What’s the difference between Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools? And which school is a better fit for your child: Waldorf or Reggio?
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Below, we compare Waldorf and Reggio Emilia education in Canada. This will help you understand how each philosophy works—and whether one might be a strong match for your child in a private school setting.
The Waldorf philosophy differs significantly from mainstream schooling. Its practices emphasize holistic development, creativity, and a rhythm of learning that respects child development stages.
Waldorf schools don’t follow a rigid, standardized curriculum. Teachers shape the program based on students’ interests and deliver lessons in an integrated and artistic way.
Waldorf aims to nurture intellect, emotion, and action—often phrased as “head, heart, and hands.” This means, alongside academics, children explore arts, storytelling, movement, and craftsmanship.
Waldorf delays formal academics. Core subjects like reading, math, and science typically begin in Grade 1. In preschool and kindergarten, learning is more play‑oriented, with a focus on creativity, rhythm, and social development.
Art, music, drama, and crafts are woven deeply into daily lessons. Many subjects begin with a creative element—a narrative, song, or movement—before diving into concept and practice.
Pretend play is actively encouraged in early years. Waldorf classrooms are rich with toys, natural materials, art supplies, and outdoor play areas to support imaginative learning and social skills.
Early grades emphasize hands‑on learning: cooking, gardening, cleaning, sewing, and woodworking are regular parts of class life, fostering responsibility and dexterity.
Waldorf schools typically minimize screen time. Early classrooms avoid tablets, computers, and televisions. The aim is to prioritize real-world interaction and creative play in early learning years.
The Reggio Emilia approach is also progressive and child-centred, especially in early education. It emphasizes exploration, inquiry, and collaboration.
Reggio Emilia classrooms favour a “co-constructed curriculum.” Teachers observe children’s interests and collaboratively design projects and activities around those interests.
Rather than pre-planning each lesson in detail, Reggio teachers respond dynamically to what children are curious about. They ask questions, listen, and let learning evolve.
Project work lies at the heart of Reggio. Students often propose their own investigations—these can be short explorations or long-term inquiries, giving depth and ownership to learning.
A Reggio classroom is a network of relationships: child-to-child, child-to-teacher, and child-to-environment. Teachers set up spaces to support rich interaction, and small-group collaboration is common.
Reggio learning embraces many “languages” or modes, often called the “hundred languages.” Children use drawing, sculpting, movement, storytelling, music, and more to express their ideas and understanding.
Parents are integral to Reggio Emilia. They often participate directly in the classroom, collaborate in planning, support documentation, and act as partners in their children’s learning journey.
To compare these approaches further, including their fit within different private school models, check out our guides: Montessori vs Waldorf vs Reggio, Waldorf vs Montessori, and Montessori vs Reggio Emilia. For comparing specific schools side-by-side, use our compare hub.
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Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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"At Pickering College learning begins with authentic questions, real organizations, and challenges that matter. Students work alongside community partners, develop solutions to real problems, and create tangible impact.
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"Founded in 1962, TFS offers an exceptional English and French education from 20 months to Grade 12. TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario within the International Baccalaureate framework.
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 Kanata, Ontario • Kanata, Province Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive "For 50 years, Kanata Montessori has offered excellent learning environments for students to grow emotionally, socially and academically into a positive global citizen." —From the school
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 Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Recognizing each student's potential in their pursuit of excellence, we encourage progress, we develop opportunities, and we advocate belonging as they create paths that take them into uncharted territories." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra/Lakeshore "TFS' West Campus in Mississauga offers the curricula of France and Ontario within the IB framework from PK to Grade 7. Our bilingual, coed, non-denominational environment fosters curious learners and engaged citizens." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Davenport Rd/Spadina Rd "Waldorf education is 'schooling with heart'. Students and parents love our class sizes, strong teacher relationships, incredible curriculum, unique opportunities and arts-infused academics!" —From the school
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 Richmond Hill, Ontario "Richland Academy blends Reggio-inspired learning with the IB World School framework, nurturing students through inquiry, real-world experiences and strong connections, building confidence, empathy, and lifelong learning." —From the school
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 Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario "SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration in a caring and inclusive community. Through its IB curriculum and rich co-curricular programming, SJK guides students to discover their unique talents and passions." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario "Shining Stars School believes by combining the most conducive, inclusive and safe learning environment and developmentally appropriate curricular supports, our students can succeed!" —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta "Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and engaging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity." —From the school
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 North Vancouver, British Columbia "Saplings is the North Shore’s ONLY nature-based school which teaches your students the curriculum through hands-on outdoor experiences. Supporting deeper learning through concept-based and competency-driven approaches" —From the school
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 Markham, Ontario Woodbine Av./Hwy 7 "Character at the core sets apart J. Addison School. Our goal is to build successful well-rounded individuals guided by our core values—Respect, Kindness, and Manner." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario ""Alderwood Academy nurtures the heart, mind, and soul of every child through holistic education rooted in love, culture, and Catholic values—where learning becomes a joyful journey."" —From the school
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 Scarborough, Ontario Brimley Avenue/Finch Avenue East "RCS’s purpose is to unleash the potential in each student and set them on the path for a successful life. We provide rigorous academics with individual attention in a diverse, energizing, and caring environment." —From the school
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 Etobicoke, Ontario Lakeshore and/Kipling "Our approach to learning surpasses traditional education outcomes by interweaving subjects for holistic understanding, fostering essential skills for navigating life challenges in social, emotional and academic contexts." —From the school
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 Thornhill, Ontario Bathurst St/Rutherford Rd "Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics, arts and movement while addressing the intellectual, physical, emotional and social aspects of child development from preschool to gr. 12." —From the school
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 Guelph, Ontario Victoria Rd N/Woodlawn Rd E "Trillium provides a vibrant and deeply nourishing comprehensive education designed to support both our students' capacity for free thinking and the strength of character needed to meet a radically changing world." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario "Atelier Kids is a community with passionate educators, engaged parents and curious, adventurous children. Our inquiry-based program is focused on creative arts and building a strong connection with the natural world." —From the school
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 New Westminster, British Columbia Rousseau Street/Braid Street "Where students belong, think critically, and act with purpose. Urban Academy blends innovative learning, creativity, and meaningful experiences to shape confident, future-ready leaders." —From the school
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 Nepean, Ontario "R.I.S.E. Academy empowers youth with personalized, experiential learning rooted in equity and the UN SDGs.We focus on inquiry-based, culturally relevant education that fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact" —From the school
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 Collingwood, Ontario ON-Highway 26 W (Balsam St.)/First Street "At Pretty River Academy, wonder emerges and purpose unfolds. Through inquiry, innovation, emotional intelligence, and experiential learning, students become resilient thinkers, creators, problem solvers, and leaders." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bloor St W/Jane St "A specialized micro school for bright learners with ADHD, giftedness, and complex profiles. We offer individualized, strengths-based learning in a calm, supportive environment where students feel understood and thrive." —From the school
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 Burlington, Ontario Appleby/Britannia "Evergreen Christian Academy redefines education through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration and small classes where children are truly known, challenged, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." —From the school
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 Burlington, Ontario Appleby Line/Upper Middle Road "Discover Halton Waldorf School—where confidence, independence, and curiosity thrive. Nestled on five lush forested acres, our unique campus has nurtured young minds through Waldorf education since 1984." —From the school
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