What is Alternative Education
School is just school, right? Not anymore. Today's educational field is no longer limited to traditional schools teaching traditional subjects using traditional methods. There are a number of alternative educational programs available in many communities. While some of these institutions use non-traditional methods, such as providing a casual study environment or a less structured curriculum allowing for personal student investigations, others choose to explore non-traditional subjects, such as zoology or woodworking. Waldorf Education is an example of one institution that does both.
A Waldorf Education
The Waldorf method of education was developed by Rudolf Steiner at the beginning of the 20th century and is based on Steiner's philosophy that people deserve respect as the 'embodiment of their spiritual nature.' Waldorf Education takes a lesson from the Renaissance school of thought and emphasizes well-roundedness, developing genius and great exploration in the maturing student while focusing equally on the body, soul and spirit of the child. At Waldorf, subjects include, but are not limited to:
- Fables/Legends
- Bible Stories
- Norse Myths
- House Building
- Gardening
- Reading, Spelling & Grammar
- Poetry
- Fractions
- Local and World Geography
- Comparative Zoology
- Botany
- Creative Writing
- Medieval and Renaissance History
- Jewelry and Glassblowing
- Music
- Physics, Astronomy &Physiology
- Knitting and Basic Weaving
- Toy Making
- Woodworking
- First Aid
While many of these arts are 'out-of-budget' expenses at public schools, they are essentials at Waldorf. Although Waldorf follows the public school curriculum of math, reading and science, it also attempts to bring out each child's special talent. Students will stay with the same teacher and with the same class K-12 which gives them the chance to learn in a familiar and safe environment. This feeling of security actually fosters confident exploration in all scholastic and artistic endeavors. Waldorf students excel in standardized tests and do very well at prestigious colleges. Most importantly, the school allows a strong teacher/parent/child bond to develop over the years, which gives the student a support base for difficult times. Waldorf schools are non-sectarian and non-denominational so that no child is left behind.
