Walden was founded in 1958 by a group of parents and educators, pacifists and anarchists, who believed passionately in the importance of school as a place of community, artistic expression and learning. The "center" in Walden Center and School was an integral part of their vision of community. The founders created a school that depends upon participation by and informed, enlightened discussion among children, parents, teachers and founders. This tradition continues during daily classroom meetings, conferences, and staff and foundation meetings.
We want our children to grow up strong and responsive. We try to give them the opportunity to develop strength in every important aspect: to learn the tools of thinking adequately and independently, to develop the potential to respond to aesthetic experiences, to create art in all forms, to feel important.
- Audrey Goodfriend, Walden Founder (1960)
I think of Walden as a place of opportunities and choices, as a place where your best is complimented with loving words, as a place where your dreams are created and mature into your future.
- A Walden graduate