Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm is a Smart Device-free campus.

Modern science is validating what Waldorf teachers have known for a long time: the consumption of media by infants, children and young people inhibits their healthy development.

At Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm, we place an emphasis on direct human interaction and authentic experiences. Studies show that a direct experience, as opposed to a virtual one, has a measurable positive impact on brain development throughout childhood into adulthood. Issues associated with premature phone usage, especially smartphones with unlimited internet access, include Continuous Partial Attention, early consumerism, mental health struggles, instances of online bullying, and exposure to explicit online content; all of which are proven to have detrimental effects on a young person’s social, emotional, and psychological stability and wellbeing. Smartphone (and Smart device) usage during school hours can inhibit a student from fully embracing one-on-one human interactions with fellow students and teachers, and interferes with immersing oneself in present-moment, experiential learning opportunities. 

Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm Smart Device Policy (revised August 2024):

High School students are required to check their Smart Devices(s) into an allotted and secure slot within the high school office for the entire duration of their daily school hours on campus (8:00 am- 3:10 pm). For High School students, they may use their Smartphone(s) AFTER SCHOOL HOURS from 3:10 pm to 3:30pm and on the northside of the High School Building (outside the Main Office and HS Annex). If a student needs to make a call during the day, they may use a landline phone located in the Lower School or High School Offices.

Students in grades one through eight are not permitted to bring to school any personal electronic devices, such as phones, tablets, music players or e-readers. In the case that it is necessary for a student to bring a device to school, parents must submit, in advance, a permission request form.
For permitted devices:
-Devices will be checked in to the Office directly upon arrival to Campus.
-Device will not be accessible to the student throughout the day
-Device may be checked back out after dismissal time
-Device is to remain powered off and put away while being transported to/from the Office until in their vehicle

Parents who need to get an urgent message to their student may contact:
All-School Receptionist (Cassandra McNally) receptionist@summerfieldwalforf.org (707) 575-7194 x 100
Lower School Secretary (Sarah Hill) sarah@summerfieldwaldorf.org (707) 575-7194 x 101
High School Secretary (Amelia Miller) amelia@summerfieldwaldorf.org (707) 575-7194 x 108

Recommendations:

Smart Device Recommendations:
Summerfield encourages and recommends families hold off on getting Smart Devices for their child(ren) until Grade 9 and above.  

Social Media Recommendations:
Summerfield encourages and recommends families prohibit social media until Grade 11.