The Denver Waldorf School Podcast

What's up with College Preparedness? Student Edition

On this week's episode, we turn over the mic to four seniors at The Denver Waldorf High School! In this candid conversation, these students share their perspectives on being well-prepared and well-supported to thrive in college and beyond. With one student describing DWS high school as "the best years of my education by far," this discussion covers everything from the unique structure of our high school honors curriculum, to their feelings going through the college application process, to the lessons they will take forward from their time at DWS. We are grateful for these four students for sharing their wisdom and experiences!

What's up with College Preparedness?

What if college readiness wasn’t just about getting into college - but about knowing who you are and where you’re headed? In this week’s episode, “What’s up with College Preparedness?” School Director Kelly Molinet explores how The Denver Waldorf School prepares our high school students to thrive in college and far beyond. She’s joined by Adam Newman, DWS High School Mathematics and Physics Teacher, and Meeri Baldwin, DWS Next Steps Coach, as they dive into the shared belief that the true purpose of education is to cultivate free-thinking, healthy human beings. Listen in to find out how our high school experience reveals to students how to identify their passions and share them confidently with the world. From hands-on support with college essays and career practicums to transformational senior projects, the Next Steps program alongside the full DWS high school experience equips students not just for college acceptance, but for meaningful, thriving lives well beyond our campus.

What's up with Student Support?

"Real inclusion happens when there is an understanding that everybody needs something different to learn." That is the message from School Director Kelly Molinet in this week's episode, "What's up with Student Support?" For this conversation, Kelly is joined by the Director of Student Support, Andrea Weid, to explore DWS' commitment to removing barriers to ensure that all students -- including those who approach learning in a neurodiverse manner -- can engage in the curriculum with enthusiasm and joy. Together with a dedicated team of support specialists, Andrea and Kelly discuss how the school creates an inclusive on-ramp to learning.

What's up with AI - a Waldorf Perspective

What's up with artificial intelligence at the Denver Waldorf School?  On this week's episode, Charlie Orphanides (current 8th grade teacher) sits down with Talon Poole (IT Director and high school teacher) for a wide-ranging conversation about AI. Together, they explore the functions and limits of AI's ability to recognize patterns and draw conclusions, while also considering human responsibility, morality, and even consciousness. As Talon notes, being human can be a superpower in an increasingly AI-driven world. Listen to learn more about how our Waldorf approach sets up our students to excel in this ever-changing environment.

What's up with Being a Waldorf Teacher?

On this week's episode, School Director Kelly Molinet sits down with our interim education director, Betsy Doyle White, and current 8th grade class teacher, Charlie Orphanides. As many of you know, Charlie was our education director last year and transitioned to be the 8th grade teacher for the 2025-26 school year. As Charlie dives back into the role of Waldorf class teacher, we thought a discussion on "What's Up with Being a Waldorf Teacher" would be a natural opening for this new school year! Together, they share what it means to be a Waldorf teacher, what training is required, the freedom and responsibility in delivering our curriculum, and the inner and lifelong work they pursue for their own development. We like to say that our students are our curriculum -- and that is only made possible by teachers who view education as their true calling, who reflect deeply on how best to meet their students each and every day, and who embrace that elusive quality of "teacherness" to remain curious and connect meaningfully with their students.