Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Waldorf Preschool in Portland, OR
Since 2009, Song Garden has dedicated itself to providing Waldorf-inspired early childhood education rooted in cultural, economic, and religious inclusivity. Our mission centers on creating an accessible, nurturing environment where children aged 3-6 develop through imaginative play, artistic expression, and nature-based learning. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we prioritize financial accessibility through tuition assistance programs and scholarships, ensuring families from diverse economic backgrounds can benefit from our services. Our experienced educators, many with prior Waldorf training, design curricula that balance structured activities with free play, fostering social-emotional growth and creative thinking. We actively engage parents through educational workshops, community events, and collaborative volunteer opportunities, strengthening family connections to our school.Seasonal festivals and daily rituals cultivate wonder and environmental stewardship, while small class sizes (maximum 8 students) enable personalized attention. Our commitment to holistic development prepares children for future academic success while nurturing their innate curiosity and joy. Located in SE Portland, we maintain a homelike atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor spaces designed for exploration and discovery. Through ongoing fundraising efforts, we sustain our mission of making Waldorf education accessible to all families. This combination of educational philosophy, community engagement, and financial inclusivity defines our unique approach to early childhood development.
Services
Waldorf Preschool
Parent Education Classes
Financial Aid Programs
Seasonal Festivals
Summer Camp
Community Events
Nature-Based Learning
Creative Play Curriculum
Music Programs
Gardening Activities
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer Waldorf-based education with experienced teachers trained in Steiner's developmental principles
- Our small class sizes (max 8 students) ensure personalized attention and relationship-building
- Financial aid programs make Waldorf education accessible to families of all economic backgrounds
- Seasonal festivals and nature-based learning cultivate environmental awareness and community spirit
- Parent education workshops and volunteer opportunities strengthen family-school connections
What people say
Experienced nurturing teachers
Small class sizes
Affordable tuition costs
Wonderful community network
Excellent kindergarten preparation
Services
Waldorf Preschool Program
Our Waldorf-inspired curriculum nurtures children aged 3-6 through imaginative play, artistic activities, and nature exploration. Teachers model practical life skills while balancing structured learning with creative freedom. Seasonal rhythms and daily rituals create comforting predictability while fostering curiosity and social development.
Parent Education Classes
We offer regular educational sessions for parents covering child development, Waldorf principles, and practical parenting strategies. These workshops strengthen home-school connections while providing tools to support children's growth. Participants gain insights into classroom activities and developmental milestones.
Financial Aid Assistance
Our non-profit organization provides need-based tuition assistance to ensure accessibility. The program includes scholarships, sliding-scale fees, and payment plans. This commitment to economic diversity allows families from all backgrounds to benefit from Waldorf education through our inclusive financial model.
Seasonal Community Festivals
We host annual celebrations honoring seasonal changes and natural cycles. Events include Winter Spiral, Lantern Walk, and May Day festivities that build community while teaching children about nature's rhythms. These inclusive gatherings welcome families and foster intergenerational connections through shared traditions.
Summer Session Program
Our four-week July program offers continuity for enrolled students through nature exploration, creative play, and seasonal activities. The curriculum maintains Waldorf principles while providing summer enrichment. This optional session supports working families while keeping children engaged in developmentally appropriate experiences.
People
Nina Lane
President
Co-founder with extensive Waldorf teaching experience, Nina leads curriculum development and community engagement. Her dedication to accessible education shapes Song Garden's inclusive approach and financial aid programs.
Bryan Owens
Treasurer
Co-founder and financial director, Bryan manages operations and fundraising. His Waldorf teaching background informs program development while his administrative expertise ensures organizational sustainability through grants and community support.
Laura Rollins
Director
Educational leader overseeing classroom instruction and teacher training. Laura implements Waldorf principles through nature-based learning and creative play, ensuring high-quality early childhood education aligned with Steiner's developmental philosophy.
Donna Seikmann
Secretary
Administrative leader managing communications and parent relations. Donna facilitates community events and maintains organizational records, supporting the school's operational efficiency and family engagement initiatives.
Joe Eichenaur
Director
Board member focused on facility management and outdoor programming. Joe maintains safe, inspiring learning environments while supporting nature-based activities that connect children with the natural world year-round.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 3-6 years with 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day program options available.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, our non-profit offers need-based tuition assistance, scholarships, and payment plans to ensure accessibility for all families.
What educational philosophy do you follow?
Our curriculum is based on Waldorf principles emphasizing imaginative play, nature connection, and developmentally appropriate learning through imitation and rhythm.
Are parents involved in the school?
Yes, we encourage family participation through volunteer opportunities, community events, and educational workshops for parents.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Our program develops social-emotional skills, creative thinking, and practical abilities through balanced activities that build foundational readiness for future learning.
What happens during outdoor play?
Children explore our on-site playground daily in all weather, engaging in nature-based activities like gardening, water play, and seasonal projects that connect them with the environment.
