Gaia Waldorf Pre-School is located in Cape Town. Gaia Waldorf School is a young, innovative Waldorf School situated on the urban farmlands of the Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands. This unique position has proved to be incredibly central for our diverse parent population. The school was started in 1998 to meet the popular demand for Waldorf education in the area and now comprises a playgroup, 2 kindergartens and a primary school.
Our vision is to offer affordable Waldorf education to a broad spectrum of children that reflects the unique and diverse aspects of our South African culture. Our school building is part of the original farmhouse complex, built in the late 1700s. We have children joining our school from the following areas: Southern Peninsula, Southern Suburbs, Langa, Gugulethu, City Centre and surrounds.
The Oude Molen Eco Village allows the children access to the villages craft businesses, sustainable organic farming initiatives, and contact with horses and other animals which provide a rural ambience for our school. In 2005 the Provincial Administration passed the necessary legislation to ensure that the School will remain in the newly approved plans for the eco-village at Oude Molen.
In addition to the historical buildings we occupy, Gaia has expanded by building three wooden cabins and landscaped gardens for the Playgroup and Kindergarten classes as well as a newly renovated upper primary building. The school also has the advantage of the use of the Oude Molen swimming pool, which provides opportunity for lessons for primary school children during school time, with a qualified swimming instructor. Interaction with the village, and eco-initiatives, along with the rural setting it affords, play an important part in the schools wider curriculum. Our children are farmers, riders, painters, mathematicians, writers and innovators.
Playgroup Kindergarten Learning Through Play The pre-school child learns largely through imitation, from the teacher and her actions as well as through the environment. It is therefore important for the teacher to speak and act with consciousness and the surrounding environment be filled with beauty and richness.
The classroom is a special place where an element of awe and wonder is experienced. Toys are made with natural materials, enriching the childs developing sense of touch. Balancing, hopping, skipping, etc. are all important parts of developing the senses and co-ordination. Activities are carefully chosen and the children paint, draw and model with beeswax or plasticine. Hands are also kept busy with special handwork and crafts. Singing and music are also important aspects of the playgroup and kindergarten.
Each day unfolds a particular routine and rhythm. This allows the child to feel safe and secure in the environment, as well as encourages a healthy sense of stability within their own being. Play, rather than formal or academic schooling is part of these classes, allowing for the development of strong bodies as well as encouraging the imagination and creativity. Social interaction and co-operation is also learnt through play.
A deep reverence for nature is at the heart of the playgroup and kindergarten, which is brought through seasonal nature stories, songs and activities, which culminate in the end of term festival (kindergarten only). This is a special celebration incorporating seasonal songs and stories. It is a joyous occasion held with a deep sense of reverence.
Monday
07:30 - 12:30
Tuesday
07:30 - 16:00
Wednesday
07:30 - 16:00
Thursday
07:30 - 16:00
Friday
07:30 - 16:00
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
04/06/2026 04:21 local time
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