We believe that children learn best in an environment that stimulates an interest in the world around them. We value group process as well as the integrity of the individual child. Our curriculum incorporates grade level expectations with developmentally appropriate theme-based units, and an integration of multicultural perspectives throughout the areas of study.
We teach language arts, math, science, and social studies within these units. Children learn to read and write through literature, phonics, and journal writing. Math and science are approached using hands-on projects. We regularly schedule field trips to places in the greater Bay Area such as the Lawrence Hall of Science and A–o Nuevo State Reserve, and each class takes at least one overnight trip per school year.
We value artistic expression in each child's life and consider the inclusion of arts as a central component of a child's education. Our music, drama/movement, and visual arts teachers are part of the teaching collective and work with all the children in each group. Arts and classroom teachers often collaborate to combine the arts with other parts of the educational program.
A deep sense of community exists as a result of collaboration between teachers, parents, and children at Walden. This is an important aspect of each childŐs educational experience at the school. We offer regular communication with parents through scheduled parent/teacher conferences instead of report cards. This provides opportunities for dialogue about each child's social growth, emotional development and academic achievement. Parents and teachers talk on an informal basis as well.
Direct involvement by parents also contributes to the strong community. Walden parents maintain the physical facility and staff the office through a 50-hour/year work commitment. This work is spread evenly throughout the year and results in a significant tuition reduction.