Anchorage Waldorf Education Association Inc

The heart of the Waldorf philosophy is a belief that education is an art:  we seek to understand each child as a unique thinking, feeling and willing individual. Independent Waldorf education also acknowledges that each child is a developing human being with their own capacities and potential. We strive to prepare each child to meet an ever-changing world with tools for life-long learning: mastery of academic skills, social and emotional intelligence, physical grace and agility, artistic sensibilities and spiritual awareness – appropriate for their age and developmental stage. 

An important part of a complete education is attained through a three-tiered approach including the head, the hands, and the heart.  By engaging the whole child, we are better able to help them establish a sense of learning, of ability, and of belonging. This is achieved by the inclusion of specialty classes, wherein each student is engaged in subjects beyond the classroom, by teachers dedicated to sharing their knowledge and skill with others.

More than being specialists in their fields, specialty teachers often catch a glimpse into children's soul lives. They may uncover a talent for acquiring a foreign language or expose the grace and beauty of a child's movement. For all students, specialty subjects provide an outlet for individual growth and creativity. For some students, the fine arts provide an essential, emotional release. One of the many gifts of Waldorf education is teaching students to create works of beauty-in music, in wool, or in wood-that act as an antidote to struggle and strife. The role, the privilege, and the honor of specialty teachers is to develop the feelings and will within every child, for they teach them all.

Our specialty classes cost over $50,000 per year, but their value is immeasurable. With your financial support, we are able to hire and retain teachers who provide an environment that focuses not just on academics, but on the complete learning of each child. Classes like these are only possible through the generous donations we receive from members of our community. Will you consider supporting us through an end-of-year financial contribution?