Waldorf Education

The following information, along with many more resources and articles, can be found on the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America's (AWSNA) website, www.waldorfeducation.org.

Waldorf education turned 100 in 2019. There is an international effort to mark this occasion, including a lot of information forthcoming in video form. Watch this short video, Learn to Change the World, to learn more! 

In 2016, AWSNA's Pedagogical Section Council formulated seven core principles to explain and guide the development of Waldorf schools and education. These principles, available here, apply to all aspects of a school's ongoing development. They inform what we are striving for here at Madrona School.

In a nutshell, Waldorf education:

  • Is based on a detailed understanding of human development.

  • Provides a detailed, richly artistic curriculum that responds to and enhances a child's developmental phases.

  • Cultivates social and emotional intelligence.

  • Connects children to nature.

  • Ignites passion for lifelong learning.

  • Is the fastest growing independent educational movement in the world.

According to a recent survey of Waldorf graduates:

  • 94% attended college or university.

  • 89% are highly satisfied in their choice of occupation.

  • 91% are active in lifelong education.

  • 92% placed a high value on critical thinking.

  • 90% highly value tolerance of other viewpoints.

Waldorf students have graduated from a broad spectrum of universities, including ivy league colleges. Waldorf graduates have chosen professions including medicine, law, science, engineering, computer technology, the arts, social science, government and teaching at all levels.

When a sampling of college professors were asked to describe how a student from a Waldorf school might compare with other students, they said things like:

"Strong intellectual curiosity, a willingness to dive into and try out new things, an ability to empathize with students who are struggling, and the confidence to express herself." -- Margaret Pobywajlo, Director of the Learning Center, University of New Hampshire, Manchester

Read other professors' thoughts, and additional information in the Research Institute for Waldorf Education's brochure "The Results of Waldorf Education", available in the school office.

Madrona School is a non-profit, tax exempt public charity organization incorporated in the State of Washington. Madrona School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender expression or identity, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or religion in any of its programs, classes or activities.