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These Are The Very Nerve Of Education

RUDOLF STEINER

Enrollment Process:

Learn & Align

STEP 01
Discover whether The WISE Charter School’s Waldorf-inspired program aligns with your family’s values and goals. Review the Charter and info session materials before applying.

In-House Registration

STEP 02
Returning students, their siblings, and children of staff register first to determine available spaces for new applicants.

External Application

STEP 03
After in-house registration, new applications open. Priority: alumni families, siblings of accepted students, prior Waldorf experience, community boundary, then general public.

Capacity Check &
Waitlist / Lottery

STEP 04
If demand exceeds spaces, applicants go to a yearly waitlist by priority. Equal-priority spots are filled by lottery.

Placement & Offer

STEP 05
External applicants may complete placement assessments or a shadow day. Offers must be accepted within 48 hours.

Enroll & Welcome

STEP 06
Complete registration to join the WISE community—committing to balanced academic, artistic, and physical learning within our Charter.
STEP 01

Learn & Align

Parents/families review if WISE’s Waldorf-inspired philosophy and K-9 program are a good fit.

Discover whether The WISE Charter School’s Waldorf-inspired program aligns with your family’s values and educational goals. Parents are encouraged to review the Charter, attend an information session, and consider the whole-child, arts-integrated approach before applying.
STEP 02

In-House Registration

Current WISE families (returning students & siblings of staff) register first.

Returning students, their siblings, and children of staff confirm their enrollment first. This establishes available spaces before new external applications are reviewed.
STEP 03

External Application

External applicants submit form; priority order applies.

Once in-house registration closes, applications open to new families. Priority is given to alumni families, siblings of accepted students, and children with prior Waldorf experience, followed by applicants within the community boundary and then the general public.
STEP 04

Capacity Check & Waitlist / Lottery

If oversubscribed, the process uses a waitlist or lottery.

If the number of applicants exceeds available spaces, students are placed on a yearly waitlist by priority order. When multiple applicants share equal priority, a lottery determines placement. Wait-listed families must confirm continued interest each year.
STEP 05

Placement & Offer

Selected students undergo placement assessment.

External applicants may participate in placement assessments or shadow days to ensure the program meets each child’s needs and supports the school’s Charter goals. Offers of enrollment must be accepted within 48 hours.
STEP 06

Enroll & Welcome

Accept the offer and complete enrollment to join the WISE community.

Accepted families complete registration to officially join the WISE community—committing to the school’s Charter values of balance between academic, artistic, and physical learning, and to active participation in community life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What grade-levels does WISE Charter School accept?

WISE Charter School enrolls students in Kindergarten through Grade 9. 

What is the age requirement for Kindergarten or Grade 1 entry?

- For Kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old by September 1 of the entering year. 

- For Grade 1, a child must be 6 years old by September 1 of the entering year. 

What is the application deadline?

For the 2025/26 school year, the application deadline was March 14, 2025 for Grades K-9. 

( Note: K-3 are now on waitlist only; Grades 4-9 still accepting applications when space available. ) 

What happens if a grade is full or oversubscribed?

If the number of qualified applicants exceeds available spots:

- A waitlist is created each year per grade. 

- If multiple applicants share the same priority and there are limited spots, a lottery will be conducted amongst them. 

Wait-list applicants must renew their intention each following year if they remain interested. 

Are placement assessments required?

Yes - for external applicants, WISE includes placement assessments (designed internally) and may recommend a shadow day to determine alignment with the school’s charter. 

Can I appeal if my child is not offered a spot?

Yes - families may appeal initially to the Superintendent, then to the Board, and ultimately to the Minister of Education, where applicable under the Education Act and its regulations. 

Are there any fees or tuition?

As a public charter school, WISE’s tuition is free. However, class or program fees apply.

What documentation do I need to submit with the application?

Required documents include verification of student’s name, age, home address, citizenship status; most recent report card (for Grades 1-9); any assessments or IPP (if applicable). 

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A Tapestry of Wonder

The WISE Charter School welcomes K-9 students located in Edmonton and surrounding areas from diverse backgrounds who are committed to engaging in all dimensions of a Waldorf education, balancing academic, artistic and physical pursuits.

Waldorf students are dedicated to personal growth, lifelong learning, social harmony, environmental stewardship, digital minimalism, and a sense of responsibility for our shared interconnectedness and collective humanity.

Our Waldorf-Inspired Philosophy

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD: HEAD, HEART, AND HANDS

Nurturing Growth

We honor each child’s natural curiosity, cultivating a love of learning through hands-on exploration, artistic expression, and meaningful connection to the world around them.

Illuminating Minds

Our curriculum is designed to spark imagination and critical thinking, blending academics with the arts to inspire a lifelong passion for discovery and understanding.

Flowing Harmony

We foster balance - between intellect, creativity, and social-emotional growth, so every child can flourish as a whole, confident, and compassionate individual.

A Community of Harmony

Together We Grow

At The WISE, families and educators form a vibrant circle of support. Our community celebrates diversity, fosters deep connections, and creates a nurturing environment where every child and parent feels seen, heard, and valued. Join us in cultivating lifelong friendships and shared purpose.

"This school, I feel, is unlike any in Edmonton. I love it because you learn all the important things (Math, L.A., Social Studies, etc), but also have fun and memorable experiences while doing so. At Waldorf, friends will always be there for you, from the beginning to the end.”

A WISE Parent

“I love this school because they let you learn about geography, music, culture, but you are also having fun. For example, in grade 7, you learn about Renaissance (the rebirth of Arts), and we explore the famous artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, and such. Most grades do a class play every year (usually about their most favorite or recent block), and if you really enjoy acting, you can do that too. The school is very fun, but also helps you learn.”

A WISE Student

Our child’s teacher is a gem that sees the beauty that lies within each individual student. She never stopped loving or believing in every child in her class. It’s always been a safe place for the kids to find their own identities so they can truly grow into who they are during these delicate development periods. I wish I had such an experience through my schooling. Due to these foundational pieces she is laying down, these kids will reap the benefits of her classroom for decades into adulthood.

A WISE Parent

THE WISE CHARTER SCHOOL

7211 96A Ave
Edmonton, AB T6B 1B5
(780) 466 - 3312
[email protected]

Office Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:15am-3:30pm

Store Hours

By Appt Only:[email protected]

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The WISE Charter School respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Amiskwacîwâskahikan, or Edmonton, on Treaty 6 territory. The land that the WISE sits on was once Métis scrip land. Scrip was given to Métis people in exchange for their land rights. The land of Treaty 6 territory was once a gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Metis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/ Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant communities. Our faculty, staff, board and school community commits to working toward reconciliation and decolonization.

© 2025 The WISE Charter School. All rights reserved.