For the Waldorf student, music, dance, and theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about, ingested and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate a lifelong love of learning as well as the intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world.
Developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf Education is based on a profound understanding of human development that addresses the needs of the growing child. Waldorf teachers strive to transform education into an art that educates the whole child - the heart and the hands, as well as the head.
When you enter a Waldorf school, the first thing you may notice is the care given to the building. The walls are usually painted in lively colors and are adorned with student artwork. Evidence of student activity is everywhere to be found and every desk holds a uniquely created main lesson book.
Another first impression may be the enthusiasm and commitment of the teachers you meet. These teachers are interested in the students as individuals. They are interested in the questions:
- How do we establish within each child his or her own high level of academic excellence?
- How do we call forth enthusiasm for learning and work, a healthy self-awareness, interest and concern for fellow human beings, and a respect for the world?
- How can we help pupils find meaning in their lives?
"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, a longtime Waldorf teacher and the former Chairman of the Board of AWSNA
Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. They achieve this in a variety of ways. Even seemingly dry and academic subjects are presented in a pictorial and dynamic manner. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and behavioristic rewards to motivate learning. It allows motivation to arise from within and helps engender the capacity for joyful lifelong learning.
The Waldorf curriculum is broad and comprehensive, structured to respond to the three developmental phases of childhood: from birth to approximately 6 or 7 years, from 7 to 14 years and from 14 to 18 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 to the children that nourishes healthy growth.
Waldorf Education:
- Is based on a profound understanding of human development
- Provides a detailed, richly artistic curriculum that responds to and enhances the child's developmental phases, from early childhood through high school
- Cultivates social and emotional intelligence
- Connects children to nature
- Ignites passion for lifelong learning
- Is the fastest growing educational movement in the world
About Waldorf Graduates...
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
(Source: Association of Waldorf Schools of North America)
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Testimonials
My son's love of nature has only grown since joining Sun Haven Waldorf School for Kindergarten in 2008. The fact that his sense of exploration of and curiosity about the natural world is not only encouraged, but appreciated by his classmates, only solidifies my resolve to expose him as long as possible to this education. We also appreciate tremendously the fact that the school celebrates so many festivals from so many cultures. And the fact the school is right across from the beach sure doesn't hurt! Waldorf education has been such a valuable experience for both my son and the entire family - we wouldn't have it an other way.
It was a huge leap of faith for us to switch from public school to a Waldorf School, but after having both of our daughters at Sun Haven for more than a full year we know we made the right choice. Our oldest daughter, Maggie, loves being part of a small class and feels that she’s part of a school community – both of these things have made a noticeable difference to her self confidence. Our youngest, Molly, came to the school brimming with self-confidence and we’re finding that it’s being channelled in a really positive way. Her natural creativity and energy isn’t being squashed - it’s being nurtured. These things matter a lot to us. We appreciate the way in which the Waldorf approach adapts to accommodate the individual strengths and personalities of our children.
Sun Haven Waldorf School has been very supportive of our family through the school's tuition adjustment program. I discovered the school when my family moved to the Sunshine Coast and at that time Sun Haven was not even on my radar, and I was not thinking about enrolling my children. Our goal was simply to get settled on the Coast and get our business transitioned from the city to the country. Once I discovered Sun Haven I knew it was an excellent fit for my children. The only challenge was that it was out of our budget at that time. I was happy to learn about the school's tuition adjustment program, and in turn was able to begin envisioning a Waldorf Education for my children. After receiving the reduced tuition for two years, and now that our family has better financial stability, we decided to give thanks to the school for their support, through a financial donation back. We could not have done it without this program. Thank you Sun Haven!
