We've reached the letter 'G' in our alphabetic journey to celebrate what makes a Madrona School education unique ... and Graduates!
From a 1st grader's main lesson book, the beginning of a school journey...
From time to time, we have the pleasure of checking in with some of our alumni. They truly are the best representatives of all that makes Waldorf education unique. Our graduates exhibit self-confidence and a sense of purpose in pursuing interests, in both high school and beyond. They prove well prepared for life after Madrona School!
Since 2005, Madrona School has graduated 44 students from 8th grade. The first graduating class has finished college, while other graduates are in college or high school. Initially, our alumni go on to succeed in the variety of local high school programs: Bainbridge High, Eagle Harbor, Seattle Waldorf, West Sound Academy, and Seattle Community College's Running Start program. Most of them attend college, including: Bates, Beloit College, Lewis and Clark, Canadian College of the Performing Arts, Mount Holyoke, Sarah Lawrence, Smith, Western, UW and Whitman. They are budding scientists with biology and geology majors, musicians, Spanish scholars and theater majors.
Our school home is a beginning...
According to the Research Institute for Waldorf Education, and their interview-based study of 526 former Waldorf students, 94% of Waldorf school graduates attend college. Among other outcomes, their research offers three key findings about graduates, including 1) the ability to think creatively and embrace lifelong learning; 2) placing a high value on human relationships; and 3) bringing a strong sense of ethics into adulthood. We have a pamphlet in the office, entitled "The Results of Waldorf Education" with more on this research. You are welcome to come and pick one up!
Keep your eyes open to opportunities to support our current 8th grade class as they prepare for school beyond Madrona School -- we'll have a 8th grade project presentation in the spring, and graduation in early June is a wonderful evening where we are welcome to celebrate with our new graduates!
--edited from our school newsletter, February 4, 2014
