What is Waldorf education?

Waldorf education was pioneered by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in post-World War I Europe. Steiner stressed that children are spiritual, as well as physical, beings. To educate a child's whole self, one must also speak to that spiritual side. The instructional method he taught approaches all learning through the arts, with a special emphasis on nature study.

The Waldorf curriculum draws heavily from the wisdom of ancient cultures, and incorporates visual art, music and language art into every aspect of the learning process.

While no religion is taught in Waldorf schools, children are exposed to a variety of mythologies as well as the stories of great men and women throughout history. We also focus on nature study and the arts, which draw children without effort or words toward the ideals of any profound experience of reverence: universal love and compassion.

At Lilac Children's Garden, we strive to give a taste of Waldorf education to interested families in the Rochester-area homeschooling community.