Mission & History
The Waldorf School of New Orleans (WSNO) is a private, non-profit, independent school that integrates academics with the arts, culture, and community. Our mission is to awaken and draw out each child's individual strength and integrity, allowing them to become a free thinker; a courageous seeker of truth and knowledge; and an empathetic, enthusiastic participant and innovator in local culture and global society.
1996
A Foundation is Laid
Study groups, play groups, guest speakers, and dedicated parents and community members culminated in a Waldorf kindergarten, taught by Rita Amedee for 2 years.
2000
The Hill School
Although the kindergarten closed, the seeds planted by Rita Amedee's work inspired Chris Nielsen, Laurie Cherbonnier, and Dodge Hobson to found a Waldorf School for New Orleans. The Hill School, named after its teacher Suzanne Hill, opened with 5 students in the Nielsen house.
2003
A New Kindergarten
After hiring a second Grades teacher to meet the needs of a growing number of students, the Board of Directors opens a new Kindergarten on Bordeaux Street.
2004
First Graduates
The first Eighth Grade class graduates from The Hill School.
2005
Hurricane Katrina
Three days into a new school year with all five classes on the same campus, Hurricane Katrina hits. After the failure of the levees, the resulting flooding devastates the school. Many Board members, teachers, and families make the decision not to return to New Orleans. But with the help of generous friends from all over the world, the small community commits itself to rebuilding the school. In November, The Hill School is the second school to reopen in New Orleans, with three brave teachers and 9 students. The new location is in the Irish Channel on Soraparu Street.
2009
Waldorf School of New Orleans
The school continues to grow in its new location. A nursery is added to support families with younger children. The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America accepts The Hill School as a Developing Waldorf School, and the name is officially changed to Waldorf School of New Orleans.
2015
Early Childhood Center
An Early Childhood Center is opened at 2010 Peniston Street to offer Parent-Child classes, Nursery, and Kindergarten. First through Eighth Grade remain at Soraparu. The Peniston building is purchased by Waldorf School of New Orleans in 2016.
2018
National and International Accreditation for Early Childhood Programs
The Early Childhood classes and programs are accredited as Full Members of Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America(WECAN) and of International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education (IASWECE).
2019
St. Rose
With growing enrollment and the need for more space, the school moves to a new home in the historic St. Rose of Lima school on Bayou Road.