What People Are Saying About Waldorf EducationSM

What Our Own Parents and Teachers Say

"The open house was wonderful. All staff, faculty, and volunteer parents were exceptionally warm, helpful and willing to share information and answer questions. It was great to hear each teacher’s insights and teaching philosophy. I enjoyed Kristen Rice’s talk, as she led the parents through several lessons and invited them to interact with her from the perspective of a student. It was a great way to get a clear idea of what my child would be experiencing day to day. I found the admissions process to be very thorough, in a way that made me feel that both the members of the school and I would be certain it would be a good fit for my child. My son and I were treated with a high degree of warmth and respect, and everyone involved in the process was informative and patient, as they spent time answering questions and giving me a vivid glimpse into the daily life of the school."

Kimberly Miller, Seattle Waldorf School Parent

"What I love about the education my children receive at Seattle Waldorf School is the way they are encouraged to observe and appreciate, as well as conceptualize and create. Children need to acquire the ability to confidently assess their world, then act on what they observe. Facts are important, but nothing substitutes for a deeper understanding of the processes at work. The knowledge and skills they learn here at Seattle Waldorf School are the knowledge and skills for a lifetime of adventure and wonder."

Eric Raman, MD, MSEE; Parent of Three Seattle Waldorf School Students

"After 10 years in Seattle Waldorf School, with our daughter now in eighth grade, we’ve realized that the essence of this education is – it’s not what they accomplish, it’s what they become. At this point in her journey she is happy, creative, curious, and confident. This has been achieved by efforts of the entire SWS school community: her class teacher who challenged and nurtured her for eight years of elementary and middle school; the creative specialty teachers who inspired her in Spanish and Japanese, handwork, movement, practical arts; the classmates she has shared the experience with; and the community of families that embraced and supported her through the years."

Cynthia Davis, Associate Director, Quality, Bayer HealthCare
Jeff Rahlmann, BS, MS, DC, Former Faculty Member, Dept. of Kinesiology,
University of California Los Angeles
Seattle Waldorf School Parents

"Waldorf Education just feels right to me because it is similar to what I experienced when I grew up in Switzerland. The emphasis on artistic expression I see reflected in my children makes it an easy choice."

Manuel Fahndrich, PhD CS, Senior Computer Science Researcher
Parent of Three Seattle Waldorf School Students

"We credit our children’s accomplishments in large part to the foundation they received at Seattle Waldorf School. It is true that the education proceeds at a pace that is different from most other educational programs, with emphasis in different areas. This is done purposefully, and the end result is outstanding students, well rounded and very well prepared for academic life in high school and beyond. Waldorf education instills a love of learning and problem solving in the students. All the art, music and language training not only contributes directly to intellectual development, but also gives the student a richer perspective of all academic endeavors."

Mark Gilbert, Parent of Two Seattle Waldorf School Students

"Stepping back from our fast-paced modern society, Seattle Waldorf School preserves childhood as long as possible, bringing the most out of children as they progress through each stage of development."

Mark Smith, Professor, University of Washington,
Parent of Two Seattle Waldorf School Students

"Seattle Waldorf School engages our daughter in a deep and joyful way. She is gaining a complete education that balances science, reading and math with arts and movement."

David Wetherall, Director, Intel Research Seattle
Professor, Computer Science, University of Washington
Seattle Waldorf School Parent

"Our journey thus far at Seattle Waldorf School has been nothing short of terrific. In just one year, our daughter has gained physical, emotional, and social confidence. One night last summer she asked, “When will school start again? I miss Miss Melissa so much.” That pretty much sums it up! We have gained equally through our relationship with her teacher. She has provided us with hours of insight, wisdom, and coaching at every turn of this important year. We are so thankful to be a part of this community."

Megan Quinn, Parent of Two Seattle Waldorf School Students

"Waldorf Education recognizes each child as holding within a great potential, and humbly attempts to allow that great potential to blossom as it may. It does not assume that a particular aspect of any being is more important than any other, and so allows the heart and hands to continue to be allies of the mental or academic development of each child, which is natural, effective and enjoyable for the children and teachers. Seattle Waldorf School is a blessing on my child."

Karen Coshow, Parent of a Seattle Waldorf School Student

"It was very clear after my daughter’s first days in the Seattle Waldorf School kindergarten that she was finally getting what she really needed at school. She was absolutely glowing with enthusiasm! The specially-trained faculty at SWS truly understand how to really engage the children, and help them grow into balanced human beings. The other day my son said with sadness “Mommy, the school year is ending too fast.” I would recommend Seattle Waldorf School to anyone who values a great educaton and wants their child to mature into a compassionate, creative, curious and confident person."

Jane Higgins, Parent of Two Seattle Waldorf School Students

"Seattle Waldorf School is not just a school but it is a community of children, parents, and teachers working together. The dedication and commitment of the teachers and administration is truly inspiring. I can’t imagine my son going to school anywhere else. Seattle Waldorf School is unique because it focuses on the development of the whole child."

Curt Eckman, General Manager of Construction Subsidiaries
Bear Holdings Incorporated, Parent of a Seattle Waldorf School Student

"If you want your children to be encouraged in their artistic, spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual capabilities, this this the place for them. A remarkable program led by remarkable teachers. This is truly education at its finest. My son has developed into an amazing young adult and my daughter is an amazing teen. Don’t settle for less than an exceptional education. Send your children to Seattle Waldorf. It’s worth every penny."

Submitted by a Seattle Waldorf School Parent, from GreatSchools.net
Posted January 11, 2008

"A beautiful, loving environment that has fostered in my children a deep respect and love of learning. My children look forward to going to school everyday and that brings me a great deal of joy. The school is a community filled with parents and teachers dedicated to the development of the whole child. I am profoundly grateful for the education that my children have received at Seattle Waldorf School and I encourage any curious, intentional parent to explore it further. A school community is about so much more than learning, it should be a place of beauty and love. In SWS you will find this and so much more."

Submitted by a Seattle Waldorf School Parent, From GreatSchools.net
Posted November 13, 2006

"Great hands-on learning experience that addresses multiple intelligences when presenting material. Rich in visual arts and music. Lots of language arts, cultures of the world. Age-appropriate material that recognizes that childhood is a journey not a race."

Submitted by a Seattle Waldorf School Parent, from GreatSchools.net
Posted November 13, 2006

"…I’m so glad I discovered Seattle Waldorf School…openness, an impressively beautiful, child-friendly and imagination-stimulating campus and a deep understanding of what young children need to thrive. Our child is in preschool this year – our experience has been ten out of ten stars. His teacher cares deeply about him and all the other kids…A few great things that pervade the whole atmosphere of the campus are: active, involved parents, highly educated, committed teachers and the belief that every human being exists to reach their highest purpose (anthroposophy in a nutshell.) Waldorf education honors and celebrates the innate divinity in the child and provides a structure to nurture this and keep them connected with it as they learn and grow. This is something precious I have not seen in action in other educational philosophies. I highly recommend Seattle Waldorf, and Waldorf education in general, to anyone curious."

Submitted by a Seattle Waldorf School Parent, from ParentsConnect.com
Posted March 11, 2009

"Throughout the years, I have seen children thriving here in our school. Each subject, artistic work and story taught at this school meets the needs of different stages in development. I wish I had attended a school with the same attention to education as this school offers. This is the education of the future."

Naoki Hirata, Japanese Teacher at Seattle Waldorf School

"A wonderful community where your child’s development counts! Your child learns to think outside the box, through an imaginative approach of the lesson content. It is a school where the hand is the other brain of the human being."

Wim Gottenbos, Class Teacher at Seattle Waldorf School


What Parents Say About Seattle Waldorf School Middle School

"My son enjoyed his two-day visit so much that he asked to transfer to Seattle Waldorf School middle school right away. I have no doubt that this school is the perfect choice for my son, and I can already see he is thriving in so many ways. He looks forward to each school day, and shares the events of the day with excitement and joy. I couldn't have asked for a better environment in which to enter the middle school years."

Kimberly Miller, Seattle Waldorf School Parent

"The opportunity for my children to attend Seattle Waldorf middle school has created a pervasive sense of calm in our house… I have kids coming home tired and happy. They have been challenged at school but not overwhelmed, and are pulling out homework that is manageable. I feel connected to their learning through email contact with their teachers. I feel grateful that their teachers are well prepared each day to greet my middle-schoolers, teach them, and be available emotionally to meet their needs."

Cathy Simon, Seattle Waldorf School Parent


What Other People Say About Waldorf Education

"Waldorf Education addresses the child as no other education does. Learning, whether in chemistry, mathematics, history or geography, is imbued with life and so with joy, which is the only true basis for later study. The textures and colors of nature, the accomplishments and struggles of humankind fill the Waldorf students’ imaginations and the pages of their beautiful books. Education grows into a union with life that serves them for decades. By the time they reach us at the college and university level, these students are grounded broadly and deeply and have a remarkable enthusiasm for learning. Such students possess the eye of the discoverer, and the compassionate heart of the reformer which, when joined to a task, can change the planet."

Arthur Zajonc, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics, Amherst College

"We love Waldorf kids. We reject some students with 1600s on their SATs and accept others based on other factors, like the creative ability Waldorf students demonstrate."

Donna Badrig, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Columbia University

"I first heard of Waldorf Education about five years ago, after having carried out extensive study of the neurological aspects of cognition, movement, and maturation. I was delighted to discover such a neurologically sound curriculum. I heartily support efforts to spread the awareness of Waldorf education and hope that it will spawn not only an increase in Waldorf schools but an infusion of at least some of the ideas into the mainstream where they are so sorely needed. In Colorado I am working with several districts to incorporate various Waldorf strategies into the teaching of reading and mathematics. The ideas are very well received and very much needed."

Dee Jay Coulter, EdD, Instructor, University of Northern Colorado, Outreach, Educational Consultant

"Ideal for the child and society in the best of times, Rudolf Steiner’s brilliant process of education is critically needed and profoundly relevant now at this time of childhood crisis and educational breakdown. Waldorf education nurtures the intellectual, psychological and spiritual unfolding of the child. The concerned parent and teacher will find a multitude of problems clearly addressed in this practical, artistic approach."

Joseph Chilton Pearce, Author, Magical Child

"There is no task of greater importance than to give our children the very best preparation for the demands of an ominous future, a preparation that aims at the methodical cultivation of their spiritual and their moral gifts. As long as the exemplary work of the Waldorf School Movement continues to spread its influence as it has done over the past decades, we can all look forward with hope. I am sure that Rudolf Steiner’s work for children must be considered a central contribution to the twentieth century and I feel it deserves the support of all freedom-loving thinking people."

Bruno Walter, Composer and Conductor

"The importance of storytelling, of the natural rhythms of daily life, of the evolutionary changes in the child, of art as the necessary underpinning of learning, and of the aesthetic environment as a whole – all basic to Waldorf education for the past 70 years – are being ’discovered’ and verified by researchers unconnected to the Waldorf movement."

Paul Bayers, Professor Columbia Teachers’ College

"American schools are having a crisis in values. Half the children fail according to standard measures and the other half wonder why they are learning what they do. As is appropriate to life in a democracy, there are a handful of alternatives. Among the alternatives, the Waldorf school represents a chance for every child to grow and learn according to the most natural rhythms of life. For the early school child, this means a non-competitive, non-combative environment in which the wonders of science and literature fill the day without causing anxiety and confusion. For the older child, it offers a curriculum that addresses the question of why they are learning. I have sent two of my children to Waldorf schools and they have been wonderfully well served."

Raymond McDermott, Ph.D., Professor of Education and Anthropology, Stanford University

"Waldorf Education places the development of the individual child in the focal point, convinced that the healthy individual is a prerequisite for a healthy society."

The International Conference on Education of the United Nations Educational and Scientific Cultural Organization

When approached by the news media and asked the question, "What did Waldorf education do for you?," Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg replied, "It encouraged me to always strive to become a better human being."

"I believe that Waldorf Education possesses unique educational features that have considerable potential for improving public education in America. Waldorf schools provide a program that not only fosters conventional forms of academic achievement, but also puts a premium on the development of imagination and the refinement of the sensibilities."

Elliot Eisner, Ph.D., Professor of Education and Art,
Stanford University; Past President, American Educational
Research Association; Author, Curriculum and Cognition:
Educating Artistic Vision