Clothing policy

Part of what makes a Waldorf school special is the attention accorded to creating an environment that is visually pleasing. When we are surrounded by beauty, beauty is reflected within us and allowed to grow and flourish. For this reason, we request some care and thought taken in choosing clothing for school. Here are some guidelines.

Keeping Things Simple and Natural

• Simple pants and cotton shirts are best, no holes or frays please (plain patches and mended holes are fine!)
• Natural fibers such as cotton or wool are warmer in winter and cooler in summer than clothing made from synthetics such as nylon or polyester (this is a suggestion, not a mandatory guideline; synthetic fibers will be allowed! And of course outerwear needs to be synthetic to repel rain and snow)
• No makeup, fingernail polish, jewellery or tattoos (even temporary type)
• To help those who are allergy sensitive, wear clean clothes every day and do not pick up and cuddle the cat before you leave for school

Keeping the Environment Calm and Not Distracting

• No wording, advertising, messages, large logos, etc.
• No media characters or cartoons
• No wild, distracting, or camouflage patterns
• No flashing, lighted footwear or clothing
• Choose solid colors, or gentle patterns

Keeping things Practical

• Outdoor footwear should NOT be flip flops, open-toed shoes, clogs, cowboy boots or shoes with heels or platforms.
• High-quality, well-fitting, sturdy walking or tennis shoes support and protect the child at school, enabling him or her to fully participate in this very active education that includes lots of running around outside, climbing, jumping, digging with shovels, carrying logs and stumps, swinging, etc. Protect those toes!
• Rain boots for rainy days and snow boots for winter.
• Indoor shoes – simple and sturdy again, to prevent crushed toes, indoor activities do include moving and building with wood boards, cubes, playstands, woodworking, etc. Indoor shoes should be kept at school in child’s cubby.

Keep Proper Outdoor Gear at School, as we will be outside everyday rain, snow or shine (and of course in Montana we can get all three of these within an hour):

• Fall and Spring: rain pants and rain jacket and wellies or rain boots
• Winter: warm-lined snow pants and parka and snow boots for winter
• Sun hat for warmer weather, and warm hat and gloves for cold weather
• If your child is sensitive, send “warm packets” in their gloves and/or boots
  Plan to keep the outdoor gear at school Monday morning through Friday. If it is more practical to keep a “school set” of this gear at school, good places to go are the thrift stores. Outdoor gear can go home on the weekends for laundering.

  At a Waldorf school, children are working and playing, indoors and out, and need clothes that allow them freedom of movement and that offer warmth and breathability. If you need any further assistance with the clothing guidelines, feel free to talk with your child’s teacher.