River Song Waldorf School – Fort Collins, Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

Waldorf Education is the fastest growing global educational movement. Because Waldorf is so unique, there are many fascinating questions. Here are some of the most often asked:

• What is Waldorf Education?

• What is unique about Waldorf education? How is it different from other alternatives (public schooling, Montessori, unschooling, etc.)?

• What is the curriculum at a Waldorf school like?

• How did Waldorf education get started?
• Who was Rudolf Steiner?
• How many Waldorf schools are there?
• What is the philospophy behind Waldorf?
• What is anthroposophy?
• What is eurythmy?
• Why should I send my child to a Waldorf school?
• How is reading taught in a Waldorf school?
• Why do Waldorf students wait until 2nd Grade to begin learning to read?
• Why is so much emphasis placed on festivals and ceremonies?
• Why do Waldorf schools discourage TV watching?
• What is the annual tuition of a Waldorf School?
• What kind of training do Waldorf teachers have?
• Why do Waldorf students stay with the same teacher for eight years?
• How are personality conflicts resolved between students and teachers handled?
• Are Waldorf schools religious?
• How do Waldorf children fare when they transfer to “regular” schools? Is it true that once you start Waldorf schooling it is difficult to “make it” in public schools?
• How does Waldorf deal with kids that don’t get it academically?
• How well do Waldorf graduates do on standard tests? How well do Waldorf high school graduates do in college?
• Is Waldorf education relevant to Special Needs children?

Acknowledgments:

Thanks to Joni Agostinelli, Bruce Bischof, John Bloom, Eddie Chang, Richard Darsie, Jenny Helmick, Gretchen Henderson, Linda Hoffman, Mary Holden, Terry Kilshaw, John Kimball, Edward Looney, Lynne McKechnie, Bill McKeeman, John Morris, Jodi Reed, Geoff Sears, Valdemar Setzer and Steve Spitalny.