Central Coast Steiner School

Both of my children attend the Central Coast Steiner School in the primary, and they love it. As they have one teacher take them through their primary years, they develop a strong connection with their teacher. This seems to develop a deeper respect between the students and teachers which the children carry outside the school in their interactions with other adults. People often comment on how my kids look them in the eyes and talk to them in a more engaged way than other kids they know. Academically, my children are encouraged to develop their strengths and supported to work on areas they struggle with in a safe and nurturing environment. They are comfortable being themselves and are excited about going to school every day. My children are learning everything that is taught in other NSW schools, but in a creative way, where the content is brought to life. The structure of the day enables my children to be learning new things and practicing their learning earlier in the day when their minds are more alert, and doing more artistic and physical activities such as crafts and sport in the afternoons. I find this education system to be a wholistic approach to learning. My children are flourishing academically, and also developing into kind, caring human beings who think about their friends, the community and the greater world. I feel very lucky that my children have the opportunity to go to this wonderful school.

We are so thrilled to have found this awesome little school community. We have had three children attend for seven years now, and more happy years to come! All three children have experience a high level of academic teaching and success, in a way that inspires and interests them. The curriculum at Central Coast Steiner School meets the compulsory NSW Dept. of Education standards in a way that allows for individuality and creativity, nurturing the inquisitive minds of our children. There is understanding that no two children will learn in the same way. The teachers do a wonderful job to honour the skills and different abilities of each and every child, bringing a sense of worth, purpose and belonging within the classroom. There is no hierarchy of talent - the quiet creative is just as warmly celebrated as the vivacious athlete or the dedicated academic. The relationship between teacher and student is one of mutual respect. Hearing the way that all our children speak so genuinely fondly of their teachers, is one of our favourite things. They are given the opportunity to see their teachers as real people, and recognise the humanity within each of them. The teachers give of themselves in a way that creates such honest and respectful relationships, and the students follow suit in their own relationships with each other. The children are encouraged to appreciate and enjoy friends who may be different to them. Our eldest completed Yr 10 at CCSS, then transitioned smoothly into a selective high school and now is studying Science / IT at university. Our middle is sad to be ending her journey at CCSS, but is excited to have been accepted into a scholarship program at a prominent Sydney private school. Our youngest is thriving socially and academically at CCSS. She loves learning and feels like her little school is a second home. She and her peers are being held firmly, with such warmth, through their preteen years in preparation for the more turbulent teens. I have the utmost faith that the foundation is being laid to help the children create healthy bonds with each other. This will allow them the best chance to sail through the high school years together, with skills to handle any teenage conflict in a healthy, respectful and compassionate way. We know that CCSS has been the right decision for our children and we have not had need to doubt this for one moment. We feel very lucky that our children have had the opportunity to learn and grow in such a nurturing environment.

My daughter attended this school for 6 years and she absolutely loved it and it loved her. All the kids in her class really cared for one another and learned to handle disagreements or differences in a compassionate way. The school thrives as a community of like minded families and teachers- who care about inclusion, creativity, respect (student to teacher, student to student - but also teacher to student) and an education that is meaningful and wholistic. My daughter didn’t just learn, she was also inspired to LOVE to learn. These are true gifts that my daughter will no doubt take with her for the rest of her life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Ccrss.

Both my children attend Steiner school and I am so glad for it! My eldest, now in year 7, started in year 2 as she was struggling to fit in in other schools. We moved around a fair bit so she had already attended a Grammar and a Christian school prior to joining here. From day 1 she felt accepted and settled. No-one was trying to make her someone she isn't and all her natural skills were being applauded. Her difficulties similarly were not being called out but gently nurtured and with help she made fantastic progress, and continues to do so. The High School program is excellent and she is ecstatically happy, loves learning and feels seen, valued and understood by her teachers and peers. My youngest started in Early Kindy and is now in Year 3. I thoroughly appreciate the educational approach offered by the school. Child centered learning and celebrating the individual, respectfully and with love and care for each student. The restriction of technology early in the school gives the children the opportunity to develop an inquisitive mind. The introduction of phonemic awareness in Kindergarten really assists children to have a deep understanding and love of language. The school builds a love of learning in the children and facilitates the strengthening of the will to succeed even when things get tough. The longer we are here, involved and connected to the school the more I believe we made the right decision for our children. Choosing a school for your child can be a stressful time. We are lucky to have so many choices here on the Coast. There will never be a 'one size fits all' no 2 children are the same. I am so grateful that I found Steiner education and that the approach, pedagogy, ethos and culture all work together for my children.