About Waldorf Education

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), an Austrian philosopher, educator, scientist, artist, and the founder of Waldorf education, emphasized the importance of achieving balance in the three different means by which a person relates to the world through the realm of thinking, through the life of feelings, and through physical activity. This head, heart, and hands synergy nurtures the child's self-reliance, while building personal integrity and a sense of social responsibility.

To mentor individuals capable of clear, creative thought and expression and imbued with the self-confidence to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world is the responsibility of the truly caring educator. With this goal in mind, Waldorf schools strive to develop the child's full human potential. With more than 1,000 Waldorf schools worldwide and about 250 Waldorf schools and initiatives in North America, Waldorf education is the fastest-growing educational movement in the world.

In 1919 Rudolf Steiner was asked to apply his insights into the human being and the developing child to the founding of a new kind of educational system. The Waldorf curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic, and practical activities to prepare the student as thoroughly as possible for the flexibility needed to meet all life experiences, while at the same time instilling a life-long love of learning.

Subsequent findings of eminent child specialists such as Jean Piaget, David Elkind, Joseph Chilton Pearce, and members of the Gesell Institute confirm the soundness of Steiner's approach.

Click Here for more history from the AWSNA site.

Facts about Waldorf Education in North America

• Introduced to North America in 1928.
• Schools and institutes 100% independently founded. Every school is an independent organization, self-directed and based on Waldorf pedagogy.
• Covers 3 countries in North America, 34 states, 4 provinces in Canada, 3 rregions in Mexico and 1 Native American nation.
• 162 affiliated Waldorf schools.
• 250+ early childhood centers.
• 17 teacher education institutes with over 600 students preparing to be teachers.
• 39 complete Waldorf Education programs pre-K through high school.
• 1 school entirely adapted to the needs of children with special needs.
• 1 school adopted by Native Americans.
• 165 stores sell Waldorf-inspired products.
• 8 Waldorf schools with educationa programs designed in partnership with farms practicing organic or biodynamic agriculture and 57 schools with gardening and farming programs.
• 2 children's outward bound camps for further education.

(Excerpted from Inform--A Newsletter for Waldorf School Communities, March 2010.)