If you're a parent exploring early education options in Silicon Valley, you've likely come across two names again and again: Waldorf and Montessori. Both center on developing the whole child and focus on respecting child development, inspiring curiosity, and engaging in hands-on learning. But while they share some surface similarities, the differences in their philosophy, classroom experience, and long-term outcomes are quite significant. Here, we compare the Montessori and Waldorf approach to early childhood education to help you decide what method will work best for your child and family.

Chosen for their strong alignment with our school’s values, WSP’s My Green Lunch provides meals that fuel learning, energy, and growth while modeling responsibility to our community and our planet.

In Waldorf schools around the world, this season is marked by the Festival of Michaelmas—also known as the Festival of Courage.