Steiner/Waldorf in Germany Question for Germans

[EdnaMarie]

I was told by a German I know that Waldorf schools in Germany are often magnet schools for special-needs kids that can't function in the "regular" schools.

I'm in Germany, but I feel the question could be taken the wrong way if I ask someone I only know somewhat, so I hope you all can clarify.

We are going to visit a Waldorf pre-school for my daughter tomorrow. Waldorf was not my first choice for many reasons, but... there is not much of a choice around here. A new law has all the kindergartens full to capacity.

I think a diverse school could have a lot of benefits, but I also want to know ahead of time if they will automatically expect her to have a special need, or if people will assume that she has special needs just because she's in that school. Especially since if we stay she may go on to German public school.

Anyway, like I said, we're going to visit, but has anyone heard of this before?

[lyrebird]

I spent 3 months at a Waldorf school in Germany as a student many years ago and that is very far from my experience, in fact I have never heard of that. But I didn't go to kindy there
Why don't you just ask what percentage of the school has special needs kids if you're worried? Personally I think it is positive that they are inclusive and non-special needs kids (for want of a better term) can benefit greatly from this as well.

[EdnaMarie]

Personally I think it is positive that they are inclusive and non-special needs kids (for want of a better term) can benefit greatly from this as well.

I agree. I like a diverse student body. As it turns out, I finally got to speak to them and they have no places. Waldorf philosophy is not really "me" but I want to keep an open mind and options are limited.

I was more concerned about the perception of my child if she had such a pre-school on her educational record... would her teachers (if she went to German public school) automatically think, "Hm, wonder what problem caused them to put her there?" and then look for issues? I don't think that's fair to do to a child, even if they did or do have special needs, but it happens, sadly.

Oh, and thanks a bunch for your answer!