Rooted in community.
Growing through giving.

The Foundation for Petaluma Public Waldorf (formerly the Live Oak Charter School Foundation) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support the vibrant programs, dedicated educators, and whole-child learning that defines Valley Vista Public Waldorf School.

Through the collective generosity of our community, we help bridge the gap between public funding and the true cost of providing an inclusive, high-quality Waldorf education for all.

Help us bridge the gap.

Colored fabric hand cutouts decorated with buttons, beads, and embroidery, arranged on a black background with gold star cutouts above.

Family Pledge Program

Due to reductions in state and local funding, Valley Vista Public Waldorf must raise over 12% of its annual operating budget through local fundraising efforts. This year, that means our community must come together to raise $548,696 to sustain a robust Waldorf education.

One of the primary ways families can participate in this shared work is through the Family Pledge Program. We invite every household to make a (tax deductible!) one time or monthly pledge.

We want you to know: the actual gap in public funding is about $1,300 per student each year (in full that works out to $110/month over 12 months).

We share that number as a reference point for transparency, not an expectation. We encourage you to give at the level that feels right for your family, whatever that is. Every Family Pledge, no matter the size, strengthens our community and helps carry the work of this education forward — together. Your support not only helps fund the programming that makes our school special, but also shows outside funders that our community is deeply invested. High participation makes us stronger and more competitive for additional funding.

Our strength lies not in equal gifts, but in shared commitment.

Our goal is 100% participation. Will you help us get there by making your Family Pledge now?

Discover the Impact of Your Generosity

Together, we bring to life the richness of a Waldorf education, something public funding alone cannot sustain.

  • Children wearing flower crowns, holding colorful cones and standing in line outdoors, celebrating a spring or flower festival.

    All-school festivals that celebrate seasonal rhythms and cultural stories, like the Dragon Pageant, Spring Faire, and Cena latina.

  • A person wearing a red jacket, black pants, and gray shoes is climbing on a rocky mountain slope. They have a black backpack and a yellow jacket tied around their waist. The landscape features a vast, scenic view of distant mountains, valleys, and a partly cloudy sky.

    Overnight adventures that foster independence and courage

  • Children performing a biblical play on stage, dressed in costumes resembling ancient Middle Eastern attire, with a backdrop featuring a city and a large camel prop.

    Class plays that bring literature and history to life through collaborative and confidence-building productions.

  • A young girl knitting colorful yarn in a classroom setting with other children in the background.

    Handwork classes where students knit, crochet, and sew, deepening coordination, sequential memory, and spatial awareness.

  • Two children with backpacks looking at an underwater coral reef exhibit through a large circular glass window.

    Enriching field trips that connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences.

  • Children in red costumes practicing archery at outdoor event with people and trees in the background.

    Movement classes that support physical and mental health, coordination, confidence, and joy.

Look what we did!

How community giving enriched the Waldorf experience in 2024-25.

Fundraising report for Petaluma Public Waldorf School showing community impact, total funds raised ($267,959.36), and donation methods including annual fund, auction, and jog-a-thon, with highlights of activities and support.

Foundation Events

  • Two hands holding black coffee cups with frothy coffee inside, against a background of green bushes.

    Community Coffee

    These casual morning gatherings are a chance for parents and caregivers to connect, ask questions, and hear updates about school life and Foundation initiatives. All are welcome – drop by and say hello!

    Dates coming soon!

  • Children participating in a running activity outdoors with staff members, in a parking lot on a sunny day.

    Jog-A-Thon, Fall 2025

    Lace up for fun and fundraising! Our students run, skip, and move their way through a joyful day of activity while raising money for the programs that enrich their education. It’s a spirited celebration of movement, community, and school pride.

  • A live musical performance with a woman singing into a microphone in the center, surrounded by four band members playing guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard on a decorated stage with fairy lights and floral adornments.

    Auction, Spring 2026

    Our biggest celebration of the year! The annual Auction brings together families, staff, and community members for an unforgettable evening of food, connection, and giving. All proceeds support the programs and experiences that make our school so special.

Meet The Foundation

Group of seven people standing outdoors with cloudy sky background, smiling at the camera.

As a group of dedicated parent volunteers, we are committed to supporting the vibrant programming at Valley Vista Public Waldorf. We are welcoming new members for the 2025/26 school year, including a Secretary and Members-At-Large.


All are welcome to join our meetings on the third Monday of each month, 6pm - 8pm.


Contact: chair@petalumapublicwaldorf.org if you are interested in learning more about joining the Foundation or for a Zoom link or in-person meeting location.

Left to right: Gwynne Johnson (Grades 5 & 7), Robert Bunce (Grades 6 & 8), Jennifer Okonsky (Grade 7), Andy Crichton (Grades 6 & 8), Lizzy Russinko (Grades 6 & 7), Andy Hohenner (Grades 2 & 7), Amanda Ferstl (Grade 2), not pictured: Jerusha Ogden (Grade 8)