Sunbridge Institute is housed on the 140-acre campus of the historic Threefold Educational Center, located in the Village of Chestnut Ridge in Rockland County, NY. As one in a cluster of several anthroposophically-based institutions situated on a beautiful parcel of land purchased in 1926 by students of the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, Sunbridge affords its students a unique opportunity to become part of a living community where many of Steiner’s ideas can be seen at work.
The land’s original farmhouse, “The Main House,” houses Sunbridge’s administrative offices and one classroom. Sunbridge students also attend classes in the adjacent Brookside building and in various locations around the community, including at many of the institutions listed below.
The beauty of the natural environment that surrounds our institute—woodlands, gardens, walking trails, orchards, a farm, a swimming pond—presents an ideal backdrop for study and relaxing recreation. For more urban pursuits, however, New York City is only 30 miles and a local bus ride away.
Threefold Educational Center
The steward of the community’s land, the Threefold Educational Center develops and supports a wide range of educational activities based on the work of Rudolf Steiner and houses many educational and community initiatives.
Green Meadow Waldorf School
One of the oldest and most well-established Waldorf schools in North America, Green Meadow Waldorf School enrolls students from early childhood though high school. Sunbridge’s proximity to Green Meadow allows our students to experience the life and environment of Waldorf Education, including serving as assistants and student teachers in Green Meadow classrooms. Many Green Meadow teaching faculty also serve as Sunbridge faculty and act as mentors for Sunbridge students, sharing their experience and insights.
Eurythmy Spring Valley
A center for practioners of eurythmy, an artistic form developed by Rudolf Steiner and his wife, Marie, that expresses music and language through movement, Eurythmy Spring Valley offers courses and workshops and a four-year training program, sponsors a touring ensemble, and presents various performances throughout the year. Sunbridge students’ eurythmy classes are often taught by Eurythmy Spring Valley faculty and take place in the beautiful eurythmy rooms located at the School.
Fiber Craft Studio
Housed across the lawn from the Main House in historic Orchard House, the Fiber Craft Studio, with its adjacent dye garden, is a center for research, practice, and the teaching of handwork based on a spiritual view. In addition to hosting courses and workshops, the Studio carries many items for purchase, and holds open studio hours throughout the year.
The Pfeiffer Center at Threefold Community Farm
The Threefold Community Farm—a newly-established joint venture between the Pfeiffer Center (home of the first biodynamic farm in North America) and the neighboring Fellowship Community’s Duryea Farm—practices, teaches, and spreads awareness of sustainable land care through internships, workshops, and educational programs. Biodynamic agriculture, compost heaps, beehives, a bread oven, and more are located here. The Farm’s seasonal weekly farm stand and year-round self-serve store can be accessed by walking through the Fellowship to 101 Ackertown Road.
Gardening courses provide opportunities for Sunbridge program students to experience the Threefold Community Farm and the insights of its master gardeners.
Fellowship Community
Adjacent to the Threefold property is the Fellowship Community, an intentional community of all ages founded on the ideas of anthroposophy and centered around the care of the elderly. Working and learning together in service to others and in caring for the earth is the Fellowship’s central motif; there is also an anthroposphical medical practice here.
Sunbridge students and their families are welcome to explore the Fellowship Community—including their beautiful farm and dairy, woodlands, and fields—and to occasionally participate in festivals and events held there. While walking through Fellowship property, please attend to signage and keep children away from electric fences.
Threefold Pond
Located on Hungry Hollow Road across from the Main House, Threefold Pond is the community swimming hole and a welcome place to cool off on a hot summer day. Discounted (or, sometimes, free) passes are available to Sunbridge students.
Children on Campus
While students are welcome to bring their families with them when coming to Sunbridge, please know that children are not permitted in our classrooms. The Nature Place Day Camp, a non-competitive nature-oriented camp for children ages 4-15, is housed right next door to Sunbridge on the Green Meadow campus and may be a day camp option for students who are bringing their families while studying here over the summer. Nature Place campers avail themselves of the Threefold campus and pond and also take day and overnight trips to surrounding areas. Campers generally have to sign up for a minimum number of weeks.
If you would like information on local childcare options, please email [email protected] with “Childcare” in the subject line. Please know that your best option is to bring a childcare provider with you when coming to campus with your children.
More Resources
Read about Sunbridge housing and meal options.
Read about the fascinating Threefold Community history, follow its active listing of community events, or visit its Community and Education pages to learn more.
Download a Threefold Community map. (Note: Meadowlark Toys & Sunbridge Books and the Hand ‘n Hoe are no longer in operation.)
