Waldorf education is the largest independent, non-sectarian educational philosophy in the world. Over 900 schools and 60 countries are part of this growing movement, which reaches the heart, mind and soul of its students.
Waldorf education strives to instill in children the ability to meet the challenges of our world with confidence and enthusiasm. It is based on the conviction that the dignity and individuality of the growing child is foremost and, thus, meets each child with reverence, respect and love.
The Waldorf curriculum recognizes that education must appeal to the particular capacities for learning and thought that are present at each stage of a child’s development. Waldorf education reaches beyond the academic into art, imagination and social responsibility—fostering a sense of wonder and vibrant interest for life and humanity.
About Rudolf Steiner, Founder of the Waldorf Education Method
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was born in Austria. He found his life’s work in the realms of consciousness and cognition. His techniques for the development of clear critical thinking, the cultivation of daily meditation and concentration practices and awareness of nature’s cycles, can lead individuals to reach spiritual levels of consciousness safely. He believed working along with the spiritual worlds enriches the life of the individual and the world.
A university student of mathematics, science and philosophy in Vienna, he later earned a doctorate from the University of Rostock. He edited the scientific writings of Goethe, whose approach, based on intensified, selfless observation of nature, became a source of inspiration for his own work. Steiner’s doctoral dissertation dealing with Fichte’s theory of knowledge was later expanded and published as Truth and Science. In 1894, he published The Philosophy of Freedom, which he felt to be his most important philosophical work.
Steiner brought forth out of his spiritual experiences an abundance of scientific, medical, agricultural, social, educational, architectural, and artistic renewal. Steiner called this science of spirit Anthroposophy, meaning ‘wisdom of the human being.’ Anthroposophy is non-religious, and enhances many Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and other traditional practitioners’ endeavors.
Author of almost thirty books, Steiner also gave approximately 6,000 lectures on a wide range of subjects. He initiated Waldorf education, biodynamic farming and gardening, an approach to the care and education of people with disabilities, anthroposophical medical work, and an art of movement called eurythmy.