Live Oak Charter School advocates for inclusion in Petaluma City Schools

During the Petaluma City Schools Board of Education meeting on December 10, 2024, educators and parents from Live Oak Charter School passionately advocated for the school's transition to become a Petaluma City School. The discussions highlighted the strengths of the Waldorf education model, which emphasizes creativity, hands-on learning, and a holistic approach to student development.

Nicole Mathers, a second-grade teacher at Live Oak, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak and shared her personal journey with Waldorf education. She emphasized the school's commitment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which engages diverse learners through creative expression and hands-on experiences. Mathers noted that her own children, who have thrived in this educational environment, exemplify the success of the Waldorf approach.

Kristen Walter, chair of the Live Oak board, echoed Mathers' sentiments, highlighting the alignment between Live Oak's values and those of Petaluma City Schools. She pointed out that the Waldorf approach offers a rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum, which has resulted in impressive academic performance. Live Oak students outperformed state averages in English Language Arts, math, and science, showcasing the effectiveness of their educational model.

Dr. Linda Delgado, the executive director at Live Oak, further reinforced the school's achievements, citing that 60% of students met or exceeded grade-level standards in English Language Arts, compared to the California average of 47%. In math, Live Oak students scored 44.23%, significantly higher than the state average of 35.54%. These statistics underline the school's commitment to high academic standards and student success.

The meeting also featured discussions on community involvement, with parents actively participating in various roles to support the school's programs. Valerie, a board member and parent, emphasized the importance of family engagement in the Waldorf model, which fosters a collaborative environment for student learning.

As the meeting concluded, the speakers expressed excitement about the potential collaboration between Live Oak and Petaluma City Schools, envisioning a future where Waldorf education can reach more families in the community. The board's consideration of this transition reflects a broader commitment to providing diverse educational options that cater to the needs of all students in Petaluma.