A Comparison of Waldorf and Mainstream Education
When parents are researching private schools, the myriad of options and different educational philosophies can sometimes be overwhelming. Many prospective parents are considering transitioning their children from mainstream school into Waldorf Education. And so, the question becomes, “What exactly is the difference between my child’s current experience and Waldorf Education?”
One might generally summarize the differences in this way: Waldorf Education puts high value in art, critical thinking, and creativity and does not pursue academic instruction before the age of seven. Mainstream school puts a high value on standard and measurable academics, with a focus on math and reading starting at age five.
But this does not shed much light on the multi-layered and nuanced approaches of each system. In an effort to clarify, Spring Garden Waldorf School has created a chart describing similarities and differences in each educational system. But, for true clarification about these methods and their appropriateness for your child, visit your local area Waldorf school.
All news in this category
“A Mentor in Your Pocket” — the First-Ever Waldorf App for the iPhone
The appearance in the Apple App Store of iWaldorf, the first “Inspired-Waldorf” app for the iPhone and iPad, is the culmination of a three-and-a-half... [more]
Avalon Initiative for the Renewal of Education
A new U.S. American, Waldorf-aligned education think tank has been formed in Harlemville, New York. [more]
No Handhelds for Children under 12
10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12. [more]
Waldorf Education and Multiple Intelligences
How the Waldorf grade school subject classes help develop all of the nine intelligences. [more]
Waldorf Resources: A project of the International Forum for Steiner Waldorf Education
Rudolf Steiner's educational impulse can be found all over the world. Today, there are Steiner Waldorf schools and kindergartens on every continent,... [more]
Just climb through it
At just 13, Ashima is one of the top rock climbers in the world. In July 2014, she became the second female in the world to scale a V14. [more]
New Waldorf Teacher Program at Antioch University NE
Antioch University New England’s Waldorf Teacher Education programs are the only accredited Waldorf master’s programs in the US. The program is also... [more]
International Conference ‘Around 1600′
Initiated by the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica to mark the fourth centenary of the Rosicrucian Manifestoes (1614-1616), 'Around 1600.... [more]
To do well in first grade, kindergartners need self-regulation skills
Study finds academic success for a first-grader depends in part on both high self-regulation in kindergarten and a low-conflict relationship between... [more]
Teacher from Baltimore finds educational lessons in German Waldorf Schools
Ashley Silvernail is a College of Education graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in children’s literature and... [more]
Bund der Freien Waldorfschulen e.V.