Advocates push for Waldorf-inspired charter school in public comment hearing
Jul. 10—Organizers for a proposed Waldorf-inspired charter school in Santa Fe argued their case Wednesday before New Mexico's Public Education Commission, an elected board responsible for overseeing state-chartered schools.
Proposed by teachers, administrators and community members formerly connected to Santa Fe Waldorf School, which abruptly closed its doors in August 2023, Sun Mountain Community School would, if approved by the commission, offer a free public education based in Waldorf principles — including a developmental approach to learning, an emphasis on outdoor education and the use of rhythm in the classroom.
"This is a new moment and a new school. It is Waldorf curriculum meeting New Mexico public education," Zoe Wilcox, one of the intended founders of Sun Mountain Community School, said during Wednesday's hearing.
The public comment hearing was held to collect feedback on the proposal. The commission is scheduled to make its final decision on whether to approve Sun Mountain Community School's application in August.
During Wednesday's hearing, the proposed charter school's founders were adamant that despite drawing from Waldorf's nontraditional educational philosophy, the school would adhere to all New Mexico standards for public education.
The assertion comes after a peer review of Sun Mountain's application raised concerns about its lack of adherence to New Mexico education standards, noting "the school would have to modify its entire curriculum" to meet the state's requirements.
"Our effort is to fully align Waldorf education with New Mexico Common Core state standards. ... We understand that New Mexico law stands still, and we move to meet that law," Wilcox told members of the Public Education Commission.
Commissioners expressed concerns about whether the proposed school would be able to attract a socioeconomically diverse body of students all over Santa Fe, given the city's Waldorf education historically has been private rather than a tuition-free and public.
"That's my biggest concern, is really getting those students that you're wanting to actually come to your school and create a true, diverse culture in your school," said Commissioner Rebekka Burt.
In addition to setting up outreach booths across the city, Sun Mountain has committed to providing transportation for students from various neighborhoods to and from school, Wilcox said. The founding team will continue to focus outreach efforts on Santa Fe's less affluent neighborhoods, where families may not have previously considered Waldorf an option.
Many proponents of the charter school framed the move toward a tuition-free, public Waldorf education option as a major step toward more equitable access to the philosophy and its benefits.
"I really look forward especially to seeing what can happen when Waldorf meets the public education system. ... That's the one negative to private school situations to me, is that they're not fully engaged. They're kind of like insular," said Nicholas Stinson, a former Santa Fe Waldorf School parent and possible board member for the future charter school.
One noticeable absence at Wednesday's hearing: representatives from Santa Fe Public Schools.
Though the traditional public school district has a history of opposing proposed charter schools to be housed within its boundaries, no representative spoke on behalf of Santa Fe Public Schools during the public comment hearing.
"I'm just surprised at that — given their very public stance regarding any charter schools or anything other than district schools in New Mexico — that they wouldn't have somebody here to speak either for or against or just about," said Steven Carrillo, current vice chairman of the commission and a former Santa Fe school board member.
He added: "They're missing an opportunity, as they tend to do."
