Our approach to education is founded on nearly a century of insights into learning that are applied by Waldorf schools around the world. Experiential learning (learning by doing), place-based, locally-rooted learning, and kinesthetic (multi-sensory) learning, are just a few techniques. The successful results are seen in our highly-engaged students, who approach learning with motivation, discipline and enthusiasm.

“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able, of  themselves, to impart purpose and direction to their lives,”

~ Rudolf Steiner

The Waldorf curriculum carefully integrates a rich texture of practical, artistic, and academic activities, to help cultivate well-balanced human beings able to effectively contribute their unique abilities to society.

Grades

Our curriculum meets and exceeds the B.C. Ministry of Education requirements. To best match the development of children at a given age, Waldorf Education varies the timing and emphasis in which certain academics are taught. For example, children learn to write as a natural extension of drawing before they learn to read. Mathematics are introduced in Grade 1, with students doing advanced geometry and algebra in later elementary grades.

Studies and observations suggest that learning to knit in first grade strengthens math and reading development, and children work on various projects at their own pace. At the end of each year, the child has created several beautiful and treasured pieces representing many hours of focused work and learning. The lessons students learn in handwork class are not only practical life skills, they also hold many hidden lessons and virtues – such as patience, persistence, and quality – that will stay with them for life.

Science is introduced in the younger grades through nature studies, with gardening leading into botany; and nature stories and fables leading into the later study of zoology and physiology. Hands-on projects in early grades like building, cooking and other practical activities prepare for mechanics, physics and chemistry in grades seven and eight. By Grade 8, the geography curriculum has encompassed the world as has literature and history. The students are now ready to use their escalating intellectual capacities to explore the challenges of our modern world.

For more information on Waldorf curriculum visit www.whywaldorfworks.org.