Modesto needs a school with an arts curriculum
In a Bee article, “Exploring the Valley’s economic highs, lows” (Page A1, Nov. 10), a consultant recommended that Modesto attract artists and creative professions to improve the local economy.
On Dec.8, the Modesto City Schools Board will vote on a new public charter school that would help accomplish that very goal. Manzanita Charter School would be the first Waldorf-inspired school in the county and would offer a unique arts-infused curriculum.
I am one of many parent volunteers working on this school. Some supporters don’t live in the area and have told us they would move to Modesto if a Waldorf-inspired school was here.
It’s sad that the school is in danger because of Dan Dugan, who said at a board hearing that Waldorf was a cult. Waldorf founder Rudolf Steiner’s most famous book was “Philosophy of Freedom.” He didn’t want children, or people of any age, to be forced to accept his or anyone’s spiritual beliefs.
Our parent group has never discussed Steiner’s spiritual beliefs in two years of meetings. We are not alone in supporting Waldorf-inspired public education. There are more than 20 Waldorf-inspired public charter schools in California alone. We urge the board to vote yes on Manzanita Charter.
Lisa Millegan Renner, Modesto
This story was originally published November 12, 2014 at 9:21 AM with the headline "Modesto needs a school with an arts curriculum."