Detroit Waldorf School Celebrates 50th Anniversary

School leaders and alumni say the school continues its dedication to diversity in the classroom.

On Saturday, the Detroit Waldorf School celebrates its 50th anniversary in the city.

The building in the Indian Village neighborhood was built in 1913, designed by architect Albert Kahn.

The private K-8 Waldorf School describes its philosophy as being “a beacon of solidarity and proponent of justice and equality as one of the few alternative education options within the city limits.”

Waldorf’s enrollment and outreach director Charis Calender-Suemnick and 1985 Waldorf graduate Hussein Warmack join Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to talk about the school and its importance to students in Detroit.

Calender-Suemnick says the school was founded, in part, to encourage diversity in the classroom, and that it was one of the first integrated schools in Detroit at that time.

“It actually remains part of our mission today… that we are dedicated to diversity in our school,” she says. “And we are 46 percent student population of color in our school. And I think that really stands out in the city today.”

To hear the full conversation, click on the audio player above.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.