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We are thrilled to begin the 2025–2026 school year with the joyful presence of 140 students, ages 2 through 14, filling our campus with life and learning!
We are also proud to announce a major milestone: Mountain Laurel Waldorf School has been officially recognized as "substantially equivalent" to New York State public schools by the New Paltz Central School District and the NY State Education Department. This means our unique, holistic approach to education not only meets but fully satisfies the state’s academic standards – without compromising our values or pedagogy.
Achieving this designation has been a significant effort aligned with our three-year strategic plan. In collaboration with other Waldorf schools across the state, Mountain Laurel participated in the NYS Waldorf Substantial Equivalency Collective, undertaking an extensive curriculum mapping project to demonstrate how our programs integrate the seven required subject areas. Our submission included classroom visits, documentation of student work, curriculum maps, and interviews – all affirming the academic rigor and developmental richness of our Waldorf approach.
We thank our dedicated teachers, administrators, and community partners for making this possible. While we have always known the strength and depth of a Waldorf education, this recognition provides official confirmation that our students are receiving an education that is not only equivalent, but enriched. As we look toward AWSNA/NYSAIS accreditation, this achievement underscores our commitment to excellence and our mission to educate the whole child: head, heart, and hands.
We look forward to journeying into this year together!
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