Our goal at Desert Marigold School is to bring excellence to every aspect of our work. Based upon the pedagogical principles of Rudolf Steiner, our approach from pre-school through 12th grade strives to bring educational content and experiences that are age-appropriate.

As a public charter school, we meet the Common Core Standards within a rich and comprehensive curriculum inspired by Waldorf education. Arts, crafts, music, movement, Eurythmy and Speech, as well as rigorous academics and experiential learning, are combined to stimulate the natural creativity and curiosity of each student so that they “love to learn.”

We understand the developmental benefit of creative play-both structured and free. We work in partnership with parents in the early years to “preserve childhood” and to provide positive environments–at school and at home—for learning and development at this crucial foundational level.

As students mature, more complex conceptual elements are added. However, the development of critical thinking is accompanied by imaginative work arising from the arts, engagement in practical work and exploration of moral and social questions. This holistic approach leads them towards flexibility and freedom of thought, self-confidence and self-awareness, and creates an internal moral foundation, providing a basis for sound judgment and problem solving that will be needed for success in life.

At the high school level, the current questions of sustainability and the future evolution of society are placed into the context of the history of western civilization. The high school program meets college entrance requirements and prepares DMS graduates for a future as socially aware leaders in whatever realm they chose.

Located on a beautiful, 12-acre campus at the foot of South Mountain, our biodynamic garden, protected nature pond, and resident farm animals give substance to our commitment to sustainability as an intrinsic part of the Waldorf curriculum.