Janine Cleland

At Eastside Community School, we believe that every child comes into the world with a unique and very personal journey. With a broad, rich, and diverse curriculum and specially trained teachers, we support the development of our students—ethically, intellectually, socially, physically, spiritually, and artistically. By understanding, respecting, and nurturing each distinct phase of childhood, we inspire a genuine, lifelong love of learning. Because our students cultivate a wide range of capacities while developing their academic skills, they emerge with the freedom to think and act—confident in themselves, their path, and their place in the world. We are proud to be inspired by Waldorf Education, a worldwide movement that began in 1919. Rooted in a profound understanding of how children learn and grow, Waldorf education is based on the principles of education from world-renowned, scientist, artist, and founder of Anthroposophy, Rudolf Steiner. This approach nurtures the natural joy that children take in learning with lessons not simply based on repetition and memorization, but experienced through immersive, hands-on participation. Each school year is designed to meet children’s evolving aptitude for experiences and social interactions.