The Waldorf Approach

What we do

"By the time they reach us at the college and university level, Waldorf 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

 

Waldorf has become the largest independent, non-denominational education movement in the world, with over 900 schools and an additional 600 early childhood programs in 83 countries. What accounts for this widespread interest?

Following the indications of Austrian scientist and philosopher, Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), Waldorf education employs a fully developed approach that addresses the whole child: head, heart and hands. The integrated curriculum presents the right thing at the right time, moving the developing child to learn and grow in an atmosphere of respect for each child's uniqueness. The children are taught in the context of their own stage of development with the understanding that subjects must be brought to them in different ways at different ages through an interdisciplinary approach. Children are not rushed, but encouraged.
 

Graduate Stats

What skills will be required to survive and thrive in the 21st century?

Waldorf students are ready to meet the challenges of the future.

 

 

 

 

 

According to a recent study of Waldorf graduates:

• 94% attended college or university
• 47% chose humanities or arts as a major
• 42% chose sciences or math as a major
• 89% are highly satisfied in choice of occupation
• 91% are active in lifelong education
• 92% placed a high value on critical thinking
• 90% highly values tolerance of other viewpoints

 

 

 

The Survey of Waldorf Graduates indicates that Waldorf Education is achieving the following in its graduates:

                                 • Multiple Intelligences and Cross Disciplinary Learners
                                 • Global Consciousness and Sustainability
                                 • Basis for Moral Navigation
                                 • Creative Problem Solving
                                 • High Levels of Social Intelligence
                                 • Environmental Stewardship
                                 • High Levels of Emotional Intelligence
                                 • Thinkers Who Think Outside the Box

Testimonials

Waldorf education changes lives.

People personnally connected to Waldorf have great stories to share

 

"We love Waldorf kids. We reject some students with 1600s on their SATs and accept others based on other factors, like the creative ability Waldorf students demonstrate."

-Donna Badrig, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Columbia University

 

"What every parent would wish for his or her children, Waldorf education provides. The fullest development of intelligent, imaginative, self-confident and caring persons is the aim of Waldorf education."

- Douglas Sloan, Professor Emeritus, Columbia University

 

"Being personally acquainted with a number of Waldorf students I can say that they come closer to realizing their own potential than practically anyone I know."

- Joseph Weizenbaum, Professor MIT

"I think that it is not exaggerated to say that no other educational system in the world gives such a central role to the arts as the Waldorf School Movement. There is not a subject taught that does not have an artistic aspect. Even mathematics is presented in an artistic fashion and related via dance, movement or drawing to the child as a whole."

-Konrad Oberhuber, Professor of Fine Arts at Harvard University

 

"Waldorf taught me how to think for myself, to be accountable for my actions, to be a good listener, and to be sensitive to the needs of others. It also helped me to focus on the underlying importance of beliefs, and values that are the foundations of good leadership."

-Kenneth Chenault, Vice Chairman of American Express

"A Steiner education teaches you to think differently from the herd. I've found that independent ideas can be very valuable in the investment world."

-David Nadel '87

Rudolf Steiner

The founder of Waldorf education

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian philosopher, scientist, artist and educator who formulated the principles that gave life to Waldorf education. A “Renaissance man” ahead of his time, he is responsible for over 50 books and approximately 6000 lectures that touched upon almost every aspect of human endeavor, from the sciences, history, and religion to medicine, agriculture, the arts, and education.  He created the Waldorf educational approach in answer to the question “What kind of education do children need so that they will not believe war is the answer to conflict”.  Still a relevant question today…
 

“To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take real interest in the world.”—Rudolf Steiner

Below are links to more information on Rudolf Steiner:

Articles and Newsletters

Please enjoy these articles and newsletters about HWS and Waldorf Education.

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Links & Resources

 

Why Waldorf Works

This site offers a wide range of resources about and related to Waldorf Education.

 

 

 

 

 

 Research Institute for Waldorf Education
The Research Institute for Waldorf Education was founded in 1996 in order to deepen and enhance the quality of Waldorf Education, to engage in serious and sustained dialogue with the wider educational-cultural community and to support research that would serve educators in all types of schools in their work with children and adolescents.

 

Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS)

HAIS serves over 100 private and/or independent schools and over 40,000 students in Hawaii. Member schools include several of the largest independent schools in the U.S., as well as some of the smallest. While distinctive with respect to mission and philosophy, HAIS member schools are united in helping children achieve personal and academic excellence.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

NAIS's mission is to be the national voice of independent schools and the center for collective action on their behalf.

 

Association of North American Waldorf Music Educators

Dedicated to the development and support of music education in Waldorf schools across North America, the Association offers news, information, articles, and other resources about Waldorf music education and Waldorf music teachers on its homepage.