why i give - john Leonard
By John Leonard, Board Member and Parent
Growing up, I was fortunate to attend a well-regarded public school with dedicated teachers who truly cared about their students. Yet, despite the supportive environment, I remember school as a place I often dreaded. Like many kids, I had excess energy, a need to move around, and a curiosity that didn’t fit the structured mold of a traditional curriculum. I often found myself bored, disconnected from what was being taught, and even struggling to stay awake. Those memories stayed with me and played a big role in shaping my approach as a parent. When it came time to think about my own children’s education, I wanted to find a school that was truly different.
That’s why I feel incredibly lucky that my wife and I found Chicago Waldorf School. Every day, I see how excited my kids are to go to school, how much they love learning, and how genuinely engaged they are with the natural world around them. The Waldorf curriculum is not textbooks and lectures; it’s hands-on, creative, and allows children to be children. They explore subjects in ways that resonate with their natural curiosity and energy, whether it’s through outdoor play, artistic projects, music, or building things. Each aspect of the Waldorf approach reaches them in ways that traditional schools often can’t, and it’s a joy to watch them grow every day.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, I know first-hand that operating an independent school comes with many expenses. From teachers’ salaries to specialized classroom materials, from maintaining the facilities to providing memorable classroom trips, the costs of running a school that values experiential, holistic education are substantial. Tuition alone can’t cover everything. This is where support from parents, alumni, and community members becomes essential in allowing the school to continue offering such an enriching educational experience. That’s why I choose to support Chicago Waldorf School. I know that my contribution, along with the generosity of other families and community members, goes toward maintaining everything that makes this school so special.
When I see my kids’ faces light up each day as they head to school, I’m reminded of why this school choice matters to me. I want to give back to a place that gives so much to my children and to hundreds of other students, fostering a love of learning and exploration that will last a lifetime. If you feel as strongly as I do about the value of a Waldorf education, I hope you’ll consider making a donation on Giving Tuesday. Together, we can help ensure that Chicago Waldorf School continues to educate and inspire our children now, and for generations to come.
