About Us & Our Educational Philosophy

A Waldorf-Inspired Public Charter School in Santa Fe, New Mexico

A New Beginning Rooted in Deep Tradition

Located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sun Mountain Community School begins a new chapter in a story already rich with meaning.

Our school was born from the legacy of Waldorf education in Santa Fe. When the long-standing private Santa Fe Waldorf School closed in 2023, families, educators, and community leaders came together with a shared commitment: to carry forward the spirit of whole-child education—and make it accessible to all. With the support of a state charter and a deep well of community will, Sun Mountain Community School opened as a public Waldorf-inspired school serving children in grades K–4 and 6 in our founding year. By year 2027, we will complete our charter commitment by growing to K-8th grade.

Here, the old and the new meet. Our name honors the land that holds us. Our curriculum honors the development of the child. Our charter honors the promise of equitable, public education. Together, we are building something rooted, beautiful, and lasting.

Our Mission

We are a tuition-free, Waldorf-inspired charter school dedicated to educating the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Rooted in the developmental stages outlined by Rudolf Steiner, we nurture curiosity, creativity, and compassion. Students build rigorous academic foundations, forge meaningful connections to the natural world, and develop strong moral character through a curriculum that resonates with their life stage.

What Is Waldorf Education?

A Living Education for Head, Heart, and Hands

Waldorf education is a century-old approach founded by philosopher Rudolf Steiner. It honors the natural stages of human development and seeks to cultivate the capacities of thinking, feeling, and willing—the intellect, the emotional life, and the will to act with purpose and goodness.

In the early years, learning is guided by imagination, play, rhythm, and sensory experience. As children grow, so does the curriculum—becoming more academic, more conceptual, more individual. Throughout, the arts are not seen as extras, but as essential: a way to deepen learning, connect to the world, and express inner life.

Rather than rushing the child toward abstract outcomes, Waldorf education asks: What does this child need at this moment in their development? And: How can we meet that need with connection, intention, and love?

What Makes Sun Mountain Unique

Though inspired by Waldorf principles, Sun Mountain Community School is also a public charter school. This allows us to serve a diverse population tuition-free, while maintaining the heart and soul of a Waldorf education. Here are a few of the ways this comes to life:

A Developmentally-Responsive Curriculum

Our curriculum aligns with both Waldorf pedagogy and state standards, meeting each child where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally. Reading is taught through rich language experience and structured instruction. Math is approached both artistically and rigorously. History, science, and geography unfold in story, art, movement, and experimentation.

Main Lesson Blocks

Each school day begins with a two-hour main lesson—a deep, focused exploration of a single subject over several weeks. This immersive approach allows for deep understanding, artistic integration, and connection across disciplines.

Arts-Integrated Learning

Music, painting, movement, drama, handwork, and nature studies are woven into the daily rhythm—not as enrichment, but as essential modes of knowing and becoming.

Nature as Teacher

Children play outdoors daily—through all seasons and weather. Fieldwork, gardening, and wilderness experiences connect students to the rhythms of the Earth and cultivate reverence for life.

A Culture of Care

Our school is a community. Teachers work with their classes over multiple years, forming strong relationships and deep insight into each child’s journey. Teachers seek partnerships with parents and we regularly invite families to join us for special events on the campus. Assessment is thoughtful and narrative-based. Discipline is relational and restorative. We honor each child as a growing human being—whole, capable, and unique.

Rooted in Santa Fe

We are proud to be part of Santa Fe’s living cultural landscape—connected to the traditions, languages, and peoples of this place. Our school is housed on the former campus of Santa Fe Waldorf, nestled against the foothills, where sun and snow shape the days and piñon scent fills the air. In following the New Mexico State Standards, we have incorporated New Mexico history deeply into our curriculum and our festival life.

Our name, Sun Mountain, reflects not only the landscape but our vision: to help children grow with strength and clarity, grounded like a mountain, lit from within.

An Invitation

Sun Mountain Community School is more than a school—it is a growing community of educators, families, and children working together to create something meaningful. We invite you to visit, to learn more, and to imagine with us what education can be when it honors the full humanity of every child.

Come see what is possible

Book a Campus Tour Today!

Campus Tours are offered on Thursdays at 10 am and Fridays at 2 pm. Currently these are group tours, so keep in mind that you might not be the only family touring on the day of your choice.

Book Your Tour Today!

Blog & Latest News

Notice of School Board Meetings/Work Sessions

OMA Statement: SMCS Board Meetings are recurring monthly meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 pm at 26 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Fe, NM 87508, unless otherwise noted.

Please refer to the agenda for the zoom link and instructions for public comment.

2025-2026

July16 , 2025
August 20, 2025
September 17, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - closed executive session re limited personnel discussion
September 17, 2025
October 15, 2025
November 19, 2025
November 20 @ 6:00 pm - joint SMCS/SMSF board work session re capital outlay application
December 17, 2025
January 21, 2026
February 18, 2026
March 18, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - board work session re board self evaluation
March 18, 2026 @ 6:30 pm
April 15, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - closed executive session re HOS evaluation
April 15, 2026 @ 6:30 pm
May 20, 2026
June 17 @ 5:00 pm - joint SMCS/SMSF board work session re budget priorities
June 17, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

2024-2025

October 10th, 2024
November 07, 2024
December 09, 2024 - work session
December 12, 2024
January 16, 2025 @ 5:30 pm
January 27 @ 6:00 pm - closed executive session re HOS hiring
February 13 @ 5:00 pm - closed executive session re HOS deliberations
February 13, 2025
February 16 @ 10:30 am - closed executive session re HOS deliberations
February 25, 2025
March 13, 2025
April 17, 2025
May 8th, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - board meeting & work session
May 15, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
May 15, 2025 @ 7:30 pm
June 9, 2025 - NMCSP Subgrantee Technical Assistance Governing Board Training
June 12, 2025
June 17, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - SMCS Board has been invited to attend the SFWS Board Meeting
No SMCS business will be discussed at this meeting.

Board Documents

Agendas

Meeting minutes

Recordings