“When children relate what they learn to their own experience, they are interested and alive, and what they learn becomes their own. Waldorf schools are designed to foster this kind of learning."  

— Henry Barnes, former chairman of the Board of the American Waldorf School Association of North America, October, 1991 issue of Educational Leadership Magazine.

Waldorf Education

Seattle Waldorf School offers a developmentally appropriate, experiential approach to education. Arts and academics are integrated for children from preschool through twelfth grade, inspiring a life-long learning in our students, and enabling them to fully develop their unique capacities.

Founded in Germany in the early 20th century, Waldorf EducationSM is an educational model based on the insights and teaching of the world-renowned scientist, artist and Anthroposophist, Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf Education evolve from a profound understanding of human development that address the needs of the growing child. These principles inspire and guide teachers, administrators, trustees and parents today.

The Waldorf curriculum is broad and comprehensive. Structured to respond to the three developmental phases of childhood – birth to 6 or 7 years, 7 to 14 years and 14 to 21 years – Rudolf Steiner stressed to teachers that the best way to provide meaningful support for the child is to comprehend these phases fully and to bring "age appropriate" content that nurtures healthy growth for the Waldorf student. Music, dance and theater, science and math, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate their intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and ready to be of service to the world.

Teachers at Seattle Waldorf School are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and behavioristic rewards to motivate learning and allows motivation to arise from within. It helps engender the capacity for joyful life-long learning. Waldorf Education is independent and inclusive. It upholds the principles of freedom in education and engages independent administration locally, continentally and internationally. It is regionally appropriate education with more than 1,200 schools worldwide today.

Waldorf Education is truly Inspired Learning.SM

For extensive information about Waldorf education,
go to www.whywaldorfworks.org.

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