Waldorf Institute of Southern California
Imagine Becoming your Favorite Teacher
Two of our local Waldorf Schools have been devastated by the Socal fires, the Pasadena and Westside Waldorf Schools.
Both schools have found temporary locations, but they still need help.
Pasadena Waldorf School. Gofundme PWS
Help the Westside Waldorf School. Donate to WSW fund
What is WISC?
The Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC) is a teacher-training center dedicated to preparing educators in the holistic principles of Waldorf Education. Through hands-on workshops, experiential learning, and community support, WISC empowers future and current teachers to blend academics, art, and human development in the classroom. Recognized by AWSNA, WISC’s programs provide the foundational skills and credentials needed to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and compassion in students.
What is Waldorf Education?
The Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC) is dedicated to training educators who are not just teachers but guides, artists, and lifelong learners. Our program is built on three essential pillars:
1. Developing a Connection to Anthroposophy – Understanding the spiritual and developmental foundation that guides Waldorf education.
2. Child Development Through Life Phases – Learning to meet children where they are at every stage of their growth.
3. Studying Steiner’s Works – Engaging with the core texts and teachings that shape the Waldorf classroom.
Waldorf Education is more than just an academic approach—it’s a way of seeing the world, a philosophy of teaching that nurtures creativity, individuality, and deep human connection. At WISC, we prepare educators to integrate these principles into their classrooms, fostering a love for learning in students of all ages.
Our approach to teacher education
What programs do we offer?
We provide long-term teacher training programs, short-term programs, and targeted workshops. Whether you’re seeking a comprehensive certification path or looking to expand your skill set in Waldorf Education WISC is here to support you.
I. Mini Spring ‘25 Preview Programs -Early Childhood
Start Date: Feb. 1st 2025 (SD)
Length of Program: Four Months (Feb. - June 2025)
Location: In Person & Zoom Meetings (see details below)
Saturday Intensives (In-Person): 2 sessions at Waldorf School of San Diego 9am-5pm
2 sessions at Highland Hall in Los Angeles 9am -5pm
2 workshops at Waldorf School of Orange County 9am -4:30pm
Zoom Sessions (online): 5 Mentoring Monday sessions, 7pm - 8pm
4 Waldorf Essential sessions, Tuesday 3:30pm -5pm
What you will earn: 55 Credit Hours (includes 2hrs of independent work)
Tuition: $1940 NOTE: Monthly payments plans are available and you can apply for need based tuition assistance.
Ⅰ. Full 25 month teacher education program
Grades and Early Childhood.
Start Date: June 30th, 2025
Length of Program: 25 months
Location: In Person & Zoom Meetings Highland Hall Waldorf School
Waldorf School of San Diego
Waldorf School of Orange County
II. Mini Spring ‘25 Preview Programs -Grades 1-8
Start Date: Feb. 11th 2025 (SD)
Length of Program: Four Months (Feb. - June 2025)
Location: In Person & Zoom Meetings (see details below)
Saturday Intensives (In-Person): 2 days at Waldorf School of San Diego 9am-5pm
1 session at Highland Hall in Los Angeles 9am-5pm +one optional.
2 workshops at Waldorf School of Orange County 9am -4:30pm
Zoom Sessions (online): 3 Pre-Saturday Intensive Friday night sessions 6-8pm
5 Mentoring Mondays 7-8pm
4 Waldorf Essential sessions, Tuesday 3:30pm -5pm
What you will earn: 55 Credit Hours (incl. 3 hrs of independent work)
Tuition: $1940 Note: Monthly payments plans and need based tuition assistance available.
IV. Waldorf Practical Arts Training program (WPAT)
Start Date: Feb 17-22, 2025
Length of Program: 6 days
Location: In Person or online (Waldorf school of Orange County)
The full AWSNA accredited Practical Arts Certification course, WPAT, consists of nine individual six-day long intensives (modules) spread out over three years.
Next up is Module 5