17³Ô¹Ï

Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork

16543 Old Highway 82
Carbondale, CO 81623
The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork is committed to providing a safe, beautiful, and nurturing environment where children can experience the wonder of education and learning.
The school offers a Preschool and mixed-age Kindergarten for children from 2-1/2 to 6 years old, parent/child classes ("Peas & Carrots") and classes of 1st through 8th graders.
During early childhood the child is performing important physical and brain development work, so we choose not to rush them with academic drills or abstract experiences.
Instead, the children's days are filled with both structured and unstructured activities that exercise powers of imagination.
Our two-year Kindergarten program prepares the children for entry into the Grades where learning and education unfolds from within each child as they progress through the Grades.
Waldorf Education was founded by Austrian born, Rudolf Steiner, who was a educator, scientist and philosopher.
He also created Eurythmy and biodynamic farming, one of the earliest forms of organic farming.
None of us can predict what information our children will need to know twenty years from now, however we do know that to be successful they will need the ability to think and solve problems.
Waldorf education is based on an understanding that key to developing problem solving skills for the 21st century is an active imagination and a commitment to pursuing one's purpose in life.
Waldorf teachers understand that children pass through distinct stages of development and that both the subject matter and manner in which it is taught need to be specific to the age of a growing child.
This understanding distinguishes Waldorf education from other approaches to education.
Ideally, the Grades teacher moves forward with the class each year so that an extended family is created to help children transition through these stages in a healthy manner.
The development model is inspired by the thoughts and writings of the visionary educator, scientist, and philosopher, Rudolf Steiner.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 179 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $8,950
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1994
School Calendar
First Day of School
Thu. Aug 21, 2025
Last Day of School
Wed. May 27, 2026
Campus Size
13

Student Body

Total Students
179 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Some restrictions apply.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$1,800
Acceptance Rate
98%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Catherine Woolcott
Application URL

School Notes

  • The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork is committed to providing a safe, beautiful, and nurturing environment where children can experience the wonder of education and learning. The school offers a Preschool and mixed-age Kindergarten for children from 2-1/2 to 6 years old, parent/child classes ("Peas & Carrots") and classes of 1st through 8th graders. During early childhood the child is performing important physical and brain development work, so we choose not to rush them with academic drills or abstract experiences. Instead, the children's days are filled with both structured and unstructured activities that exercise powers of imagination. Our two-year Kindergarten program prepares the children for entry into the Grades where learning and education unfolds from within each child as they progress through the Grades. Waldorf Education was founded by Austrian born, Rudolf Steiner, who was a educator, scientist and philosopher. He also created Eurythmy and biodynamic farming, one of the earliest forms of organic farming. None of us can predict what information our children will need to know twenty years from now, however we do know that to be successful they will need the ability to think and solve problems. Waldorf education is based on an understanding that key to developing problem solving skills for the 21st century is an active imagination and a commitment to pursuing one's purpose in life. Waldorf teachers understand that children pass through distinct stages of development and that both the subject matter and manner in which it is taught need to be specific to the age of a growing child. This understanding distinguishes Waldorf education from other approaches to education. Ideally, the Grades teacher moves forward with the class each year so that an extended family is created to help children transition through these stages in a healthy manner. The development model is inspired by the thoughts and writings of the visionary educator, scientist, and philosopher, Rudolf Steiner.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Olivia Oksenhorn - WSRF Alumni, graduated from Yale in 2019. -
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork cost?
Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork's tuition is approximately $8,950 for private students.
What schools are Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork often compared to?
Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork is often viewed alongside schools like Mt. Sopris Montessori School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork?
The acceptance rate of Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork is 98%, which is higher than the national average of 83%.
Who are famous alumni from Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork?
Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork famous alumni include: Olivia Oksenhorn - WSRF Alumni, graduated from Yale in 2019..
When is the application deadline for Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork?
The application deadline for Waldorf School On The Roaring Fork is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 179 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $8,950
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Colorado is $12,576 for elementary schools and $15,826 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Colorado is 83% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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