Waldorf and Public Waldorf Education

Together, the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education (Alliance), the organization for public district and charter schools in the U.S., and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), the organization for independent schools, share this statement on Waldorf® and Public Waldorf sm education:

The two organizations are committed to working together to strengthen the integrity and promote the highest quality of education arising out of the insights of Rudolf Steiner through sharing resources, cultivating collegial relationships, and supporting the ongoing development and professionalism of member schools.  The Associations recognize that AWSNA members have relative freedom from government intervention (primarily in curriculum, assessment, and leadership structures) and that Alliance members receive government funding which allows them to be tuition-free for students.  Member schools of AWSNA engage in a process of organizational development, culminating in a 7-10 year accreditation cycle of self-study and peer review.  Member schools of the Alliance are beginning to engage in a process of organizational development and membership, through a process that includes self-study and peer review.  Specific information on these processes can be found on the AWSNA and the Alliance websites.

In support of the tens of thousands of families whose children attend a school that is a member of either AWSNA or the Alliance, we offer this shared statement to better understand both Waldorf  and Public Waldorf Education. Waldorf educators, whether they work in independent schools (AWSNA) or in public/charter schools (Alliance), hold Rudolf Steiner's goal for education to be eloquently expressed in the following quotes:   

“The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility - these three forces are the very nerve of education." Rudolf Steiner, Study of Man, (2004, p. 190)

"Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and meaning to their lives.”  Rudolf Steiner


Each association has established principles that serve as the foundation for the work in all aspects of member schools, from educational program to leadership and community engagement. These AWSNA and Alliance principles have the same source—the indications of Rudolf Steiner and are adapted from the core principles developed by the Pedagogical Section Council of North America. Full versions of the respective principles are available on the AWSNA or Alliance websites.

Neither AWSNA nor the Alliance can give guidance on the best fit for any child.  
Parents are advised to visit all schools under consideration as part of their school choice process.