Green Meadow Waldorf School


Green Meadow Waldorf School is an independent Waldorf school located in Chestnut Ridge, Rockland County, New York. It offers parent and child classes, and nursery/kindergarten through 12th grades. The school is accredited by both the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. Founded in 1950, it is one of the oldest of the approximately 190 independent North American Waldorf schools.

Curriculum

The school practices an interdisciplinary approach based on the Waldorf curriculum, including a strong emphasis on art, music and intercultural understanding; students begin studying two foreign languages beginning in first grade. It also provides a strong community service program. Graduates of the school have been noted for their independence, sensitivity and creativity.

Publications and events

The school's publications include:
The school's annual public events include the following:
received the 2008 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction.
Stefan Schaefer has directed more than fifteen feature films.

Larger community

Green Meadow is part of the Threefold Educational Foundation anthroposophical community in Chestnut Ridge. The Foundation owns the land and acts as an umbrella for Green Meadow Walfdorf School and several other nearby organizations. This community includes:
During a 2019 measles epidemic, Rockland County excluded unvaccinated students from schools. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of the families of excluded children; in the decision, Judge Thorsen wrote that “petitioners’ children are hereby permitted to return to their respective schools forthwith and otherwise assemble in public places,” allowing Green Meadow Waldorf School to welcome 45 unvaccinated students back to class.

Sexual abuse scandal

In July 2013, alumna and novelist Kate Christensen published “l” an autobiography in which she describes how she had been sexually abused by a teacher she referred to as “Tomcat.” Staff of Green Meadow Waldorf School identified Tomcat as John Alexandra, a former teacher employed between 1965 and 1979; Threefold Board member from 1975 through 1983; and, remained on campus until 2013. This caused an investigation by T&M Protection Resources and the results were made public on July 11th, 2014 when lohud - The Journal News reported the conclusions.

Additional articles

  • , Rockland Journal News, June 13, 2007
  • , Rockland Journal News, April 13, 2007
  • "Immigrants Share Some Personal Accounts with Green Meadow Students", Rockland County Times, June 1–7, 2006. pp. 1–2.