Unique features of a Waldorf school
We work in more subtle ways than other schools with more hands-on activity. A lot of time is spent away from desks, with children using their hands and bodies in learning activities. We see children as multi-faceted, and the more engaged the body is in hands-on activity, the more engaged the brain is. It also helps build their self-confidence, because rather than just learning off a blackboard or writing tests, they are constantly accomplishing tasks, which is more tangible and rewarding. We also have integrated academics, so that students use what they learn from a variety of different subject areas to complete practical projects.
Unique benefits of a Waldorf school
At Waldorf schools, 95 percent of our graduates go to university, and 50 per cent get a master's degree or PhD, so the first thing I tell parents is that it works. Also, the No. 1 factor in the successful education of a child is parental involvement, and our schools heavily emphasize a strong involvement by a child's family, which makes all the difference.
Is Waldorf school a good fit for my child?
Parents need to see for themselves what Waldorf is all about and how it promotes the development and self-esteem of children. Children are fully immersed in learning in a holistic way, and we don't have to give them a gold star or tell them they've done a good job when they achieve something, because they experience that satisfaction directly through learning that is fun, engaging and practical.
—Ryan Lindsay President of the Waldorf School Association of Ontario