The Waldorf School Philosophy

Philosophy

Waldorf schools were founded in Germany in 1919 by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and educator. The basic philosophy attempts to bring a solution to the questions, “How can education best serve our total human needs?” and, “ How can it help prepare each child to live in society, not only intellectually, but with his creative human qualities developed and his integrity intact?”

Waldorf educators believe strongly that the education of the future must have four dimensions: academic, practical, aesthetic and ethical. In particular they believe that ethical education is possible without transmitting ready-made values. Waldorf education is a preparation fro post-secondary education and a preparation for life. Waldorf schools attempt to bring a balance between the perceived permissiveness of late twentieth century schools and the over-disciplined, overly structured schools of the preceding era. This balance provides for freedom and creativity, guidance for growing, discipline of the will and mind – in short, the education of the total child.

Principles

In order to achieve that which is philosophically sound, a number of underlying principles are attempted:

  • a broad curriculum balancing the sciences, arts and humanities.
  • a progression of learning’s based on related stages of physical and invisible, inner development as put forth by Dr. Rudolf Steiner.
  • an emphasis on character development and the integration of knowledge with the student’s own life.
  • a school day structured around the ‘main lesson’ – a concentrated daily two-hour session in which one subject is dealt with for sequences of three or more weeks, followed by lessons devoted to two foreign languages, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, physical activities and artistic pursuits.
  • a single teacher remaining with a class for a period of eight years.
  • an emphasis upon Eurythmy – a rhythmical art of movement enhancing the experience of movement in space and the experience of knowledge in the mind.

Curriculum

A broadly established Waldorf curriculum is used as a guide. The curriculum is premised on the innate suitability of certain subjects to certain ages in childhood. This is interpreted flexibility in accordance with school’s cultural setting, and local practices.

Further Reading