Continuing a tradition of 30 years of Waldorf education in Southern Oregon, The Siskiyou School is a thriving community of teachers and families. We began the 2009-2010 shool year with 150 students in grades 1-8 and a faculty of 20 including 8 class teachers and 12 specialty and support teachers.

Our teachers are committed to nurturing the potential of every child, schooling the imagination, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. We strive to prepare students to meet the world with a caring heart, confidence in their own gifts, and a strong academic foundation.

THE SISIYOU SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF

Our History

As a school and as a community we are both young and old. In 2001, a year after the closing of the Waldorf School of the Rogue Valley, a committed group of families and teachers formed the Siskiyou Initiative through AWSNA, the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. Their goal was to keep Waldorf education alive in the Rogue Valley. For several years, classes operated independently in separate locations. Then in the spring of 2004, they joined together to become The Siskiyou School. Today we have some 120 families, a combination of pioneers from the old school and families new to Waldorf education.

Our School Community

The 2006-2007 school year was a year of transformation for us. The school purchased a wonderful two acre property located at 631 Clay Street in Ashland. A very successful capital campaign allowed us to undertake & complete construction of two new classroom buildings, each housing two classrooms. The original building -- an old church -- was itself renovated & the entire campus re-landscaped. On May 4th, 2007 we held a "school-warming" celebration to acknowledge this community's journey during the seven years 'in the wilderness' and recognize those who had led us through that time into this new chapter in the school's history.

The 2007-2008 year was a year of consolidation. For the first time in nine years, one site in Ashland housed Waldorf-taught grades 1-8. As word about the school's rebirth spread, our numbers grew quickly. In Spring 2008 we launched a second major capital campaign. The community again rallied. In five weeks, four hundred thousand dollars were raised, allowing us to undertake the construction of a third new large classroom building as well as several renovation projects within the main building.

We are excited and confident in our future. We have not only the space we need -- eight full size classrooms as well as a break-out room to accommodate smaller skills classes and individual tutoring needs -- but a vibrant and highly qualified staff. The deep reservoir of experience from which our teachers draw, combined with the new energy of its young families, gives the school a particular strength and vitality. Now solidly anchored, The Siskiyou School is a strong educational presence in the Rogue Valley, bringing the full array and riches of Waldorf education to this community.

Governance Model

The "Four Pillars" governance model, adopted by The Siskiyou School Boad and faculty in the fall of 2006, is based on collaborative leadership between the Board, Faculty, and Parents. Each body has its well-defined sphere of expertise and activity. The Board is responsible for the school's finances and legal affairs; the faculty holds the pedagogical program; the parents, via the Parent Association, are tasked with finding the way to do what they love in service of the school. The Administrator acts as the point person for the school, supporting the work of each group and ensuring good communication and collaboration among them. Each body has a part to play; all are needed to carry the work of the school.

THE SISKIYOU SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Front Row: Nick Doherty, Karen Harris, Rebecca Hutchison, Serena St. Clair, Erik Glatte 
Back Row: Eric Strong, Stephen Sendar, Hank O'Dougherty

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