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Waldorf education in Ontario

Find the top Waldorf schools and programs in Ontario.

Here’s the OUR KIDS guide to Waldorf schools in Ontario—your introduction to an education that emphasizes creativity, imagination, and holistic child development. Waldorf schools provide a balance of academics, arts, and practical skills, encouraging curiosity and a love of learning through experiential, hands-on approaches.

On this page, we cover private Waldorf schools in Ontario. This includes Waldorf schools in Burlington, Hamilton, Halton, Toronto, Ottawa, and Oakville.

For nearly 30 years, OUR KIDS has connected with educators and families to understand what makes each school unique. On OurKids.net, you’ll find verified profiles, parent reviews, comparison tools, and expert resources—all designed to help your family make the best decision. For a more complete guide to Waldorf education, including a detailed discussion of the Waldorf philosophy and curriculum, read our guide to Waldorf schools.

2. Choosing a Waldorf school in Ontario

Our Waldorf school guide goes into detail in terms of what to expect in Waldorf schools. For general advice on choosing and assessing private schools, read our choosing guide.

Private school expos

Private school expos are a great way to research and learn about a school. The Toronto private school expo is our biggest one: it allows you to speak with many schools, all in the same place. Our Ottawa private school expo is also well-attended and lively. Find a Waldorf school near you.

Open house events

Open houses are great venues for learning about schools and getting a feel for their environment. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits. You can also read our guide to questions to ask private schools and private school interview questions.

3. What is the cost of attending a Waldorf school in Ontario?

The cost of a Waldorf school in Ontario is, on average, lower than other private schools in Ontario. It is also on the lower side of private school tuition in general, making a Waldorf school an attractive option for families.

Many Waldorf schools in Ontario offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Some also provide scholarships awarded on merit. Learn more about needs- and merit-based financial aid in our guide to financial aid. Families who are interested in the Waldorf curriculum can also explore how financial support can help make it accessible.

Below, you’ll find the range of costs for private Waldorf schools in Ontario, including locations in Toronto and Burlington:
 

Academics

Special needs support

Waldorf education, introduced by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century, continues to grow in popularity. There are over 1,000 Waldorf schools worldwide, including about 30 in Canada and 10 in Ontario. These are sometimes referred to as "Steiner schools."

Below, we discuss some of the main features of a Waldorf school in Ontario. Keep in mind that schools vary in how they implement the Waldorf curriculum in Ontario and across Canada.

Student-centred 

Waldorf schools have a student-centred approach. Teachers rarely give long lectures or rely heavily on tests and assignments (at least before grade 6). Instead, students, with the guidance of teachers, co-construct the Waldorf curriculum, giving them flexibility to pursue their own projects and interests. Teachers follow a broad curriculum, and students must meet benchmarks, though these can be achieved in different ways.

Focus on creativity 

In the Waldorf approach, creativity is emphasized across subjects. Students take classes in art, music, poetry, drama, and creative writing, and sometimes explore folk and fairy tales.

Students are also taught fine and practical arts, including painting, drawing, sculpting, knitting, and weaving, as well as musical instruments such as the recorder and pentatonic flute.

Music and the arts are integrated throughout the Waldorf curriculum. Lessons often start with a story, song, music, drama, visual arts, or poetry. This approach is designed to engage students, excite their passions, and enliven their imaginations, all hallmarks of the Waldorf philosophy.

Minimal grades 

Learning is non-competitive. In Waldorf preschool and elementary school, students are not graded on tests or assignments. Letter grades may appear in middle and high school.

Grades are thought to potentially harm education by impeding motivation, curiosity, and love of learning. Instead, progress is assessed through portfolios of student work, discussions with students and sometimes parents, and teacher observations of focus, work habits, and interactions.

Minimal textbooks 

Typically, textbooks are not used, even in later elementary grades. Instead, students maintain their own lesson books to write down thoughts and experiences. In some Waldorf schools in Ontario, conventional textbooks may occasionally be used for subjects such as math or grammar.