What Is Waldorf Education?

  • “Waldorf education addresses the child as no other education does. Learning, whether in chemistry, mathematics, history or geography, is imbued with life and so with joy, which is the only true basis for later study. The textures and colors of nature, the accomplishments and struggles of humankind fill the Waldorf students’ imaginations and the pages of their beautiful books. Education grows into a union with life that serves them for decades.  By the time they reach us at the college and university level, these students are grounded broadly and deeply and have a remarkable enthusiasm for learning. Such students possess the eye of the discoverer, and the compassionate heart of the reformer which, when joined to a task, can change the planet.”
     ~Arthur Zajonc, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics, Amherst College

    Why Waldorf Works

    For the Waldorf student, music, dance, and theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about, ingested and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate a lifelong love of learning as well as the intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world.

    Visit Why Waldorf Works, to learn more about Waldorf education.

    Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Resources.  What is Waldorf Education  |  Stephen Sagarin

    Here we find an in depth history of Waldorf Education, with a focus on the characteristics of Waldorf Education rather than a rigid definition. The authors explores writings from a variety of Waldorf educators in the United States.

    Stephen Sagarin’s blog

    Waldorf Education in Public Schools  |  Laura Pappano in the Harvard Education Letter, November 2011

    Waldorf education in the public realm brings reform as it “slows down to go fast”. This article provides an overview of Waldorf education in the public sector, with a focus on urban schools.

    Download the article 

    Waldorf Education and Public School Reform: A PowerPoint  |  Dr. Ida Oberman

    This powerpoint considers what Waldorf can offer public school reform by sharing some of the methods that are unique to and successful in public Waldorf schools. Test score data from a diverse pool of public Waldorf schools is shared in context with peer like schools. Research about Waldorf graduates is also presented… Here, Waldorf education becomes not a thing, not a kind or brand of education, but a quality of education.

    Download the PowerPoint