Integrative Learning
Our commitment to education extends beyond the classroom both spatially and temporally; we are fervent advocates for learning as a lifelong journey.
Since our inception in 1972, our mission has been to inspire individuals to grow into fully realized, dynamic human beings prepared to meet and serve the needs of their time. Imagine a world where a working farm becomes an enthralling classroom, empowering school-aged children with hands-on experiences to unravel the intricacies of their food system and embrace the interconnected wonders of the natural world.
From the inaugural class of our Visiting Students Program to the present moment, Hawthorne Valley has blossomed into a vibrant epicenter of diverse educational initiatives. Picture farmer trainees immersing themselves in the regenerative practice of organic and biodynamic agriculture, interns embarking on farm-based education and ecological research, and lively summer camps filling the air with exclamations of wonder and peals of laughter. What makes our learning campus unique is that we offer a kaleidoscope of experiences that redefine education.
The Farm Classroom
The activities at Hawthorne Valley are designed to nurture and support the full spectrum of human potential towards positive and lasting impact. Our farm is a living, breathing classroom where both children and adults forge a visceral connection with the very land that sustains them, weaving together action and understanding in a harmonious dance.
I like composting with the students because it’s an active and conscious activity that takes plant material, animal manure – things that are usually considered waste – and transforms it into humus which gives fertility to the gardens and farm. It’s a small way to look at what waste is, think about how we can deal with it in a transformative way, and return it to the earth positively.
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
Visit the school's websiteEnter the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, where classes ignite a passion for learning. Our curriculum is a dynamic fusion of intellect, creativity, and movement. Class trips, arts projects, and agricultural knowledge are integral threads in the rich fabric of our holistic approach, shaping individuals with a fervor for learning, a robust self-awareness, boundless empathy, and an unwavering respect for the world.
Many Opportunities to Engage in Learning
Programs like the Farm’s Apprentice Program, internships at the Farmscape Ecology Program and Farm Learning Center, and Waldorf Teacher Education at the Alkion Center provide dynamic experiences where experiential and artistic learning take center stage, ensuring that intellectual development isn’t just about information, but knowledge that fosters curiosity, understanding, and wisdom in a vibrant dance with life.
Integrative learning at Hawthorne Valley is an expansive landscape of growth, vibrancy, and meaningful contributions to our local and global communities. Join us in this boundless journey of discovery!
