Early Childhood

Parent–Child ClassesOur Parent–Child classes offer a nurturing space for families in the early years. Rooted in the gentle rhythms of home life, the program invites children and caregivers into a warm, welcoming environment to slow down, connect, and grow together. Families engage in songs, stories, outdoor exploration, simple adult crafts, and shared Waldorf circle time, snack, and story. Guided conversation and study support parents in deepening their understanding of child development and growing confidence in their parenting. A meaningful part of the class is the opportunity to step back and observe children at play, offering insight into their development, independence, and natural ways of being.- Thursday mornings, 9:30–11:30am- For crawlers & walkers (up to age 4)Upcoming Parent-Child Classes:Winter Session 1: January 7 - February 11, 6 weeks ($210)Winter Session 2: February 25 - March 25, 5 weeks ($180)Reach out to admissions@ashevillewaldorf.org to inquire about registration.

Our Nursery class offers a gentle bridge from home to school. Nestled in the security of daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms, young children build confidence and trust in the world beyond their families. Children explore language through finger-plays, games, poetry, song, and stories. Ample opportunities for large movement allow children to integrate sensorimotor systems, and social development is fostered as children learn to navigate the dynamics of working and playing with others.We offer a 5-day Nursery Class, and 2- and 3- day options (limited availability)Ages 2- 4NurseryDrop Off: 8:30-8:45amPick Up: 12:15pmRest Nest Pick Up (M-W, F): 3:00-3:15pmRest Nest Pick Up (Thursday): 2:00-2:15pmApply Now

The Mixed-Age Classroom is a warm, lively space where children learn through imitation, play, and purposeful activity. Held within steady daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms, children gain independence, confidence, and a growing trust in the world beyond home.Social learning is central to the program. Teachers thoughtfully support relationships, while the mixed-age setting encourages both leadership and learning—older children model growing capability as younger ones are inspired by their peers. Children experience a strong sense of belonging through meaningful contribution, such as helping prepare snack and caring for the classroom.Movement, outdoor play, circle time, and handwork nurture physical development and support the consolidation of essential sensorimotor skills, laying a strong foundation for later academic learning. Rhythm also supports impulse control, allowing children extended periods of self-directed play before gently transitioning into more focused work, with older children taking on increasingly complex tasks.Pre-academic skills emerge naturally through hands-on experiences. Language is developed through songs, stories, poetry, puppetry, and eurythmy, fostering phonological awareness and a love of storytelling. Early math and science concepts are woven into daily life through cooking, measuring, counting, handwork, and practical classroom activities.Our Mixed-Age Kindergarten offers a warm, joyful welcome to school and learning.We offer 2-, 3-, and 5-day programs, with half-day and full-day options from 8:30–12:15 or 8:30–3:15.KindergartenDrop Off (M-W, F): 8:30amTrailside Drop Off (Th): 8:15amPick Up: 12:15pmRest Nest Pick Up (M-W, F): 3:00pmTrailside Rest Nest Pick Up: 1:45pmAftercare Pick Up: 5:30pmApply Now Trailside ThursdaysEach Thursday, our 5-day and 2-day Kindergarten students take their classroom outdoors for Trailside Thursdays at Hominy Creek Greenway. The great outdoors offers an unmatched environment for young children to learn, explore, and grow. Asheville Waldorf School has a long tradition of extending the classroom beyond our campus, giving children opportunities to develop a meaningful relationship with the natural world through regular, unhurried time outdoors.On Trailside Thursdays, the rhythms of the Kindergarten day move outside. Snack preparation, circle and story, free play, exploration, and even Rest Nest all unfold in nature. Children may climb trees, splash in puddles, build fairy houses, explore the trails, observe the changing seasons, and discover all that the natural world has to offer.Thursday ScheduleLocation: Hominy Creek GreenwayDrop-Off: 8:15am at the picnic tableKindergarten Pick-Up: 12:00pm at the picnic tableRest Nest Pick-Up: 1:45pmOn warm, sunny days, Rest Nest children should bring a swimsuit for the possibility of wading at the shallow beach, depending on water conditions.Rest Nest students attending AfterCare, as well as children whose parents are delayed at pick-up, will be transported by their teachers to Rest Nest at Sycamore Temple.