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An Open Letter to the North Star Waldorf Academy Community: Thank You, Clarifications, and the Path Forward

Dear Friends of North Star Waldorf Academy,

Last Tuesday evening, many of us gathered at the Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) board meeting to share our hopes and support for the North Star Waldorf Academy charter petition. We showed up early, came prepared, and brought with us not only personal stories but a deep belief in what a tuition-free public Waldorf school could offer our community.

Unfortunately, the events of the evening unfolded surprisingly and inequitably.


By the time we were invited to arrive, the parking lot was already full, the seats were taken, and all available speaker slips had been distributed. As a result, our supporters were denied the chance to speak. Meanwhile, union-affiliated teachers dominated the evening with coordinated opposition, repeating several inaccurate claims about our proposal without an opportunity for us to respond.


We want to take this opportunity to thank those who came in support, and to clarify the most common misconceptions that were shared at the hearing:


1. “North Star will take money away from Encinitas public schools.”

This is misleading. Charter schools are public schools, and state funding follows the student—just as it would if a student moved districts or chose a different public option. Even if 100% of North Star students came from EUSD schools, the impact to their annual budget would be less than 4% and in fact, when homeschoolers, private school students, or families from outside EUSD enroll at North Star, they bring new funding into the district that wouldn't exist otherwise. Moreover, fiscal concerns are not a valid legal reason to deny a charter under California law.

2. “North Star will pick and choose which students to accept.”

Absolutely false—and illegal. We will be a public school and will accept all students regardless of race, background, income, or ability. If applications exceed available spots, a public lottery will be held in accordance with the law. Inclusivity is at the heart of our mission.

3. “North Star won’t serve students with IEPs or special needs.”

Also false. We are committed to serving all children and will employ credentialed special education staff. Our Waldorf pedagogy—rich in movement, multi-sensory instruction, and individual pacing—is particularly well-suited to many learning differences. We intend to build a culture where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.

4. “EUSD schools already offer what Waldorf does.”

This claim misunderstands Waldorf education entirely. Waldorf is a deeply integrated and developmentally grounded pedagogy practiced for over 100 years in 60+ countries. It cannot be "sprinkled in" through occasional enrichment. With features like teacher looping, handmade textbooks, screen-free classrooms, nature immersion, handwork, and story-rich instruction, Waldorf education is a full model—not a menu of electives. It’s not about trends; it’s about timeless, whole-child learning.


There Is Room for More Than One Kind of Public School

We believe that choice strengthens public education. Just as families may choose STEM academies or dual-language immersion programs, they should have the option to choose a tuition-free public Waldorf school. The presence of North Star Waldorf Academy in Encinitas would complement, not compete with, existing schools.


We have already heard from numerous community members: teachers, parents, alumni, and local business owners who support this vision. Now is the time to share your voice and let the EUSD Board know that support for North Star is strong and growing.


What You Can Do Right Now

If you believe families deserve the freedom to choose a Waldorf public school for their children, please write to the EUSD Board of Trustees. Share your story. Speak from the heart. Let them know that North Star Waldorf Academy is not just wanted—it is needed.


Here are their email addresses:

We are incredibly grateful for your continued support, your advocacy, and your faith in the vision of North Star Waldorf Academy. While the board’s final vote won’t come until August, the window to shape their decision is open now. Together, we can help ensure that every family in Encinitas has access to a truly inspiring public-school option rooted in creativity, beauty, and deep respect for the child.


With warmth and hope,

Melissa Nilsen, Ph.D.

Lead Petitioner, North Star Waldorf Academy



 
 
 

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