why i give - Dan hoffmann

By Dan Hoffmann, Board Member and Parent

I was a skeptic when our daughters started at Chicago Waldorf School in Early Childhood and Second Grade. How could a school that emphasizes outdoor play, teaches knitting, and has students jumping rope in class help our daughters to prepare for the competitive real world? That was 10 years ago. Now, as our daughters are in 12th and 8th grade, we look back and realize that choosing Chicago Waldorf School was the best decision we’ve made as parents.

At first glance, activities like outdoor play, knitting, and jumping rope might seem unrelated to academic success. But these experiences help students build skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity – skills that are invaluable in a world where artificial intelligence and rapid change are the norm. Waldorf’s holistic approach cultivates a love of learning that can’t be replicated, preparing graduates to thrive in college, in their careers, and in life.

As a member of the school’s Finance Committee for the last eight years, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to deliver a Waldorf education within our beautiful permanent campus. The tuition only covers part of the cost required to provide what we value most at Chicago Waldorf School. It’s the support for the Community Fund that enables:

●       Devoted and experienced faculty, who bring learning to life

●       Natural materials and supplies, grounding students in quality and craftsmanship

●       The class trips and travel, which expand horizons beyond the classroom

●       Sports teams and clubs, building community and character

●       A commitment to economic diversity, allowing more students to access this education

Each year, my family proudly gives to the Community Fund so that Chicago Waldorf School can continue to offer rich, intentional, and rigorous Waldorf education for our daughters and future generations in Chicago.