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We recently published an article dispelling 5 myths of the Waldorf schooling system. It seems it's got more to offer than the “hippie” schooling system it's been made out to be, and that the Waldorf high schools in SA had some of the best Maths and Science matric results in 2016.
Our readers wrote and explained how the Waldorf system benefited their kids. Here are the letters we received:
"The Waldorf system will best prepare tomorrow’s leaders"
"I believe we need to educate our children for the world of tomorrow, and the essence of what they will require to thrive in this increasingly entrepreneurial world, where many professional and other jobs will be challenged by many factors, including artificial intelligence. And the ability to think and act creatively, the ability to work and think cooperatively with a broader communal vision, self-confidence as well as the ability to think on one’s feet and make value-based decisions.
"All three of my children attend a Waldorf school, as I believe it is the curriculum and educational system that can best prepare them to make a difference in this ever-changing and challenging world."
– Garth Solomon
"Our kids are independent, critical thinkers, thanks to the Waldorf system"
"Both my daughters attended primary school and my eldest 'til grade10. It took adjusting for us as parents with our preconceived ideas, however, my girls thrived and loved it. Both are very capable, well-rounded young adults. Their independent spirits, creative and open minds, their ability to be critical thinkers etc. is thanks mostly to their formative years at Waldorf Stellenbosch.
"I would have loved a Waldorf education for me. I think this is a great education model for South African children. Spend money on training Waldorf teachers and you won’t need to fork out for textbooks in the first 7 yrs. The best investment is a Waldorf teacher.
"May these schools grow from strength to strength."
– Anonymous
My kids are excelling more than just academically
"My 2 children went to Waldorf for 15 years, including kindergarten. It was an enriching and wonderful experience and my boys, though both 'academic', also learned many other skills which made them well-rounded, multi-talented people.
"Waldorf is the school of the future as it encourages individualism and out-of-the-box thinking."
- Jacqui Braunlich
We would do it all over again if we could
"My son has been attending a Waldorf school since Grade 1 and is now completing Grade 7. Unfortunately he will be attending a government school as from next year as there is no alternative in our town.
"We do however have an open mind towards home schooling. J is an avid reader and loves researching and learning and is a very happy child. He received high quality education. We would do it all over in a heartbeat."
– Edna Mann
Some advice from a fellow parent
"I have three children who passed through Waldorf kindergarten and primary school and I am immensely grateful for the foundation it gave them. In particular, that they are self-motivated, confident, well-rounded (and grounded), ethical individuals.
"My kids all attended a mainstream academic high school, where their grades consistently matched the top performers' and where they also received all-rounder honours and service awards. My eldest is now studying medicine at UCT.
"Some advice for your readers: I happen to like hippies but if you have academic ambitions for your offspring and aspirations to see them succeed in mainstream society, then you would be well-advised to enrol them at a Waldorf school. Be warned, however, places are scarce and they don’t just accept anyone, so best you get your act together."
– Carl
More on choosing schools:
- How to choose the right school for your child
- Waldorf schools
- Montessori schools
- Home-schooling
- Primary schools
- Crèche, daycare, nursery school or preschool?
- Choosing a nursery school
What do you think of the Waldorf schooling system? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we may publish your comments.
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