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Together We Bloom:
Be Part of What Grows Next
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Bloom is Almost Here
Supporting Our Students Together
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At the heart of Bloom is our shared commitment to our students.
Everything we do—every bid, every donation, every moment gathered together—is in support of their growth, their education, and their daily experiences at Waldorf School Orange County. Bloom is not only a celebration, but a meaningful opportunity to come together as a community to ensure our students continue to learn, explore, and flourish.
We are excited to share that the Bloom Gala bidding site is now live.
You can begin browsing and bidding on an incredible selection of silent auction items, thoughtfully curated by our generous community. We also invite you to preview this year’s extraordinary live auction packages—featuring unforgettable experiences, travel, dining, and more.
The online auction will close at 7:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, so we encourage you to start bidding early and often.
In addition, our online auction items will be on display all week in the Company of Angels, and we warmly invite you to stop by and experience these beautiful packages in person. Each item reflects the creativity, care, and generosity of our community—it is truly something special to see.
With Bloom just days away, a limited number of tickets are still available. We hope you will join us for this special evening to celebrate, connect, and support the future of WSOC.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated gala committee members and to the many families and supporters whose generosity has made this event possible. Your contributions bring this evening to life and strengthen our entire community.
This year’s Paddle Raise focuses on enhancing our outdoor environments—an essential part of a Waldorf education. As shared by our College of Teachers:
Waldorf education is unique in that it grounds children in practical hands-on experiences. At WSOC we place high value in being outdoors. Sciences are actually taught from a very young age here, by having our students engage with nature—they are observing and noticing, making connections. Working and playing outdoors provides children with the necessary skills to develop judgement capacities and critical social skills. Additional play structures in Nursery and Early Childhood will enhance our already wonderful play yards.
Children begin gardening in early childhood, watering and tending plants, growing baskets of wheatgrass for the springtime. As they progress through the grades, they plant and harvest food in the “big garden.” We hope to extend this through High School by providing mobile planters and tall planter boxes.
We are so fortunate to live in beautiful Southern California, with a climate that supports daily outdoor time for our students. At a time when many young people face a “nature deficit,” it is more vital than ever that our students continue to be immersed in rich outdoor educational experiences. We deeply appreciate your support in helping us enhance our campus.
We look forward to celebrating together at Bloom—an evening rooted in purpose, community, and care for our students.
Start bidding and exploring today: https://aesbid.co/WSOCGALA26#page=1
With gratitude,
Catherine Crahan
Development Director
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| | Thank You to our Bloom Community Partners! | Gone Mobile Vans was founded to create a base camp for your adventures. Simple, not featureless. Clean, not cluttered. Capable, not just for the carpool line. Adventure vans that don't venture too deep into your wallet. | Carlson Plumbing Pros is a WSOC family-owned and operated company proudly serving Orange County and surrounding communities since 2015. Founded by Brandon Carlson, a Southern California native with over 20 years of experience, the company is built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and exceptional workmanship. From residential repairs to commercial and industrial projects, Carlson Plumbing Pros delivers reliable, high-quality service at a fair price. With deep expertise across all aspects of plumbing, Brandon and his team are committed to treating every home and business with care and professionalism. | |
Holly McDonald, Realtor at Compass, is a dynamic force in real estate, media, and community connection. With over 15 years of experience as a Realtor and a background in television, Holly brings a rare combination of expertise, creativity, and authenticity to everything she does. Her superpower lies in building meaningful connections and delivering solutions that align with her clients’ and audience's deepest aspirations.
Whether helping families find their dream homes, guiding entrepreneurs to thrive, or hosting her lifestyle TV show, Holly’s magnetic personality, emotional intelligence, and strategic mindset set her apart. She is a problem-solver, a connector, and a champion for those she works with, ensuring they achieve their goals with integrity and ease. Known for her intuition and ability to prioritize what matters, Holly leads with kindness, professionalism, and a relentless drive to deliver results.
As a trusted advisor, creative thinker, and visionary, Holly’s work extends beyond transactions and episodes—she leaves a lasting impact, inspiring others to live their best lives.
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Early Years Registration is Now Open! | |
Early Years registration for the 2026–27 school year is now open.
Visit our website to learn more and sign up.
| High School Fuel Cell Racing Team | |
We are excited to share that the HS Zoomies Racing Team competed in the H2GP State National Finals on March 29 at AltaSea in San Pedro.
Our WSOC students dedicated many hours to building a competitive car and performed admirably among 65 strong teams, including last year’s world champion, Team Oakwood. The endurance race tested both performance and focus, and despite multiple collisions that damaged the main drive gear, our pit crew skillfully replaced it three times during the race with remarkable speed.
Throughout the event, the team demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and determination, truly giving their best effort in a highly competitive field. We are incredibly proud of how they represented WSOC.
We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, especially Cutting Edge Communications, owned by WSOC parent alum David Burnett, and for Alex Morales, who painted the car’s livery.
Congratulations to our team!
Click here to learn how to support the HS Zoomies Racing Team.
| Foundation Studies 2026-2028 | |
Waldorf School Orange County’s Foundation Studies is a transformative two-year journey (September 2026–June 2028) into the heart of Anthroposophy and Waldorf education. Blending rich academic study with hands-on artistic experiences, this program invites participants to deepen their understanding of child development, philosophy, and the creative arts within a vibrant learning community. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or lifelong learner, Foundation Studies offers a meaningful path of personal growth—with the opportunity to continue for an additional two years.
Click here to view a flyer and learn more about the program.
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Early Years | Parent & Infant/Toddler, Playgroup & Bridge | |
Our Early Years students are joyfully engaged in meaningful work each day, playing with natural materials, caring for their environment by washing their own dishes, and exploring the wonders of science through sand and water play.
Interested in joining us? Register for Summer classes through our Summer Camp portal, and look ahead to the 2026–27 school year by clicking here.
| Early Childhood | Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten | Our Nursery students build confidence and coordination through purposeful work like food preparation, while bringing stories to life in their imaginative play. The wonders of early childhood are truly vast and magical! | Grade 2 | Cultural Celebrations | This month, our Grade 2 class celebrated two cultural traditions, Japanese Girls’ Day and Eid al-Fitr, reflecting the global perspective woven throughout the Waldorf curriculum. Students learned about the meaning and customs of Girls’ Day, tried on beautiful kimonos, and enjoyed sushi together. For Eid al-Fitr, the Wacker family visited the classroom dressed in traditional Pakistani clothing, sharing the holiday’s significance along with homemade treats and special gifts, offering the students a meaningful opportunity to experience and appreciate traditions from around the world. | Our 6th-grade students brought ancient history to life through their Rome Projects, the culmination of their study of Roman civilization. Through detailed models of architectural wonders, explorations of clothing and armor, cuisine, and more, students showcased their creativity and depth of learning. This hands-on experience highlighted both their understanding of history and their enthusiasm for bringing the past into the present. | | | Grades 7 & 8 | Track & Field Meet | The 7th and 8th Grade Track & Field Meet on March 20 at WSOC’s Parsons Field brought together Waldorf schools from across Southern California for a day of spirited, friendly competition. Students participated in events including high jump, hammer throw, and a variety of running races, earning medals and celebrating one another’s efforts. It was a joyful day filled with teamwork, sportsmanship, and the chance to connect with friends—both new and familiar—from our sister schools. | Grade 8 | 8th Grade Project Presentations | Our 8th-grade students recently shared their passions, hard work, and creativity through their 8th Grade Project Presentations—a beloved Waldorf tradition and an important milestone in their journey. Each presentation reflected months of dedicated research, exploration, and discovery, highlighting the individuality and growth of every student. We celebrate their accomplishments and the confidence, curiosity, and commitment they brought to this meaningful experience. | | | Grade 12 | Senior Trip to Peru | |
From the vibrant streets of Lima to the ancient wonders of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Class of 2026 experienced the rich history and culture of Peru in a truly meaningful way. Through exploration and learning, students connected with the legacy of the Incan civilization. This unforgettable journey was made possible thanks to the generous support of our community and the success of senior fundraising efforts—thank you!
Click the video below to watch a thank you message created by the Class of 2026 at Machu Picchu.
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Xylia Willow: A Path of Healing and Connection | |
Xylia Willow, a Waldorf School Orange County alum, is a dedicated herbalist, educator, and Lead Medicine Maker at Pilar’s Wellness Collective. Rooted in a third-generation tradition of plant medicine and Indigenous knowledge, their work blends holistic healing with deep respect for nature and community.
Xylia’s practice spans herbalism, postpartum care, and end-of-life support, reflecting a commitment to guiding people through all stages of life with compassion and care. As an artist and teacher, they also lead workshops and plant walks, making herbal knowledge accessible and engaging.
Their journey reflects the Waldorf values of creativity, connection to the earth, and service to others, brought to life through meaningful, community-centered work.
Click here to learn more about Xylia.
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We miss our alumni! Drop us a note and share what you’ve been up to—your work, your travels, your passions, and the things that bring you joy. We’d love to celebrate your journey and keep you connected to the WSOC community.
Email your update to: alumni@waldorfschool.com or message us on Instagram:
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Whether you graduated Grade 8 or 12, or only spent a few years at WSOC, you are a Waldorf alum and welcome to join the alum community! Waldorf Alum Connect is open to all Waldorf alum (18+), Waldorf alum parents, and Waldorf faculty/staff, as well as alum and staff from Waldorf Teacher Training Institutes.
Click here to visit AWSNA's Waldorf Alum Connect platform.
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Spring is here, and the Company of Angels is the perfect place to find beautiful items for your spring adventures. From thoughtful gifts and seasonal treats to handcrafted treasures, every purchase supports our school community. Stop by, shop local, and discover something special while supporting WSOC. | |
Thinking ahead to summer? Register your children for summer camp and relax knowing it’s already taken care of. Summer camp at WSOC is a wonderful way for children to stay connected with friends and the school they love! With so many exciting camps to choose from, your child is sure to find the perfect fit.
Click here to visit the website and learn more.
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Get Involved with the Parent Association | |
Waldorf School Orange County thrives through the care and participation of our community. As a nonprofit, independent school, we rely on the generosity of parent volunteers whose time and energy help support the many programs and events that enrich our students’ experience. The Parent Association helps coordinate these efforts and provides meaningful ways for families to connect, contribute, and build community.
WSOC was built upon thousands of volunteer hours, and that spirit of participation continues to be an essential part of school life. We hope each family will find a way to get involved that fits both their schedule and interests. Whether you’re able to help with a small, one-time project or join a committee supporting larger initiatives throughout the year, every contribution makes a difference.
There are many opportunities to participate and share your talents within the Parent Association. To learn more about joining a committee or finding the right volunteer role for you, please contact parentassociation@waldorfschool.com.
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April
Mon 4/13 - Fri 4/17 • 10th Grade Mexicali Trip
Wed 4/15, 8:30 am - 9:30 am • Coffee Chat
Wed 4/15, 8:30 am - 10:15 am • Room Rep Meeting
Wed 4/15, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm • Coffee Chat
Wed 4/15, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm • HS Boys Tennis
Wed 4/15, 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm • First Grade Parent Evening
Thu 4/16, 8:45 am - 11:00 am • Parent Association | Craft Group
Fri 4/17 • Medieval Games, 6th Grade
Fri 4/17, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Adult Education
Sat 4/18 • Annual Auction & Gala
Sat 4/18, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Adult Education
Mon 4/20, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board Meeting
Tue 4/21, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm • Grade 4 Parent Evening
Wed 4/22, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm • HS Boys Tennis
Wed 4/22, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm • Early Childhood Information Evening
Thu 4/23, 8:45 am - 11:00 am • Parent Association | Craft Group
Fri 4/24 • 5th Grade Play
Sat 4/25 • High School Prom
Sat 4/25, 9:00 am - 10:30 am • Morning in the Kindergarten
Mon 4/27, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm • HS Boys Tennis
Tue 4/28 - Fri 5/1 • 11th Grade Botany Trip
Wed 4/29, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm • Grade 7 Parent Evening
Thu 4/30, 8:45 am - 11:00 am • Parent Association | Craft Group
May
Sat 5/2 • May Faire
Wed 5/06, 8:30 am - 10:15 am • Room Rep Meeting
Wed 5/06, 9:00 am - 10:30 am • Walk Through the Grades
Thu 5/07, 8:45 am - 11:00 am • Parent Association | Craft Group
Fri 5/08, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Adult Education
Fri 5/08, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm • Nursery Parent Evening
Sat 5/09, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Adult Education
Wed 5/13, 8:30 am - 9:30 am • Coffee Chat
Wed 5/13, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm • Coffee Chat
Thu 5/14 - Fri 5/15 • Senior Play
Thu 5/14, 8:45 am - 11:00 am • Parent Association | Craft Group
Fri 5/15 • Pentathlon, 5th Grade
Mon 5/18, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board Meeting
Thu 5/21, 8:45 am - 11:00 am • Parent Association | Craft Group
Thu 5/21, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm • Spring Concert: Grades 4 - 8
Fri 5/22, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm • High School Music and Art Show
Mon 5/25 • No School - All Grades
Thu 5/28, 8:45 am - 11:00 am • Parent Association | Craft Group
Fri 5/29, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Adult Education
Sat 5/30, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Adult Education
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Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! | |
Waldorf School Orange County
2350 Canyon Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3948
(949) 574-7775
www.waldorfschool.com
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