Waldorf Education or Steiner Education, founded by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1919, is an alternative approach to traditional education. This educational philosophy emphasizes the holistic development of students, integrating academic, artistic, and practical skills. The core principle of Waldorf Education is to nurture the “threefold” nature of the human being: thinking, feeling, and willing.

In the early years, the Waldorf curriculum focused on imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic activities to foster creativity and emotional development. As students progress, the curriculum evolves to include more structured academic content, but always with an emphasis on experiential and hands-on learning. Subjects are often taught in thematic blocks, allowing for deep exploration of topics.

One distinctive feature of Waldorf schools is the integration of arts into all areas of learning. Students engage in activities such as painting, music, drama, and handwork, which helps develop their fine motor skills and aesthetic appreciation. Additionally, Waldorf education avoids standardized testing in the lower grades, instead using narrative assessments to track student progress.

Globally, there are over 1,000 Waldorf schools, each adapting Steiner’s principles to fit their cultural context.

At Aikya the teachers and staff are experienced with a deep understanding of the philosophy and are well trained who strive their best in caring for children and facilitate learning while upholding the child’s individuality.