Sweet Clover Nursery
Babies and toddlers are held, sung to, and given time to move and explore at their own pace.
Explore Sweet Clover NurserySweet Clover Nursery to Grade 8 in East Montpelier.
Waldorf education on the land, from birth through the middle grades.
A room for every age
Children move up room by room as they grow, from nursery through grade eight.
PreK & Kindergarten
Three- to six-year-olds bake, paint, build, and play outside, learning through their hands.
Explore PreK & KindergartenElementary & Middle Grades
Grade schoolers read, write, do math, learn French, and work with wood and handwork.
Explore Elementary & Middle GradesHow we see children
Waldorf education here is multi-sensory from the start. Music matters for every child, early childhood on up. Orchard Valley began with a small group of families who wanted Waldorf education in central Vermont. In August 2003, the Grace Farm Campus was purchased at auction by dedicated supporters.
Early childhood rooms are calm and full of natural materials. Children sing, move, bake, paint, and play outside on the land through the seasons. Teachers keep the rhythm steady so a child knows what comes next. Grades children stay with the same teacher across years.
A visitor might notice a teacher singing a morning greeting or children waiting while a classmate finishes a task. Mealtimes come at the same point each day, and outside time happens in almost any weather. Children help set the table, fold laundry, or sweep, because that work belongs to them. If you want to see how this looks, contact the school to schedule a visit.
What a day looks like
Mornings start with a teacher at the door and a steady rhythm. Children hang up coats and join the room slowly. A song or a small task helps each child land. Sounds of laughter and learning fill the hallways as children settle into new classrooms and new rhythms.
Mornings are active. Toddlers push wooden carts and pour water. Preschoolers paint, bake bread, or play outside. Grades do main lesson, math, French, and handwork. Lunch is a quiet, seated time, then younger children rest on cots while older ones read or draw.
The afternoon slows toward pickup. Children finish work, help tidy, and gather what they brought. A teacher can tell you how the day went. Ask about your child's program and what to expect at the end of the day.
How we work with families
Questions get answered at pickup or by a note to the teacher. Families support this school as it continues to grow. Ask how your child's day went and what comes next.
New children settle in over the first weeks. Teachers meet each student and keep direct contact with every family. Ask how the first days are going and what your child needs.
How to join
Get in touch
Call (802) 456-7400 or email oakley.t@ovws.org. Tell us your child's age and the days you need. We will follow up with you about next steps and a visit.
Tour the room
See the classroom your child would join and meet the teachers who run it. Ask about the daily rhythm and how the room is set up.
Enroll and settle in
Complete enrollment and plan a first week that suits your child's routine. Ask your child's teacher what to pack for the first day.
Good questions to ask first
What ages do you take?
Children from Birth to Grade 8.
Can we visit before deciding?
Yes. A tour is how families decide. Children come along, see the rooms and grounds, and meet teachers while you ask questions.
What should my child bring on the first day?
Pack a full change of clothes in a labelled bag, plus indoor shoes and a water bottle. A comfort item from home, such as a small blanket or stuffed animal, can help at rest time. Label everything with your child's name.
Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?
Schedules depend on the age group and current openings, so the best answer comes from the school. Call or email and ask what is available for your child.
What if there is no place right now?
You can ask the school to let you know when a place opens for your child's age. Call or email to add your name to the list.
Come and see a day here
Come and see a day here. Children are welcome on the tour.