Q. I've heard of Waldorf schools and "Waldorf-inspired" schools. What's the difference?
A. Waldorf schools are generally staffed — wholly or in part — by Anthroposophists who seek to fulfill Rudolf Steiner's vision. The term "Waldorf school" is copyrighted and should be used only by schools that have been approved by Waldorf accrediting agencies.
Many "Waldorf-inspired" schools are new institutions that aspire to become full-fledged Waldorf schools; they are fully committed to the Waldorf movement, but they have not yet received Waldorf accreditation. There may be little difference between such schools and accredited Waldorf schools — except that sometimes the zeal for Anthroposophical mysticism may be greater in the newly created schools, staffed by an eager, new faculty.
In some other instances, on the other hand, "Waldorf-inspired" schools may try to use Waldorf methods without accepting much if any of the underlying mysticism, i.e., Anthroposophy. There is reason to question whether Waldorf methods make sense without the mysticism that gives them their essential meaning and purpose. In any event, schools of this latter sort — especially those operating within public school systems — may never become genuine Waldorf schools.
Learning the true nature of any particular "Waldorf-inspired" school may take some detective work. [For tips on how to evaluate a Waldorf-style school, see "Clues".]
For information on Waldorf-inspired schools, see
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