# Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs > Private PreK-8 school in Saratoga Springs, NY offering Waldorf education. Founded 1981. Phone-free, arts-integrated, nature-based learning with flat $10,500 tuition for grades 1-8 (capped at a $25,000 annual family maximum) and income-based sliding-scale tuition for 5-day Kindergarten. Two campuses serving ages 9 months through 8th grade. - [Full content](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/llms-full.txt): Complete text of all pages for detailed context The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is an independent school and an Associate Member of AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America). We are NOT affiliated with the Waldorf-Astoria hotel chain. Waldorf education is a pedagogy developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, emphasizing developmentally appropriate learning, arts integration, and whole-child education. Contact: admissions@waldorfsaratoga.org | (518) 587-0549 Address: 62 York Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 ## Programs - [Early Childhood (PreK-K)](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/early-childhood): Play-based preschool and kindergarten for ages 3-6 at two campuses (Forest and York Ave). Multi-age classrooms, nature immersion, no screens or academics pressure. - [Lower School (Grades 1-5)](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/lower-school): Arts-integrated elementary with teacher looping (same teacher stays with class for multiple years). Main Lesson blocks, handwork, music, French, movement. - [Middle School (Grades 6-8)](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/middle-school): Phone-free middle school with rigorous academics, Shakespeare plays, signature cultural trips, instrumental music, woodworking, and French. - [Playgroups (Ages 9mo-3.5yr)](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/playgroups): Caregiver-child playgroups grounded in Pikler and Gerber philosophies. Free play, circle time, and parenting discussions. - [Homeschool Blending (Grades 6-8)](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/homeschool-blending): Part-time program for homeschooling families to join weekday morning Main Lesson blocks. - [Summer Camp](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/summer-camp): Summer programs for ages 3-6 and grades 1-5 with nature-based exploration, arts, and adventure. ## Admissions & Affordability - [Admissions](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/admissions): Enrollment process, application steps, tour scheduling, and contact information for prospective families. - [Contact Admissions](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/connect): Intake form to reach the admissions office -- share your family details and program interests and a team member will follow up. - [Tuition & Affordability](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/affordability): New for 2026-2027 -- flat $10,500 tuition per student for grades 1-8, capped at a $25,000 annual family maximum (applies to families with at least one child in Lower or Middle School). Early Childhood is program-specific; 5-day Kindergarten offers income-based sliding-scale tuition. Includes an instant tuition calculator and payment plan information. ## For Prospective Families - [Prospective Families](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/prospective-families): Research, documentaries, parent ambassador program, and resources for families considering Waldorf education. - [FAQ](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/faq): Answers to common questions about Waldorf education -- technology policy, teaching reading, STEM, rigor without grades, homework, anthroposophy, religion, vaccines, Montessori comparison, and high school transition. - [Public School Alternative](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/public-school-alternative): How Waldorf differs from conventional public school -- less homework, no standardized testing, more arts and outdoor time. - [Mental Health & The Anxious Generation](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/mental-health): How Waldorf's phone-free, play-based, nature-rich approach addresses the youth mental health crisis. - [Bullying Prevention](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/bullying-prevention): How Waldorf's multi-age classrooms, teacher looping, and social-emotional curriculum create a culture of kindness. ## Stories - [Stories](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/stories): Articles and essays from our community -- parents, teachers, and board members -- on Waldorf education, child development, and life at the school. - [I Work in AI. My Son Goes to Waldorf.](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/stories/i-work-in-ai-my-son-goes-to-waldorf): An information scientist who builds AI capability for a living explains why she chose a screen-free Waldorf education for her son. - [The Hidden Link Between Movement and Reading Readiness](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/stories/movement-and-reading-readiness): Notes from a movement workshop with Jane Swain on how purposeful movement in the early years builds the foundation for reading, writing, and sustained academic work. ## Community - [Meet Our Team](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/meet-our-faculty): Faculty and staff directory with profiles. - [Current Families](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/current-families): Portal for enrolled families -- calendars, committees, school store, and Ravenna login. - [Annual Fund](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/giving): Support the school through tax-deductible donations. ## Optional - [Homepage](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org): Main landing page with testimonials, FAQs, and program overview. - [Accessibility](https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/accessibility): Our commitment to WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility and how to report barriers on our website.