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FAQ's
The Sophia Waldorf Initiative is currently led by a group of passionate volunteers who generously dedicate their time. As the long-term goal of opening a school draws nearer, we understand there are many details families require in order to make informed choices for their child's schooling and we endeavour to be as transparent as possible. The quickest way to learn more about our school and it's progress is to browse the list of frequently asked questions below.
Where Will the school be located?
It is our endeavour to open a Waldorf School to serve the Gold Coast community, that will be located within the perimeter of the Gold Coast. Ideally, the goal is to be as centrally located as possible, to ensure accessibility to as many Gold Coast families as possible, taking into account the size of the city. The areas we see as most suitable for the Sophia Waldorf School site are areas such as Nerang, Gilston, Advancetown, Clagiraba, Worongray, Mudgeeraba, Bonogin, Carrara and Robina which we are regularly exploring. In saying this, there are limitations under Gold Coast City Council as to where school zones are permitted; a challenge we have been facing for some time and a significant hurdle to cross. As we accumulate expressions of interest for the school, we continue to evaluate where the majority of the cohort is situated, to help inform our plans.
when will the school be open?
Over the past 18 months, many preparations for the school have been finalised including governance, accreditation, curriculum development, financial planning, legal compliance, memberships and registrations, policies and procedures and strategic planning. The final piece of the project is securing an appropriate school site amidst some limitations mentioned above, as well as many considerations like accessibility to nature, suitable building structure and car parking. Unfortunately, until a suitable property can be secured, we cannot give an opening date. With our consistent efforts, we endeavour to have the school open between 2027 - 2029.
What are the school fees?
School fees are considered amongst many other variables including the school site, number of students enrolled, number of staff employed and extent of school resources. At this stage, we cannot give an indication on school fees. However, as a new school initiative, we expect our fee's may be similar in comparison to other established Steiner Schools located in the South East and Northern Rivers areas.
Does the Waldorf curriculum follow Australian Standards?
Yes. The Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework (ASCF) is a nationally recognised alternative curriculum framework, assessed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) against the Australian Curriculum. ACARA’s Recognition Register confirms that the ASCF provides comparable educational outcomes to the Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0, across key learning areas including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Technologies and The Arts. This recognition ensures that Steiner education maintains the distinctive approach and philosophy of Steiner/Waldorf education while meeting nationally recognised educational expectations
Can my child transition between a Steiner school and a mainstream school?
Yes. Students who move between Steiner and mainstream schools may experience differences in teaching methods, curriculum sequencing and assessment practices, but the core knowledge and skills developed through a Steiner education provide a solid foundation for further learning.
What year levels will Sophia Waldorf School offer?
As a new school initiative, the school will begin with up to three classes starting from prep. This could be a combination of prep, class one and class two. The final details are dependent on the particular cohort that is enrolled at the time of the school opening. For example, at the time of opening, if there is a majority of prep and class one children enrolled and less in class two, three enrolled, we would consider opening with a prep class and prep/class one composite, and a class one/two composite. Steiner School's grow with the children that attend, so each consecutive year a class will be added as children progress through primary school into high school, with the school eventually offering Prep - Year 12.
Will Sophia Waldorf School be co-ed?
Yes, Waldorf Schools are co-educational.
How many children will be in a class?
The number of children in a class depends on the number of children enrolled in each year level. Ideally, each class can have between 15 - 26 children.
How can I express my interest or enrol my child?
To express interest for your child/ren, please fill out an online expression of interest form located here. Enrolments will commence once a school site has been secured (approximately six months prior to the school opening). The best way to be on our enrolment database and receive important enrolment information is to fill out an expression of interest form.