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Waldorf education taught me how to think for myself, to be responsible for my decisions. Second it made me a good listener, sensitive to the needs of others. And third, it helped establish meaningful beliefs. In all the Main Block lessons — history, science, philosophy — we really probed the importance of values and beliefs. In dealing with a lot of complex issues and stress, if that isn’t balanced by a core of meaningful beliefs, you really will just be consumed and fail. – Kenneth Chenault, CEO American Express,and Waldorf graduate |
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What is Waldorf Education?The Waldorf Educational Philosophy |
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Waldorf schools, which began in the esoteric mind of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, have forged a unique blend of progressive and traditional teaching methods that seem to achieve impressive results—intellectual, social, even moral. – Todd Oppenheimer, Atlantic Monthly September, 1999
Whether they become zoologists, mathematicians, anthropologists, or musicians, the creative capacities developed through a Waldorf education will give students the foundation they need to be successful and adapt to changing circumstances.
We thank the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork for giving us permission to use the above description of Waldorf Education from their lovely brochure. |
None of us
can predict what information our children will need to
know twenty years from now, but we do know that to be successful
they will need the ability to think and solve problems.
Waldorf education is based on an understanding that key
to developing problem solving skills for the 21st century
is an active imagination and a commitment to pursuing one’s
purpose in life. 
Intellectual flexibility, independent judgment, and moral
courage will be essential to our children’s success as
creative and responsible human beings. To nurture these
characteristics, the Waldorf curriculum carefully balances
academic, artistic, and practical activities to stimulate
the imagined and prepare the students for life.
Rather than relying on rote memorization of standardized
information, Waldorf education seeks to engage the whole
child in the learning process. Every subject is taught
artistically, usual movement drawing, painting, music,
storytelling, and rhythm.Teachers bring the material to
life and endow the developing child with a lifelong sense
of wonder and a joy of learning. 
Waldorf teachers understand that children pass through
distinct stages of development and that both the subject
matter and manner in which it is taught need to be specific
to the age of a growing child. This understanding distinguishes
Waldorf education from other approaches to education. Ideally
the teacher moves forward with the class each year so that
an extended family is created to help children transition
through these stages in a healthy manner.
The
development model is inspired by the thoughts and writings
of the visionary educator, scientist, and philosopher,
Rudolf Steiner. Shortly after World War I, Steiner was
asked to create the curriculum for a new school for the
children of workers at the Waldorf Astoria Company in
Stuttgart, Germany. Because of its philosophy and its
innovative methods, the original Waldorf School quickly
gained international recognition and inspired the establishment
of new Waldorf schools in Germany and many other countries.
Eight decades later, Waldorf education is a worldwide
independent educational movement with over 700 schools
on five continents. 
Waldorf education is nonsectarian and works to inspire
a true morality through the development of gratitude, reverence,
and love for the world. Seasonal festivals are celebrated
throughout the year, including events from the Jewish and
Christian traditions. While the study of the history of
civilizations acquaints the children with spiritual traditions
and leaders of humanity such as Buddha, Jesus, Moses, and
Zarathustra, the school leaves the question of religion
strictly to the family.
