Community Voices

What Brought You to Steiner Education? 

Each of us carries our own story of how we came to Steiner education. These stories help us understand the richness of perspectives in our community and what makes our school unique.

So often we hear phrases like “that’s not a Steiner school” or “that's SO Steiner.” These conversations show the richness of perspectives in our community but also highlight the well-known paradox in Steiner circles and one that Rudolf Steiner himself acknowledged. Steiner described schools as “sacred places of childhood,” that works from pedagogical impulses and curriculum, while allowing teachers to follow their own personal development and each community to develop in freedom its own unique materials, rhythm and culture.

For me, a Steiner school is about the holistic, arts-rich curriculum shared by teachers whose hearts engage in self-reflection and personal growth. This is based on Steiner’s idea that children learn from who the teacher is as they are influenced by the teacher’s inner qualities, attitudes, and personal presence. Building on this relationship the lessons then are crafted through imagination, storytelling, music, handcrafts, visual art, and Eurythmy woven thoughtfully into every subject, reflecting the current main lesson. 

For others, it’s the seasonal festivals, the daily rhythms, or the three seven-year developmental phases that shape the curriculum. Others are drawn by the anthroposophical foundations of this educational approach. Each person holds their own sense of “what a Steiner school is,” and together these stories deepen our collective understanding.

By sharing our reflections, we strengthen our community, offer warmth, insight and shared understanding of our differing perspectives. These stories give life to our school’s identity and values. 

We have started collecting these stories, and would like to share them with you. You can find them on our News & Events page, and sort by the Community Voices category. 

If you would like to contribute your story, please reach out to parent Angelique via reception.