Waldorf schools form an international network of more than 1000 schools. Founded in 1919 and based on the philosophy and methods of Rudolf Steiner, this education movement stresses an integrated, developmental and artistic curriculum for children from pre-school to university entrance.
The pedagogy is designed to address the whole child: the head, the heart and the hands. The Waldorf curriculum stimulates the mind with a full spectrum of traditional academic subjects; it nurtures healthy development through experiential learning; and it involves the hands in a broad range of art, craft and physical activities, such as clay sculpture, wood carving and games. Young people pass through distinct developmental stages and the Waldorf curriculum keeps pace so that creative capacities unfold and flower rather than lie dormant or wilt. Learning is much more than the acquisition of vast amounts of information; rather it is an engaging voyage of discovery, both of the world and of oneself. Waldorf schools offer a comprehensive academic, artistic and physical education program presented in a structured, supportive and non-competitive environment which results in balanced self-esteem, initiative in action and clarity in thought. The purpose of this education is to strengthen each student to meet, not only the challenges of school, but also those of life.