Confused about Waldorf

[mcunning]

I am confused about Waldorf. I have visited our local school, and was about to sign up my son, when I started researching on the 'net & found references to the occult, Anthroposophy, and claims that Waldorf is a cult. I am confused and feeling very nervous - on the surface I liked the approach but am trying to be critical and ensure that I am truly sending my son to a non-religous school (and I am downright terrified of sending him to a place that is sneaky or underhanded). Thoughts? Thanks, M

[mijumom]

I'm not sure if this will help. I've had some of the same issues you expressed. We are not a religious family and have been clear about not sending our kids to any kind of religious school (we're non-practicing Jews). My kids are at a Waldorf school (preschool & Kindergarten). There are definitely religious overtones (my son came home singing about apostles) and I think it is true that the school incorporates a sort of esoteric christianity as I've seen it called here. That said, I really love it! I just think it is a wonderful place so far. I still have apprehensions but so far my concerns don't even come close to those my friends with kids in public (and many private) schools deal with. I see sending our kids to school as a sort of lesser of evils in some ways...really my kids are loving it. They eat well, are treated respectfully and are adapting to the rhythm without being pressured with academics and age-inappropriate exposure.

Still, I am not completely sure that we will stay through the grades. I need to meet the teacher (that is the key as it's such a long-term relationship). I hope this helps.

I have to warn you, this is a controversial topic and I have often found myself more confused and conflicted after everyone has chimed in.

I can't totally advise you because I'm not sure myself. I can say that the only things that bother me so far are things I've read here, not experienced myself.

[Rhonwyn]

I am a liberal Christian and I appreciate at our school how all religions are celebrated. It can get a bit confusing at times, because what is emphasized changes from grade to grade. I have heard our Kindergarten described as Paga with its Harvest Festival, Winter Spiral and Spring parade where the children are greeted by Lady Spring. In second grade, the children learn Saints and hero stories so it can sound very Catholic with all the talk about St. Martin, St. Elizabeth, etc. In third grade, the children are immersed in Judism and the study of the Old Testement stories. There are Jewish holidays and shabat every Friday. Fourth grade it is the rowdy Norse gods and goddesses as well as Native American spiritual stories. I have been told that in 6th grade they will study Islam.

I view the school as not religious but one that recognizes the spiritual in all of us. There are the outer trappings of many of the Christian holidays but what really seems to be celebrated is more the cultural and folk aspects of the holidays. They also celebrate Japanese and Hispanic holidays through their Japanese and Spanish classes. At our school, we have Christian, Pagan, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist, etc. families who seem to be comfortable witht the recognition of the inner spirit or soul.

It has never felt like a cult or particulaly occult to me. Peolpe come and go from the school for various reasons and remain the community's friends and often return for festivals. I have friends who are Wiccan and witnessed many occult activities which I have never seen in the school.

That being said. Every school is different. The Kindergarten can be worlds apart from the grades. Your best bet is to talk to parents and get involved in some manner if you can. Observe, talk and ask questions. Take it a year at a time. Major decisions about continuing can be made along the way. We have re-evaluated every year by looking at the pluses and minuses at re-enrollment time. I have 2 children in Waldorf - one in 2nd and one in 4th. We have been in Waldorf since Kindergarten.

[lauren]

Hi M. If I have learned nothing else from moderating this forum, it is to do your homework no matter what approach to schooling you take--public school, Waldorf, Montessori, ReggioEmilio or homeschooling. On any of those schooling approaches you will find supporters and critics. It is important to search your own values and know yourself really well, and to choose the schooling approach that will mesh well for both you/partner, and your child(ren). I hope that comment is helpful. No matter where you look on the internet, no one will be able to say: "this is truly the answer you are seeking," you know what I mean?

Thanks for joining in the discussion!

[anamama]

Go with your gut.

I have been back and forth with this, too. I LOVED our local Waldorf school until I started reading about the occult/religious stuff here. So I read some on my own, and came to the conclusion that for us at this point in time, this school works for us, and adds beauty to our lives. We enjoy the festivals and the reverence for nature. If there comes a time when that is no longer true, we will move on. But right now, we like it.

[Rhonwyn]

Originally Posted by anamama

I have been back and forth with this, too. I LOVED our local Waldorf school until I started reading about the occult/religious stuff here. So I read some on my own, and came to the conclusion that for us at this point in time, this school works for us, and adds beauty to our lives. We enjoy the festivals and the reverence for nature. If there comes a time when that is no longer true, we will move on. But right now, we like it.

Exactly! It is something that needs to be re-evaluated every year or so just like any other school. In some respects, the school changes every year as new families come in and old ones graduate but often come back for festivals and the auction.

[LindaCl]

Originally Posted by anamama

I have been back and forth with this, too. I LOVED our local Waldorf school until I started reading about the occult/religious stuff here.

A great deal of things which are said here go unchallenged simply out of respect for fellow posters.

I strongly disagree with many of the sweeping assertions and over-generalizations about Waldorf which I've read here and elsewhere, but I don't see any point in constantly arguing about everything I disagree with.

But I can see how somebody new to Waldorf might read this stuff and be thinking what the heck is all this?.

[LF2000]

:

[Rhonwyn]

Originally Posted by LindaCl

A great deal of things which are said here go unchallenged simply out of respect for fellow posters.

I strongly disagree with many of the sweeping assertions and over-generalizations about Waldorf which I've read here and elsewhere, but I don't see any point in constantly arguing about everything I disagree with.

But I can see how somebody new to Waldorf might read this stuff and be thinking what the heck is all this?.

I agree.

[marymary]

Well I'm a buddhist which is a no deity thing, my kids do steiner and i love it too, celts, nords, old testament, all the major religions its all in there, the festivals are nature based, light, harvest etc, i guess it really depends on the personal beliefs of the college of teachers to a degree. i also think that christianity informs our culture (in the west) partic through art history. Depends if information is delivered as 'the truth' or 'a matter of choice' and thats the same for your personal views too. x

[BusyMommy]

It's interesting...I went to a Cath school and we studied ALL the religions in depth. Personally, I love that Waldorf reaches out to "S"pirituality.