The foundation of Waldorf education is rooted in the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner called Anthroposophy. The first Waldorf School was founded in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. Anthroposophy is primarily interested in understanding the human being as a whole—body, mind and spirit—and how they relate to the world around them.

There are 11 Waldorf Schools in New York, 22 in California, over 150 in the US, Canada and Mexico, and over 3,000 Waldorf schools and schools inspired by the Waldorf philosophy in 70 countries worldwide, making it one of the largest independent school movements. The terms “Waldorf” and “Steiner” are used interchangeably. “Waldorf” is more common in the Americas, while “Steiner School” and “Waldorf School”  are equally used in Europe.

Waldorf Schools are so successful and desired worldwide because they are committed not only to academic success but also to developing free-thinking and morally responsible individuals equipped with a high degree of social competence and artistic capabilities. A Waldorf curriculum encompasses rhythm, repetition, imitation and reverence and is taught through experiential learning and practical and creative activities to allow for a deep sense of balance. Waldorf teachers are dedicated to creating an authentic love of learning in each child while working to nourish and develop his/her unique capabilities.

The Waldorf curriculum was designed with a profound understanding of childhood development to address the growing child’s needs while nourishing each child’s unique capabilities, cultivating an enthusiasm and love of learning, and developing a strong capacity for creative and critical thinking. Mojave Springs School teachers consistently strive to honor each child’s unique process, allowing education to be tailored to the individual. With this perspective and understanding, we endeavor to create environments and resources for each student to achieve academic excellence, healthy self-awareness and discipline, concern and interest for fellow human beings, respect for and curiosity in the world, and profound meaning in life.

Teachers are dedicated to generating an inner passion for learning. They present material in a dynamic, oratory, and often pictorial manner, cultivating an enriched learning environment. Each child develops an inner enthusiasm for learning and a deep capacity and impulse for lifelong acquisition of knowledge.

At Mojave Springs School, we use Rudolf Steiner’s Waldorf curriculum as a foundation, and to build upon it, we work alongside mentors, pedagogical liaisons, lifelong Waldorf students and teachers, and faculty. Through practical and artistic activities, our curriculum facilitates the acquisition of many fundamental subjects: mathematics, physical and natural sciences, language arts and conventions, foreign language, performing and visual arts, musical instruments, rhythm and movement, and handwork. All subjects promote the development of each child’s cognitive, social, and motor skills. Our approach intends to receive each student holistically, addressing every child’s head, heart, and hands and fostering clear, creative thinking, emotional and moral intelligence, and active, purposeful engagement in life. Through this approach, we aim to balance all aspects of the human being, developing a deep love of learning. We also look to community needs and contemporary educational research to serve and educate the children in our school today.

A framed overview of the complete Waldorf Curriculum is available for viewing on campus, as are various Waldorf Early Childhood and Grades Curriculum resources. Please see the administration to check out a book from our budding library.

Our Accreditation

We are currently in the process of becoming a fully-accredited Waldorf school through the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North American and the Association of Waldorf Schools North America. The accreditation process is an intensive multiple-year process involving intensive study and reflection.