WOODHAVEN SCHOOL

Mission

Woodhaven School is a parent-run cooperative school dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning in our children. As a secular and independent school for preschool and older children, Woodhaven strives to nurture the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually – through play.

Children learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, peers, and materials. The curriculum emphasizes child choice rather than highly structured, teacher-directed lessons.

The curriculum is inspired by the elements of Waldorf education and reflects the sense of wonder and reverence that children experience in the natural world. We look for clues that fairies and gnomes have visited our garden. We celebrate the simple things and find magic in the mundane. Our program emphasizes humanitarian values and environmental awareness. The children observe and exercise their own imaginations and creativity though art, music, dramatic play, and hands-on exploration of simple toys, natural objects, and outdoor play.

As a cooperative preschool, Woodhaven emphasizes family involvement. The school is operated by a professional teacher and assistant, as well as parents who choose to actively participate in their children's education. Woodhaven School is a member of the Parent Child Preschools Organization, a non-profit organization of more than 60 cooperative preschools and kindergartens in Oregon and Washington.