Educational Philosophy, School Mission, and Vision
“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings, who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”–Rudolf Steiner, Founder of the Waldorf School Movement
Educational Philosophy
Waldorf education is a developmentally-appropriate and experiential approach to education. Founded in the early 20th century, Waldorf education is based on the insights and principles of education outlined by the world-renowned scientist, anthroposophist and artist Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Waldorf education evolved from Steiner’s profound understanding of human development to address the needs of the growing child.
Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. This eliminates the need for constant competitive testing, academic placement, and behavioral rewards to motivate learning and allows motivation to arise from within. The internal motivation that is generated in Waldorf education helps to engender the capacity for joyful life-long learning.These principles inspire and guide teachers, administrators, trustees and parents today.
Waldorf education is independent and inclusive. It upholds the principles of freedom in education and engages independent administration locally, continentally and internationally. It is regionally appropriate education with hundreds of schools worldwide today.
Tucson Waldorf School is an independent, tuition-based school and as such, does not receive substantial funds from federal, state, or local government. Tuition at TWS is outlined in the Tuition and Fees section.
An important goal of Waldorf education is that families of all income levels may participate in the school. Financial Assistance resources are available to all students in Grades ‘K’ through 8. These resources include various forms of direct aid, in addition to support from Arizona Waldorf Scholarship Fund.
TWS has been recognized as a Developing Member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), and has been welcomed to embark upon a timeline of full-accreditation beginning in early 2013.
School Mission
The mission of the Tucson Waldorf School is to establish a school, pre-K through grade 12, based on the philosophy and methodology of Waldorf education, a worldwide, independent school movement founded in 1919. TWEA will further enrich the community by sponsoring workshops, lectures and festivals which promote the healthy development of children and families.
Vision
The Tucson Waldorf School will serve the community by creating a Waldorf school worthy of all children. Here, they can begin a lifelong love of learning in an atmosphere of wonder, gratitude, and reverence.
Our Waldorf school will cultivate clarity of thought, sensitivity of feeling, and strength of will, enabling its students to become balanced, creative human beings capable of independent human judgment.
Graduates will meet the challenges of the future with compassion, courage, confidence, and innovation.
