Waldorf is the largest and fastest growing independent school system in the world, with 2,000 schools in 83 countries. The Waldorf School of Louisville is part of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, joining over 200 schools on this continent in creating the highest quality education for children by providing a creative, supportive learning environment based on the philosophical and pedagogical indications of Dr. Rudolf Steiner.

Waldorf education is based on the research into child development conducted by Austrian scientist, educator and philosopher Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). The Waldorf School of Louisville offers a time-tested curriculum based on the philosophical and pedagogical indications Steiner designed to bring interdisciplinary and multi sensory learning to all children. It offers a rich blend of academics and arts that provides a comprehensive education in response to the needs of the child at each stage of development.

The principles of Waldorf education aid the unfolding of each child’s physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities. The faculty and staff, with the support of parents, strive to help students develop their inherent talents and abilities so as to become balanced adults able to fulfill their own destinies and to contribute to the world out of their own initiative.

Waldorf schools are nonsectarian. Values such as respect for self and others, universal to all religious and spiritual traditions, are upheld in the classrooms. Spiritual leaders of many cultures are studied through the history of world civilizations. The question of religion is left strictly to the family.

Believing that a healthy community life is created by a diversity of sharing, the Waldorf School of Louisville welcomes children and families of any race, color, creed, religion, ethnic origin, and family structure.

Since the Waldorf School of Louisville opened its doors in 1993, our enrollment has continued to grow.  We have a Parent/Child Program for expectant parents and families with children from birth through 3 years old. Our mixed aged pre-k is for children 2&1/2 to 4 years old, our mixed age kindergarten is for children 3&1/2 to 6 years old, and we offer Grades 1-5.  Our wooded campus is 6.5 acres, providing safe and ample space for creative play and for exploring the natural sciences, while warm and beautiful classrooms encourage a sense of beauty in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Advantages of a Waldorf School:

Personal Relationships: Perhaps the most important characteristic of a Waldorf school is the personal relationships established between teachers and students. Children remain with their class teacher for years. The teachers get to know their student well, to understand their backgrounds, interests, abilities and challenges. Each student can receive the personal attention he or she needs.Through engaging in thoughtful and deeply felt discussions with their teachers and peers, the students are offered guidance and inspiration in pursuit of their emerging ideals.

Personal relationships among the students are also important. Strong relationships are formed, and class has a strong identity as a group. Important learning comes through the daily give and take of sustaining a community.

Teaching Methods: We place a great emphasis on experiential learning. Teachers are able to integrate experiential learning into virtually every discipline, enlivening the learning process and providing students with skills and knowledge relevant to the world outside school. Teachers are able to tailor the material to the learning styles and needs of the students, and are able to use alternative assessments that truly evaluate their work and abilities.