Domestic Report: Sweden

By Britta Drakenberg, Cia Edsberger, December 2016

Waldorfskolefederationen started in the 80ies. Today most schools are members of the Swedish federation (Waldorfskolefederationen). In the early 90ies the federation together with mainly the Montessori movement, worked for state funding for our schools.

Waldorfschools have to follow the state curriculum, both lower, middle and upper schools, although we are permitted to have our own special program in class 10-12, as long as we follow the national curriculum. We have two special subjects that are included in the national curriculum: Eurythmy and Crafts, created especially for the Waldorf schools. After class 12, the students have full access to the University.

There are 42 schools, 4980 pupils, (2015-16) and it is increasing. Nearly 80 early childhood institutions exist, that have approx. 2700 pupils (early childhood institutions are not associated in the federation).

Six schools have an Upper school, with classes 10-12.

All schools are state funded, you are not allowed to charge any school fee (this rule is quite strict).

The national association is funded by the schools, the fee is based on the number of pupils in each school and amounts to 27 euro/pupil. The association has just finished the Swedish national curriculum that is coherent with the state national curriculum. We have initiated a network for school leaders and boards, we also assist schools when it comes to state inspections and other tasks. To this end, we are in constantly communicate with the government on school laws, to make sure we are not left behind, for example when it comes to Waldorf teachers rights. Together with the Montessori and Freinet movement, we offer seminars on the terms and legal matters for schools with alternative pedagogy.

Furthermore, Waldorfskolefederationen financially supports Master- and PHD studies in association with the other Scandinavian federations.

We also publish a magazine, På Väg, for teachers, parents and other people interested in our movement.

The Waldorf teacher training is organised by Waldorflärarhögskolan, WLH, that is now fully funded by the government. After this training you are allowed to teach in Waldorf schools up to class 9.

The relationship with the government is relatively good, although we sometimes feel excluded.

Contact
Swedish waldorfschoolfederation: Waldorfskolefederationen
Website: www.waldorf.se
E-mails: sekretariatet(at)waldorf.se, cia.edsberger(at)waldorf.se
Facebook: waldorfi sweden