Te Rā Waldorf School & Te Rāwhiti Kindergarten

Welcome to Te Rā Waldorf School & Te Rāwhiti Kindergarten, located at 89 Poplar Avenue in Paraparaumu, New Zealand. We are an establishment and point of interest that offers primary school education for children.

At Te Rāwhiti Kindergarten and Te Rā School, we create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can play, explore, and learn. We believe in active parent and whānau (extended family) participation, as we work together to build a strong community for our tamariki (children).

Our commitment is to provide high-quality Waldorf education through our special character curriculum and pedagogy. This education pathway starts from Early Childhood and continues through to Class 7 (Year 8). Collaboration is at the heart of our school leadership, as our Tumuaki (principal) and kaiārahi (manager) combine their passion for Waldorf education and their individual strengths in leading, teaching, and learning.

We are grateful for the foundations laid by our pioneer teachers and whānau, which have shaped this beautiful place of learning and growth. The governance of our institution is held by the Kapiti Waldorf Trust, in partnership with the school's Board of Trustees.

The kindergarten years are crucial in sowing the "seeds" for education in various subjects. We believe in educating children not only through their intellect but also by fostering a deep connection with the land, living plants, animals, and the people around them. Learning with hands, heart, and head is the guiding principle of Waldorf education. As a state-integrated school, we implement the New Zealand curriculum and advocate for creating learning paths that align with the different stages of child development.

Te Rā School has a strong affiliation with Raphael House, a high school located in the hills above Lower Hutt. Graduates from Te Rā School are welcome to apply for enrolment in classes 8-12 at Raphael House's Upper School.

We appreciate your interest in our kindergarten and school. As part of our enrolment process, we invite you to attend an Information Afternoon at our institution. This is an opportunity to learn more about our curriculum, special character, and take a tour of our grounds. Upcoming Information Afternoon dates can be found on our Enrolment page.

Thank you for considering Te Rā Waldorf School & Te Rāwhiti Kindergarten for your child's education. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.