As a courtesy to our applicants during this difficult time, application fees have been waived. See instructions on our application form.

Our Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education program welcomes applications from both in-service teachers (individuals who are actively working a minimum three days a week as lead or assisting teachers in a WECAN/AWSNA-affiliated or Waldorf-inspired early childhood setting, including home-based programs) and pre-service teachers (all other individuals).

In-service applicants who are working in home-based programs, and all pre-service applicants, are required to have five days documented observation in an early childhood setting of an WECAN/AWSNA affiliated Waldorf school within two years prior to beginning their Sunbridge studies.  If you are not currently situated in a WECAN/AWSNA Waldorf early childhood setting and would like to locate one near you, visit WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America) for a member listing.

The program holds requirements for all students to observe and work with children in a Waldorf early childhood setting during the program; these requirements vary according to a student’s work status.

Applicants are expected to be familiar with Waldorf Education and anthroposophy through faculty study and other study groups, workshops, and conferences. As anthroposophical Foundation Studies are embedded in the program curriculum, previous Foundation Studies coursework is not a prerequisite for admission; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to engage in Foundation Studies either prior to or concurrent with their Sunbridge study. Applicants are also encouraged to visit and experience Waldorf schools as often as possible.

Applicants who are highly experienced Waldorf early childhood educators with significant relevant prior coursework may qualify for our Early Childhood Completion Track.

A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to the program, but a high school diploma is required.

This program enrolls every other summer. The next cohort enters 2020 (intensive dates for this new cohort: Sunday, June 14-Friday, July 3).

The regular application deadline is May 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible (especially those individuals seeking financial aid). Applications submitted after May 1 are considered on a space-available basis and must contain a late application fee.

Application Process

• Complete an application form. You may apply online, download a pdf of the form, or request to have a paper version sent to you by filling out an inquiry form or by contacting us at 845-425-0055 x20.
• A completed application includes:
  • Application form – completed, signed and dated
  • Non-refundable $50 application fee. Applications submitted without this fee will not be processed. Applications submitted after May 1 must include a $50 late fee.
  • Current resumé
  • Personal statement
  • One letter of recommendation sent from the recommending person directly to the Sunbridge Institute Admissions Office
  • If applicable, a transcript from your degree-granting institution or any college attended. Otherwise, a high school transcript or diploma.

• Send your application and non-refundable application fee of $50 to:
  Sunbridge Institute Office of Admissions
  285 Hungry Hollow Road
  Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977

Applications may be submitted at any time. Once your application is received, it is reviewed for completeness and forwarded to an Early Childhood Program director who will contact you for an interview. Admissions decisions are sent out soon thereafter, on a rolling basis.

(Please note that the summer 2020 intensive for the new cohort begins on a Sunday this year!)

Occasionally, applicants are admitted to Sunbridge Institute on a provisional basis. In such cases, students are accepted into the program with the proviso that they meet specific conditions as indicated in their letter of acceptance.

Sunbridge is approved by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to invite the transfer of foreign students into the United States to study at our Institute. We welcome students from all over the world to join our student body and engage in the pursuit of becoming a Waldorf teacher.

Please click here to learn about the step-by-step process of applying for a visa with the support of Sunbridge Institute.

NOTE: All applicants whose first language is not English or who have taken their prior education in a non-English-speaking college or university must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in English during the admissions process (through a hand written personal statement and phone conversation). Taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be required.

Enrolled students (those who have been accepted into the Early Childhood Teacher Education program, have completed and signed a current enrollment agreement and meningitis and photo release forms, and have paid a non-refundable registration fee which is applied toward tuition) may defer enrollment for one enrollment cycle (two years). Before returning, the student must have a phone conversation with the director of education. If significant changes in life circumstance have occurred, the director of education will refer to a program director for a follow-up conversation.

Deferments may not be extended; if you choose not to matriculate in the next enrollment cycle, you must re-apply to be considered for admission in a future cycle and pay all pertinent fees (including application and registration fees).

Individuals interested in seeking an enrollment deferral should contact the admissions office to begin the process.

If you have any questions about applying to our program, we encourage you to contact our admissions office at info@sunbridge.edu / 845-425-0055 x20

In all of its dealings, including its admissions, educational, and employment practices, it is the policy of Sunbridge Institute, its Trustees, officers, employees and other duly authorized agents not to discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of race, color, creed, gender, age, culture, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or identification, or mental or physical handicap.