Explaining the Characteristics of Waldorf Education

Waldorf Education is the fastest growing independent school movement in the world today, with more than 1,000 Waldorf schools spread across five continents.  

Waldorf schools integrate intellectual, artistic, and practical instruction throughout the curriculum. The development of social skills and ethical values are key elements of Waldorf Education, woven throughout the curriculum and every grade level.  

Waldorf Education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students — to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities. Some characteristics that distinguish a Waldorf school from other schools include:  

The Class Teacher

Loving guidance is essential for children to grow into self-confident and caring adults. Waldorf grades teachers remain with the same class as they progress through the grades. The result is a strong bond between the class and the teacher. This relationship over time allows the teacher to understand the strengths and struggles of students and as they move through the Waldorf curriculum together. The class teacher also becomes a trusted, supportive resource for parents as they work in collaboration throughout these formative years.

Subject teachers

Specialized content rounds out the curriculum in a wide variety of subjects. Many subject teachers work with students in grades one through eight and come to know them well over the years. Subject classes include: 

• French 

• Handwork & Woodwork 

• Strings Class & Chorus 

• Movement 

• Painting & Beeswax/clay modeling 

Developmental Appropriateness:

At UVWS we recognize that children move through specific stages of development. To best support successful learning, we introduce academic content and subjects at a time and in a fashion appropriate to the child's intellectual and emotional development.

Integrated Curriculum

Students discover multiple and profound connections in their learning as subjects unfold over time. Scientific and mathematical subjects are enhanced and deepened through music and art. History and geography are enriched through practical arts such as handwork and woodwork.

Differentiated Learning

Curricular content is delivered through multiple approaches. Teachers reach different learning styles as they engage children through their senses, through movement, and through artistic expression.

Focusing Attention

Waldorf education encourages children's natural ability to listen and to respond to the human voice. From early childhood throughout all the grades, children memorize songs, poems, tongue twisters, and entire plays by listening to their teachers.

Social Education

Waldorf education fosters and nurtures politeness and courtesy among the children in the classroom and on the playground. We recognize that social conflict is a normal part of human growth, which must be guided rather than avoided. We work to help children learn how to resolve conflicts and come to a greater understanding of oneself and others.