Early Childhood: Preschool & Kindergarten Years

The Road to Lifelong Learning Begins with Play

Rooted in Rhythm

Daily life in our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten flows in a thoughtful rhythm of structured and open-ended activities, guided by caring teachers and comforting routines.

Within this safe and nurturing environment, children have the space and support to experiment, grow, and move gently towards independence.

The turning seasons shape our classroom life—from harvest celebrations and winter forest walks to maple sugaring and spring planting—grounding children in nature’s steady rhythms.

Growing Through Connection

Through careful observation and heartfelt attention, our teachers come to understand each child’s unique interests, needs, and emerging personality.

In our small and caring community, every child is truly seen, known and supported. Within this warmth and connection, first friendships blossom and a strong sense of belonging takes root.

As members of our preschool through grade 12 community, our youngest children are thoughtfully woven into the life of the larger school. They enjoy visiting our Lower School for plays and puppet shows, musical performances, and shared projects with older students, gently widening their circle of community.

An Unhurried Childhood

Amid open fields and forest groves on our spacious 75-acre Freeport, Maine campus, childhood is given room to breathe and blossom.

There is ample time to wander, to wonder, to play — and to grow in the fullness of time. Through experiences that engage head, heart, and hands, we nurture curious thinking, compassionate feeling, and purposeful doing.

In this balanced and joyful beginning, our early childhood preschool develops a strong foundation for a lifetime of meaningful learning and confident living.

Two joyful preschool children paint water on rocks during forest play at a Waldorf early childhood program in Freeport, Maine.

Visit Our Freeport Campus

Located on 75 acres, our campus reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Our sustainably designed buildings—from our straw-bale Early Childhood classrooms to our net-zero High School—along with gardens and forest play areas, create a rich setting for experiential, place-based learning.

Join us for an upcoming Early Childhood Open House, and experience the beauty and care that fill our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten days. Find upcoming events and schedule your visit today. Experience the wonder

Preschool and kindergarten students gather around a small fire in a nature-based Waldorf outdoor classroom with a large wood fort in the background.

Nature-inspired Waldorf classroom filled with natural wood materials and silks in a private Waldorf school in Freeport, Maine.

Preschool students climb and balance on a fallen log during nature play at a Waldorf early childhood program.

A Gentle Beginning: Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten: 3 years by September 1st

Pre-Kindergarten offers five full days, five half-days, or a limited number of three half-day schedules. Full-day dismissal is at 3 p.m., and half-day dismissal is at 12 p.m.

Mixed-Age Kindergarten: Typically 4–5 years old

Kindergarten offers full-day and half-day schedules, available four or five days per week. Full-day dismissal is at 3 p.m., and half-day dismissal is after lunch at 1 p.m.

Additional Services

For the convenience of families, our early childhood aftercare program is offered from 3–5:30 p.m. Transportation is available for students ages five and older, with coastal routes from Cape Elizabeth to Wiscasset.

Your Path to a Waldorf Education

We invite you to learn more about Admissions & Enrollment at Maine Coast Waldorf School. Our Early Childhood programs for the coming school year are currently full, and we have moved to a waiting pool.

We warmly welcome families who are interested in future years to reach out and begin a conversation with our Office of Admissions. We are always happy to share more about our program, and help families learn about the timing and process for future enrollment.

Enrollment applications for 2027/28 school year open on September 1, 2026.

Preview the Application Process

Attend an Early Childhood Open House

Open Houses are held monthly while school in session, offering an authentic glimpse into our vibrant campus life.

Step inside a classroom, explore our outdoor play spaces, and experience the daily rhythm of our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy relaxed conversation with a Class Teacher and our Admissions team.

Advance registration is required.

Schedule your visit

Submit an Inquiry

Complete Your Application

Your Admissions Portal guides you step by step, making it easy to provide family information, review your application checklist, upload required documents, and request a Teacher Recommendation if your child has previously attended school or care.

Log into the Admissions Portal

Please note: An inquiry must be submitted before you can create your Admissions Portal account.

Schedule a Playgroup Visit

Children build a woodland fort during outdoor learning at a Waldorf early childhood program in Freeport, Maine.

We look forward to getting to know your family. Once all steps above are complete, your application will be considered fully submitted. Please contact our Office of Admissions with any questions or for support. Connect with us

Visit

Come experience our 75-acre campus in Freeport, where open fields, forest paths, and welcoming classrooms create a beautiful setting for childhood.

Open Houses

Learn More

Start the conversation with our Office of Admissions and request more information about our early childhood through high school experience.

Inquire Now

Apply

If you have already submitted an inquiry, please return to your Admissions Portal to continue your application or upload supporting materials.

Admissions Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child have to be to enroll at Maine Coast Waldorf School?

What is a typical early childhood school day?

The day includes time for creative play, practical tasks, circle time with seasonal poems, songs and games, nature walks, snack time, artistic activities, and storytime.

Children who stay until 3 p.m. enjoy an afternoon program that includes a nutritious lunch (prepared at school) followed by rest time and outdoor play. Children who stay until 3 p.m. must be able to rest quietly, allowing their peers to sleep.

What are your guidelines for electronic media?

Why do you begin formal reading instruction in grade 1?

In a Waldorf early childhood classroom, children move their bodies through open play, circle activities, songs, nature walks, nursery rhymes, and poems. Children are provided a rich sensory and movement diet through outdoor exploration in the elements and indoor activities such as bread kneading, circle work and art.

Movement has a strong correlation to literacy. In addition, oral and repetitive storytelling allows children to create internal images and foster a connection to the story and its sequence. The story and circle activities introduce phonological awareness and emergent literacy skills.

All of these activities build a strong foundation for learning by increasing synaptic and neural connections. By the time children reach first grade, they are eager and excited to begin formal instruction. In our Waldorf school, academics unfold in a developmentally appropriate manner, cultivating lifelong learners.

Welcome