whether for knowledge, empathy, or just plain fun.

by Rebecca D'Andrea

Adventures in Anthroposophic Education

If These Walls Could Talk: Exploring the World of Children’s Drawings

A Parent Evening with Laurie Clark

Have you ever wondered what motivates your child to draw and why they draw what they do?

Children's drawings are a map that help us to understand their developmental stages, and the wonder of their unfolding individuality.

Come join Laurie Clark in exploring this phenomena and learn how to 'read' what your child is trying to reveal to you through their drawings.

About Laurie Clark:

Our valued community member, Laurie Clark, has been a Waldorf early educator since 1978. Laurie incorporates her therapeutic training into all aspects of the classroom and is in continual research through observation and constant engagement with the young child. The deep question of how to meet today's children and explore their needs in practical applications lies at the heart of her work. Laurie mentors teachers, is a frequent conference presenter, and has co-authored two books with Nancy Blanning on therapeutic movement for young children.

Join us for a series of evenings immersed in the underpinnings of Waldorf education, while your children enjoy a pasta dinner and free childcare. Mark your calendars now to reserve the dates below. Come curious and leave inspired.

by Rebecca D'Andrea

Adventures in Anthroposphic Education

by Rebecca D'Andrea

Caregiver/Infant Class

The first year of parenting can be one of the most beautiful, wondrous, and challenging times. We can relish in the absolute miracle of our child, and at the same time experience isolation, physical and emotional challenges, and adjusting to a new normal. In caregiver/infant classes, we will spend the morning having tea, observing the sweet babies, and discussing developmental phases, nutrition and wellness, sleep, siblings, and most importantly creating a supportive community together. Simple, seasonal crafts will be offered, and are always optional. This class is for birth to crawlers! Please feel free to contact Clair Boswell at clairboswell@denverwaldorf.org with any questions.

by Rebecca D'Andrea