From left to right: Josiane Schantz, Kent Ratekin, Pauline Mansley and Dennis Scott stand as the original founders of Whatcom Hills Waldorf School  (not shown David Steege)

Whatcom Hills Waldorf School was founded and incorporated as a non-profit foundation in 1986 by a dedicated group of parents, teachers, and volunteers. Two years previously, a small group of preschool children met in the home of a Waldorf teacher while waiting for those who would be the founding teachers to return from their student teaching year in Waldorf Education. 

In 1986 the school began in a community hall, located in the Happy Valley neighborhood, with a kindergarten and first grade. In 1988 WHWS purchased the historic Geneva School (founded in 1891). Since then, the campus has undergone dramatic improvements and growth. 

In 1998 a capital campaign culminated with a new building that provided four new classrooms. By 2000 an addition to the new building was completed, which added a beautiful performing arts hall and two more classrooms. The campus was further expanded in 2007 through the purchase of the home that is now another Early Childhood center. Recent improvements include solar panels on the roof of the original Geneva School building, a teaching garden located on the early-childhood property, and the remodel of Foxwood Cottage to accommodate the After School Care and Practical Arts Programs.

As our school matured, we began to take on a more active role in our region. We have hosted numerous conferences and workshops, as well as the annual Renaissance Faire for area schools and Sound Circle Center Waldorf Teacher Training. Our application for full-membership in the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) was granted in 2004, and we have offered support to several initiative schools in Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. In June 2024 after a rigorous reaccreditation, WHWS obtained anther 6-year term of accreditation from AWSNA.