About Us

Inspiring connections to nature & community.

Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm in Essex, NY, is an independent, non-profit early childhood school and day care that offers a holistic education inspired by Waldorf principles. Situated on a scenic working farm, the school integrates nature-based learning with a rich curriculum designed to nurture creativity, social-emotional growth and a natural sense of wonder.

The school community values inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainable living, with a mission to support each child’s intellectual, artistic, and practical development. Through its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Lakeside School creates a nurturing environment where children are empowered to grow into compassionate, capable, and confident individuals.

Associate Member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America

FARM & FOREST

Growing Minds & Nurturing Hearts

OUR PHILOSOPHY

An Outdoor Classroom

In the Adirondacks

  • Exploring the relationships between humans and nature through sustainable farming
  • Emboldening our students to participate in forest exploration
  • Building developmentally appropriate foundations of science, mathematics, language, and arts through Waldorf philosophy
  • Providing families with opportunities to nurture their children with a better knowledge of developmentally appropriate expectations
  • Bringing together parents, students and friends from the local area to foster a renewed sense of community