Welcome to Sun Mountain Community School
Sun Mountain Community School is a Waldorf-inspired, tuition-free, public charter school that utilizes developmentally appropriate holistic education to nurture the body, mind and heart of each student.
Sun Mountain Community School Mission
Sun Mountain Community School (SMCS) is a community of families and educators dedicated to cultivating the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and consciousness capacities of the developing human being. Our mission is to educate the whole child, using an age-appropriate approach to content and skills based on principles of Waldorf Education and the work of Rudolf Steiner. Our students engage in rigorous academics, develop connections to the natural world and moral discernment, and achieve an appreciation of themselves and others.
Curriculum & Pedagogy

Early Childhood
Our Early Childhood classrooms offer a warm, home-like environment where young children learn through rhythm, movement, and meaningful hands-on experiences. Each day unfolds with a gentle flow of creative play, songs, stories, and time in nature—nurturing curiosity, confidence, and the joy of discovery.

Grades
As children move into the grades, learning unfolds through rich stories, art, and discovery. Fairy tales grow into history, science, and geography, guided by imagination and clear thinking. Each year deepens understanding as students observe, question, and create—building knowledge through beauty, logic, and purpose on their path toward adolescence.

Unique Features
At Sun Mountain Community School, learning grows through creativity, curiosity, and meaningful work. Our approach honors the whole child—head, heart, and hands—by blending academics with art, movement, and practical skills. Each day invites imagination and purpose, nurturing confidence, joy, and a lasting love of learning.
Admissions & Enrollment
Sun Mountain Community School (SMCS) is a tuition-free public charter school offering a Waldorf-inspired education. When there are more applicants than spaces available, we hold a lottery to determine enrollment in a fair and transparent way. Families are encouraged to learn about our philosophy, visit the campus, and connect with teachers and staff to gain a deeper understanding of the SMCS experience. Rooted in respect, curiosity, and community engagement, Sun Mountain fosters lifelong learners who are confident, compassionate, and capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
Blog & Latest News
Knitting: A Hands-On Lesson in Patience and Creativity
Knitting: A Hands-On Lesson in Patience and CreativityIn Waldorf education, knitting is far more than a handcraft—it’s a deeply meaningful developmental practice. As children loop…
Honoring Childhood’s Pace
Honoring Childhood’s PaceChildhood is not a race—it’s a sacred unfolding. In a world that often urges children to move faster, achieve more, and grow up…
The Nine-Year Change: A Milestone of Growth
Understanding the Nine-Year ChangeAround the age of nine, many children undergo a profound internal transformation—what Waldorf educators refer to as “the nine-year change.” During this…
