Sunbridge Institute

Sunbridge Institute Sunbridge graduates are educators, leaders, and innovators in Waldorf schools and affiliated institutions worldwide.

North America’s longest-serving Waldorf teacher education institute offering low-residency EC, elementary, high school, music, and world language programs, courses, and workshops for students worldwide. Founded in 1967 as the Waldorf Institute of Detroit, Sunbridge is North America's oldest Waldorf teacher education institute, offering programs, courses, and workshops in Waldorf education, teacher

education and leadership. A full member institute of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN), and a partner of SUNY Empire State, Sunbridge is located just 40 minutes from New York City, sharing a 140-acre campus of woods, meadows, and biodynamic farmland with the Threefold Educational Center, a community founded in 1926 on the ideals of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education.

*Deadline extended!*You now have until June 30 to apply for a Sunbridge Diversity Fund Scholarship for the ‘26-27 academ...
06/02/2026

*Deadline extended!*

You now have until June 30 to apply for a Sunbridge Diversity Fund Scholarship for the ‘26-27 academic year. All students accepted or enrolled in our Early Childhood, Elementary, and High School Teacher Education programs who self identify as BIPOC and intend to serve a WECAN or AWSNA school are welcome to apply.

https://form.jotform.com/SunbridgeInstitute/diversity-fund-scholarship-applic




🌿 Upper Brookside’s flower boxes have been filled, our pot of red geraniums is offering a warm Main House welcome, and t...
05/30/2026

🌿 Upper Brookside’s flower boxes have been filled, our pot of red geraniums is offering a warm Main House welcome, and the Threefold campus is in full bloom.

Summer is arriving at Sunbridge, and we’re ready to roll out the red carpet for another season of learning, connection, and community. ✨

We look forward to welcoming students, faculty, and friends to campus in the weeks ahead.

🌿 What’s being taught this summer in our Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education program. This season’s coursework off...
05/28/2026

🌿 What’s being taught this summer in our Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education program.

This season’s coursework offers a rich and practical exploration of early childhood education, here's a sampling of courses:

• Aspects of Early Childhood Education
• Movement Activities for the EC Teacher
• Anthroposophy in Everyday Life
• Hand Gesture Games for the Young Child
• Early Childhood Development and the Work of the Educator
• Festivals and the Cycle of the Year

Learn from an experienced faculty including Leslie Burchell-Fox, Nancy Blanning, Jane Swain, Andrea Gambardella, Melissa Lyons, and Lynn St. Pierre.

There’s still time to apply and join this summer’s cohort.

Apply here:
https://www.sunbridge.edu/teacher-education/early-childhood-teacher-education/early-childhood-apply/

✨ Approaching Grade 3 | June 28 – July 3, 2026Summer Series | Inspiration & Guidance for Your Year Ahead ✨Step into your...
05/26/2026

✨ Approaching Grade 3 | June 28 – July 3, 2026
Summer Series | Inspiration & Guidance for Your Year Ahead ✨

Step into your third grade year with confidence and depth. This immersive, five-day online course offers a dedicated space to focus fully on this grade—through presentations, discussions, and hands-on, practical work.

Guided by an experienced class teacher, you’ll explore how to bring your blocks to life in ways that truly meet the third grader—especially as they move through the nine-year change. Through an anthroposophical understanding of child development, you’ll gain meaningful insight into this important moment in your students’ lives.

Alongside rich artistic work in music, movement, and the arts, you’ll receive valuable resources—stories, songs, and lesson ideas—and connect with a community of colleagues from across the country.

Join us to prepare for a year of meaningful, grounded, and inspired teaching.

Learn more: https://www.sunbridge.edu/event/approaching-grade-three-inspiration-and-guidance-for-your-year/

✨ Faculty Highlight: Nancy Blanning ✨We are honored to highlight Nancy Blanning, program co-director and a cornerstone o...
05/23/2026

✨ Faculty Highlight: Nancy Blanning ✨

We are honored to highlight Nancy Blanning, program co-director and a cornerstone of Sunbridge’s early childhood faculty since 1994.

With a lifelong dedication to Waldorf education, Nancy brings deep wisdom in child development, developmental movement, language arts, and anthroposophical studies. Her work is rooted in a profound commitment to supporting the healthy physical and sensory development of young children, with a special focus on therapeutic education and movement.

Nancy recently retired from a nearly 40-year career at The Denver Waldorf School, where she served as a kindergarten teacher and educational support specialist. Beyond the classroom, she is a widely respected voice in the field—frequently presenting at national and international conferences and contributing extensively to Waldorf early childhood literature.

Her work includes contributions to Gateways, Lilipoh magazine, and several WECAN publications, as well as co-authoring Movement Journeys and Circle Adventures, a beloved resource for educators.

Nancy holds a BA in English from the University of Colorado and is also trained as an Extra Lesson provider and therapeutic educator through Gradalis Seminars.

We are deeply grateful for all Nancy continues to bring to Sunbridge and to the wider Waldorf community. 🌿

Explore our Early Childhood program: https://www.sunbridge.edu/teacher-education/early-childhood-teacher-education/

📸 Class Cohorts Through the YearsThere’s something special about a Sunbridge cohort—the shared experiences, the deep con...
05/21/2026

📸 Class Cohorts Through the Years

There’s something special about a Sunbridge cohort—the shared experiences, the deep conversations, the friendships that form along the way.

Looking back at these photos of past students, we’re reminded that each cohort brings its own energy and spirit, yet all are connected by a common purpose: a commitment to learning, growth, and the work of education.

These moments—captured in classrooms, on campus, and in community—tell the story of journeys taken together and bonds that last well beyond graduation.

Here’s to all the cohorts who have been part of Sunbridge over the years 💛 Do you see a familiar face?

✨ Approaching Grade 2  | June 28  - July 3Summer Series | Inspiration & Guidance for Your Year Ahead ✨Step into your sec...
05/19/2026

✨ Approaching Grade 2 | June 28 - July 3
Summer Series | Inspiration & Guidance for Your Year Ahead ✨

Step into your second grade year with confidence and creativity. This dynamic, five-day online course offers a dedicated space to focus fully on the unique journey of the second grade child—through presentations, discussions, and hands-on, practical work.

Guided by an experienced class teacher, Suchi Swift, you’ll explore how to bring your blocks to life in ways that truly meet your students—supported by insights into child development through an anthroposophical lens.

You’ll also gain practical tools—main lesson book ideas, stories, songs, and more—alongside opportunities to connect with fellow educators from across the country. These relationships and resources will support you throughout your teaching year and beyond.

Join a vibrant community of colleagues and prepare to meet your second graders with depth, imagination, and joy.

Learn more: https://www.sunbridge.edu/event/approaching-grade-two-inspiration-and-guidance-for-your-year/

📣 June 1st - Deadline Approaching for Summer Programs!Planning to join a Sunbridge teacher education program this summer...
05/16/2026

📣 June 1st - Deadline Approaching for Summer Programs!

Planning to join a Sunbridge teacher education program this summer? June 1st is the regular application deadline for all entering programs—Early Childhood, Elementary, High School, and World Languages & Cultures.

✅ Applications submitted after this date will be subject to late fees, so now is the time to take the next step.

Explore your program options:
https://www.sunbridge.edu/teacher-education/program-overview/

Start your application:
https://sunbridge.mycampus-app.com/app?svcid=highered

📸 Smile for the Camera!There’s nothing quite like a Sunbridge smile 😊 From the past to the present, these moments captur...
05/14/2026

📸 Smile for the Camera!

There’s nothing quite like a Sunbridge smile 😊 From the past to the present, these moments capture the warmth, connection, and joy that live at the heart of our community.

Looking back, we’re reminded that while programs, and administrations evolve, the spirit of Sunbridge—the relationships, the laughter, the shared journey—remains constant.

Here’s to the many faces (and smiles!) that have shaped Sunbridge over the years. Do you spot someone you know? 💛

📣 Application Deadline Approaching: JUNE 1stApply now for Sunbridge’s Diversity Fund Scholarship—supporting BIPOC studen...
05/12/2026

📣 Application Deadline Approaching: JUNE 1st

Apply now for Sunbridge’s Diversity Fund Scholarship—supporting BIPOC students enrolled in our 2026–27 Early Childhood, Elementary, and High School teacher education programs.

This scholarship is part of our ongoing commitment to increasing access and representation in Waldorf teacher education, helping to build a more inclusive and diverse educational future.

Learn more: https://www.sunbridge.edu/about/diversity-at-sunbridge/
Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/SunbridgeInstitute/diversity-fund-scholarship-applic

Welcome to Sunbridge Institute, an independent, not-for-profit adult learning community. North America’s oldest Waldorf teacher education institute, Sunbridge presents low-residency, world-renowned Waldorf teacher education programs, as well as professional development and general interest courses...

Address

285 Hungry Hollow Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY
10977

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18454250055

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