Conclusion

Based on the abundant information available (and there is a lot), it is important for all parents to examine and question the type of education their child will be receiving. Simply following or being attracted to a system of education that projects free thinking, art and “individualism” will need careful analysis to ensure this education is exactly what it is promoted to be, and in line with each parent’s view on life and reality. It has been highlighted that this is especially important for Christian based families, considering the continual onslaught of “New Age” beliefs and doctrines encroaching on mainstream society. Importantly, parents will need to dig deep to find real answers, as highlighted by the articles in this report and to avoid any potential damage, unsavoury experiences or misleading information.

As mentioned, parents need to be acutely aware that Waldorf schools could be seen predominantly as a veiled missionary arm for Anthroposophy. Parents need to be aware that regardless of what they are told, the curriculum and operation of Australian Waldorf schools is arguably based exclusively on Rudolf Steiner’s insight, clairvoyance, aesthetics, euro centricity and religious beliefs. Although some parents may have positive experiences with Waldorf schools, many believe there are fundamental problems with the pedagogy, philosophy and belief systems of all Waldorf schools, especially for Christian based families.

In particular, the facts that often won’t be discussed (or are only hinted at) are that Steiner’s esoteric religion is fundamental to Waldorf education and that reincarnation is a main tenet of all Waldorf schools pedagogy and curriculum. Interestingly, a relevant concern is Steiner and his follower’s attempts to refute opinions of critics, through Steiner’s prefatory words for all of his writings, which are:
"No person is qualified to form a judgment on the contents of this work, who has not acquired - through the School of Spiritual Science itself or in an equivalent manner recognized by the School of Spiritual Science – the requisite preliminary knowledge. Other opinions will be disregarded: the authors decline to take them as a basis for discussion."

In a nutshell, extremely careful consideration is needed to analyse the true nature of a Steiner based education to ensure it fits in with each parent’s view on life and reality. Parents must not assume. They must do their own careful, detailed research.

For any discussions or questions, please feel free to email any comments to waldorfinaust@gmail.com