At the Waldorf School of San Diego, we believe education should feel like discovery. Every learning program is shaped by curiosity — to spark wonder. Every child is met with care — to feel seen and valued. And every experience is built with craft — to make learning meaningful. From Pre-K through 12th grade, we nurture the whole child — head, heart, and hands.
We are here to transform your children’s education.
Here is what that looks like, in daily practice. Small classes where every child is genuinely known. A curriculum where the arts and sciences share the same morning. Teachers who stay long enough to watch a child become themselves. It is a way of educating we have been quietly refining in San Diego since 1981 — and one that keeps proving itself, year after year.
“In Waldorf education, you’re encouraged to observe things and to figure out why you’re doing what you’re doing and to really ask a lot of questions.”
Jasper Giglio, Alumnus
Why WSSD
Waldorf education is a hundred-year-old movement of more than 1,200 schools worldwide. At WSSD, it looks like this: A team of teachers walk with each child for years; 16 students per class on average; painting, music, and movement built into how every subject is learned, every day.
Every child, deeply known.
Your child is with teachers who know them deeply — their talents, their stretches, and where they need a hand to grow. The main teacher continues with the class for a number of years and can continue to deepen the relationship and learning.
Artists who think like scientists.
Painting, music, handwork, and movement aren't extras. They're how every subject is learned — and how children grow into both rigor and imagination.
years
The Waldorf School of San Diego is a fully accredited member of AWSNA (the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America) and WASC (the Western Association of Schools and Colleges). We are part of a hundred-year-old global movement of more than 1,200 independent Waldorf schools — and the only one in San Diego County that runs from early childhood through Grade 12.
Principles
A curriculum for the whole child.
Science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts — taught together, not in competition. The whole human being is the focus of our work.
A community that reflects San Diego.
Our student body, faculty, and parents are committed to social inclusiveness and environmental stewardship — and to a school that mirrors the diversity of the city it sits in.
Grounded in human development.
Our approach is shaped by a hundred years of practice in more than 1,200 Waldorf schools worldwide, founded on Rudolf Steiner’s understanding of how children actually grow — head, heart, and hands.
What guides us
“This is a school that sees the children as individual beings, as spiritual beings, and so the teachers take great care and spend much of their energy on meeting each student where they’re at.”
Amelia Vance, Alumnus
A life-long love of learning. Independent thinking. Heartfelt service.
From Pre-K through Grade 12, we teach toward three things: the curiosity that keeps learning lifelong, the rigor that builds independent thinking, and the moral steadiness that turns capability into contribution. The arts, sciences, humanities, and movement aren’t separate tracks — they’re how the whole child grows into all three.
We’re here to transform children’s education. To awaken each student’s capacity for love of learning, for independent thinking, and for heartfelt service to the world.
16
Nationalities in our community
16
Average class size
200
Students enrolled
28%
Families receive tuition support
25
Zipcodes represented
WSSD leadership team
Our governance isn’t hierarchical. Three spheres — Board, Pedagogy, and Administration — work together to keep WSSD legally sound, pedagogically rigorous, and operationally healthy. We embrace shared governance because it’s more effective, and because it helps people and communities grow.
WSSD Board
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the legal and financial health of the school, the strategic plan, and the long view. Visionary, forward-thinking, and openly collaborative with the rest of the community.
Pedagogical team
The faculty and staff governing body responsible for the pedagogical well-being of the school. Where curriculum, teaching standards, and the quality of every classroom hour are protected.
Full circle
The Leadership Council brings the three spheres into one room. Major policy decisions are made by consensus across Board, Pedagogy, and Administration — so no part of the school operates in isolation from the rest.
Meet the WSSD teaching and admin team
These are the people your child will spend their days with — the faculty, special-subject teachers, and admin team who carry the school’s daily life. Tenure runs long here, and the relationships do too.


Ms. Mayra joined the WSSD Early Childhood team in 2003.

A native Spanish speaker, she incorporates Spanish into her classroom experience. Ms. Aminta seeks to make changes in the world by connecting with children and supporting them in their discovery of their own unique destiny.
Ms. Aminta enjoys cooking, hiking, nature and spending time with her family.


Ms. Sheila was born by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Spain and loves traveling.
Ms. Sheila joined WSSD in 2015.

Teacher Lori joined the Waldorf movement in 2006 as a parent when she and her daughter enrolled in a parent child class at the Sanderling Waldorf School. Since then she completed her Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from Sophia’s Hearth in New Hampshire and was a lead kindergarten teacher at Sanderling before coming to WSSD.
Teacher Lori loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys nature, traveling and practicing yoga.

Ms. Leticia has been an early childhood educator for over 23 years in mainstream, as well as private schools in Los Angeles and San Diego County.
Ms. Leticia has been with WSSD since 2006.

She taught at Spirit Mountain School, where she served as the gardening teacher and led a combined first and second grade class for three years. She and her son became part of the WSSD community in 2019, and shortly thereafter, she began working in the Early Childhood program, where her nurturing presence and artistic spirit continue to shine. Since then she has become our Morning Glory Parent Child/Caregiver teacher.
Having lived in Hawai‘i for over twenty years, Teacher Angela brings a deep connection to the land and culture. She finds joy in surfing, hiking, camping, and practicing Hula, and has a special interest in Hawaiian mythology and music. A lifelong philanthropist, Angela is also devoted to caring for elders in the comfort of their homes—an extension of her commitment to service and community.


She holds a Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit.
Ms. Tatiana joined WSSD in 2021.


With experience as both a Montessori teacher and an educated nanny, she has honed a diverse skill set that focuses on creating enriching environments that support each child’s individual growth.
In addition to teaching, she is an avid runner, training for both full and half marathons, which reinforces her commitment to personal growth and discipline. As a PADI certified diver with a passion for hiking and entomology, she enjoys exploring nature, fostering a deep respect for the environment and all living creatures. With a passion for lifelong learning and personal growth, she strives to inspire those she teaches, guiding them to reach their fullest potential while fostering a love for learning and the environment.




Ms. Walker enjoys reading, handwork, and spending time with her two daughters and her four-legged babies.
Ms. Walker joined WSSD in 2004.

Shea also has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, cum laude, which scaffolds a multi-facetted understanding of children’s developmental stages from birth to Grade Three. Her foundation in the Curative Education coursework adds to her toolbox to guide all children successfully and empathetically. She recently graduated from Antioch University New England with her Master’s degree in Waldorf Education. She focused her studies on the M.Ed in Transdisciplinary Studies on Healing Education (TSHE). A graduate program held in conjunction with Camphill, USA.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her five children (ages 9 to 29) one son-in law, and one grandson, camping, hiking and being outdoors. Her three youngest children will be students at WSSD. Shea also enjoys many practical arts, skiing, and traveling.

She loves to visit the ocean, rivers and waterfalls. She paints in her free time and practices regular meditation.

Her work in Waldorf early childhood education began at WSSD, where she served as a kindergarten assistant from 2009–2011. From 2011–2015, she founded and operated her own outdoor, Waldorf-inspired mixed-age kindergarten, called Eartheart School, from her home. In 2015, Ms. Masters joined Sanderling Waldorf School as a kindergarten teacher, and in 2018 she returned to WSSD—first teaching in kindergarten and later moving into the grades.
Ms. Masters completed a certified mindfulness training with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield in 2023 and a Waldorf Therapeutic Movement training in 2018 with Dr. Adam Blanning, Nancy Blanning, and Laurie Clark. She completed Associate level reading intervention training from the Orton Gillingham Association in 2025.
Her connection to WSSD is also personal: her son, who began in the parent-tot program, graduated from the 8th grade in 2021.
She brings a deep love of stories, singing, and nature to her work with children.

Before becoming a class teacher in 2009, Ms. Stussi served as an Educational Support teacher at WSSD, offering Extra Lesson classes. Her earlier Waldorf teaching experience includes working as both an English and Educational Support teacher at a small Waldorf school in Brazil, her paternal homeland.
Ms. Stussi’s connection to Waldorf education is lifelong. She was a student at the Washington Waldorf School and later returned to the community as a parent, enrolling her son in Parent-Tot classes at Acorn Hill Waldorf School. Her son now carries on the tradition as a Woodwork teacher at WSSD.
Ms. Stussi joined WSSD in 2008.

Ms. Logue earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Notre Dame and received her teaching credentials at Chapman University. Ms. Logue also holds a California multiple subject credential.
Ms. Logue enjoys hiking, reading, artistic endeavors, gardening, travel, and laughter.
Ms. Logue joined WSSD in 2019.

Ms. Connaughton joined WSSD in 2008.

When she is not working, she can be found hiking! Most importantly, she is a proud mother of four daughters!


Ms. Taylor loves the beach, reading books, and spending time with her children.

She relocated to San Diego from New Jersey in 2014 and enjoys collecting rocks and minerals, as well as volunteering at Las Colinas Detention & Reentry Facility in Santee.
She joined the WSSD community in 2015.



Joaquin attended WSSD from early childhood through grade 6. He then attended the Sacramento Waldorf School where he graduated from high school. He returned to San Diego and attended Grossmont College and worked in WSSD’s aftercare and summer camp programs. After several years assisting in the woodworking program, he became the lead teacher.
Joaquin is presently completing his Waldorf woodwork teacher credential through the WISC program.

Teaching is both a vocation and a passion. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help students discover the beauty of the Spanish language and its rich cultural heritage. With a student-centered approach, she creates an engaging, supportive environment that encourages learners to build confidence and fluency.
Ms. Estrada joined WSSD in 2024.

Ms. Gomes joined WSSD in 2004.

She is a widely acclaimed eurythmist who performs with stage groups in Europe and the U.S.
Ms. Laurelin joined WSSD in 2002.

As a lover of all things fiber, some of her favorite hobbies include knitting and working with plant dyes. She also loves dancing and spending time with her family.
Ms. Rennick joined WSSD in 2021.

She was born and raised in the Southern region of Russia. She loves to learn and enrich her knowledge in music pedagogy and is an active member of the San Diego American Orff Schulwerk Association.
Ms. Rockett joined WSSD in 2008.

For his High school and college years, Mr. Sean studied automotive repair and modifications acquiring many certificates along the way, such as transmission and engine rebuilding, forced induction systems, suspension and alignment, electronics, breaks, and many more.
Mr. Sean joined the WSSD staff in 2018 to help in aftercare and assist the Woodworking classes.

She has taught children seasonal crafts, physical theater, and mask-making,
Ms. Sumelius-Buescher joined WSSD in 2018.


Jeremiah is an Iowa native who has had previous experience in teaching, coaching, farming, and carpentry. He has grown to love San Diego with his wife and three daughters. Jeremiah has interests in gardening, sports, and reading and has ambitions to ride in a hot air balloon someday.
Jeremiah joined WSSD in 2018.

Mr. Wilcox joined WSSD in 2006.

When she is not teaching she loves hiking and playing tennis.

She has performed in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Ms. Kokos enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Ms. Kokos joined WSSD in 2016.

When he’s not being the Waldorf High School Athletic teacher, he enjoys reading Walter Mosley and listening to Louis Armstrong.
Coach Thomas joined WSSD in 2012.

Her goal at WSSD is to instill a passion for science by designing purposeful and meaningful lessons that promote creative thinking and problem solving that relate to the students’ everyday lives.
In San Diego, she fell in love with the outdoor activities California has to offer and enjoys pursuing many of her passions such as hiking, climbing, skiing, surfing and chasing sunsets.
Ms. Hector joined WSSD in 2022.

Ms. Crozier joined WSSD in 2023.

Beginning in 2004 as an English and German tutor, she has worked at all levels of education from teaching at a German immersion preschool in San Diego, to teaching high school English in the heart of Dallas and undergraduate English courses in San Diego. In 2015, as she was deciding where to send her first child for preschool, she began reading about Waldorf education and fell in love with the whole person approach to learning. This led to years of research into and practical application of Steiner’s philosophies with her own children.
When Ms. Kennett is not teaching she enjoys cooking, hiking, reading and spending time with her husband and three children. After many years of traveling and experiencing all stages of teaching, she looks forward to being part of the WSSD community as both an educator and a parent.

He has performed in a variety of professional groups and recently spent two months performing in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mr. Whelan joined WSSD in 2008.

Profe Valdez enjoys futbol soccer, specially the European leagues, reading books on Latin American history, watching and reading news, enjoying walks along the beach and mountains, gardening, cooking and the gym are also present, time allowing it. Spending time with his son, now an adult working in Minnesota, whenever possible, is his most valuable time.
Profe comes to San Diego, after working in San Francisco, the East Bay, San Jose, and Los Angeles. He has lived, worked and studied, also in his native Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Central-Northern Europe.

She has a strong commitment to her study of and works in anthroposophical medicine.
Ms. Carmichael joined WSSD in 1996. She has taught parent-child and early childhood classes and has taken two classes from grades 1 to 8.

Ms. Elizabeth grew up in a family of teachers among the avocado trees of Fallbrook, CA.
Ms. Elizabeth joined the WSSD Early Childhood team in 2013.


She holds three certifications in Aromatherapy, is a certified Master Herbalist, a certified Doula, and is certified in applied nutrition.
Her passions are alternative health care, environmental wellness, social justice, and women’s health. She enjoys traveling and meeting people from lands far and near. She is a volunteer birth assistant for women in need of support who have limited or no financial means.
Madame Womble joined WSSD in 2004.

Ms. Tweit joined WSSD in 2008.


He has worked with children and in administration in Special Education for 16 years.
At the HS, he has been the advisor for Art Club and taught the Publications elective and Social Justice elective.
During his free time, Ian enjoys spending time with his son and catching up on international soccer. He also dabbles in graphic design and is an avid photographer.
Mr. Ian joined WSSD in 2019.

He currently lives in the Ramona area that offers the sense of nature and wide-open spaces that we love.
Mr. Barber’s favorite past times are traveling, outdoor life, and spending quality time with his family.
Mr. Barber joined WSSD in 2017.

Ms. Harper enjoys spending time with and just being in the moment with her grandson. She is very active with her church and youth ministry. In her spare time she can be found hanging with her youth group of 11th and 12th grade girls.
Ms. Harper joined WSSD in 2013.




The best way to understand a Waldorf education is to see it.
Tours run regularly throughout the school year — about 60 to 90 minutes, with time to ask the questions a website can’t answer.