Rudolf Steiner's Philosophy

Waldorf has become the largest independent, non-denominational education movement in the world, with over 800 schools (more than 300 in the U.S.). Waldorf education seeks to enable children to become lifelong learners who take initiative in the world.

Each school is run autonomously with values meeting local needs, yet all Waldorf schools are dedicated to realizing and developing the educational aims that Waldorf recognizes as vital for all people.

The Waldorf schools acknowledge and respect the natural gifts of each person, encouraging and challenging students to achieve their fullest human potential. The goal is to awaken and foster in students:

• A sense of wonder
• Creative and inquiring minds
• A well rounded belief in their capacities
• Strength of will, character, and intellect
• Compassion for and interest in all life

The Waldorf child learns about the world through the experience of the hands and the heart, as well as the mind. In so doing, the child acquires a living wisdom that enriches the intellect and deepens the natural joy and wonder of learning. Students are also introduced to a non-religious spirituality—a reverence for nature and universal humanity—as an intrinsic value in their progress toward successful futures.

Intellectual flexibility, independent judgment, moral courage, and the ability to work effectively in a group environment are essential to the child's success as a creative and responsible human being.

The Waldorf curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to prepare the child as thoroughly as possible for life experiences. Waldorf schooling also focuses upon nurturing the child's self-confidence and self-reliance, while fostering his or her personal integrity and sense of social and environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the Waldorf approach is the recognition that children pass through distinct stages of development, and that both the subject matter and the way it is taught need to be specific to the age of the growing child.

Waldorf teachers view teaching as the art of recognizing and awakening the child's capacities and interests. Their goal is not merely to prepare their students for the next phase of learning, but to kindle in them a passion for discovery that will last a lifetime.

For information on other Waldorf schools and resources, please see the Waldorf Links page.

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