Why Waldorf?
“Our highest endeavour must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility — these three forces are the very nerve of education.”
— Rudolf Steiner, Founder of Waldorf Education
What is Steiner-Waldorf?
Steiner-Waldorf Education is a global independent school movement, founded over 100 years ago. Today, there are around 1,000 Waldorf schools and nearly 2,000 early childhood programs across more than 60 countries. The first Waldorf school was established in 1919 by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in Stuttgart, Germany. Guided by a head–heart–hand approach, Waldorf education nurtures the whole human being, cultivating each child’s intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual capacities, and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Childhood in Seven-Year Rhythms
0-7 years | Early Childhood - Willing Stage | The World is Good
Children learn through imitation, rhythm, and imaginative play, their senses nourished and protected. Learning unfolds in a warm, home-like environment, rich in nature and artistry, free from technology. Reading and writing are not introduced at this stage. In mixed-age groups, children explore through indoor and outdoor free play, circle time, storytelling, artistic and domestic activities. A steady, gentle rhythm weaves their days, offering a sense of security and belonging, where hearts, minds, and bodies can grow in harmony.
7-14 years | Middle Childhood - Feeling Stage | The World is Beautiful
Children learn through the feeling life at this stage — through stories, images, purposeful work, and artistic experiences — engaging with the emotional resonance of what is brought to them. Integrated block lessons, spanning several weeks, allow in-depth exploration of each topic. Each year’s curriculum is delicately crafted to echo the child’s inner unfolding. The main lesson teacher journeys with the class over multiple grades, creating a space for each child to unfold at their own pace.
14-21 years | Adolescence - Thinking Stage | The World is True
Adolescents develop independent intellect, critical thinking, ethical discernment, and interdisciplinary understanding. They learn from specialist teachers, explore all arts and sciences without streaming. Waldorf high school encourages self-directed learning, project work, and inquiry, while preparing students for higher education pathways such as NZCSE or IGCSE, ensuring they meet the world with confidence, competence, and a sense of purpose.