Waldorf Education

Waldorf education, as pioneered by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, is a phenomenon of our times. From a deeply human and spiritual perspective, it addresses our modern age of intellectual achievement, both in its accomplishments and its insufficiencies. The Waldorf high school offers a rigorous and engaging academic curriculum that aims to prepare the student for life beyond high school, whatever that may be. Through its art-permeated approach to most subjects, it gives the young human being the possibility of growing into adulthood strong in soul and spirit. When first introduced in the early twentieth century, it was termed an educational system ahead of its time. Now it can truly be called a system whose time has come!

Main Lessons and Track Classes

One of the characteristics of Waldorf education is the main lesson block system, in which many major subjects are taught intensively, usually for approximately two hours each day for three weeks. These subjects are pedagogically in tune with the students’ developmental stages as they move through the grades. Math, world language and English are taught in track classes that meet two to four times a week throughout the school year.

Presentation of Academic Work

In Waldorf schools, most subjects are taught without textbooks; teachers present the information in class, and students take notes and write up short essays or observations that they transcribe into beautifully presented personal records of the material called main lesson books. At Tara, main lesson books differ from those of lower school Waldorf students, in that well-thought-out and clearly presented content is the primary focus for evaluation. A main lesson book with superlative content and little art is just as likely to earn a high grade as one with inspiring artwork.

To Learn More

Please see the Math & Science, Humanities, and “Electives” sections on this page for more details about how these subjects are taught at Tara. To learn more about Waldorf education, go to www.waldorfeducation.org and www.waldorftoday.com.