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What is Waldorf Education?

Waldorf education is based on the insights of Rudolf Steiner and is designed to develop the whole human being—head, heart, and hands. The curriculum is designed to meet the changing needs of children as they develop from early childhood through adolescence.

Core Principles

  • 1
    Arts Integration:

    All subjects are taught through artistic activity, engaging students creatively in every lesson.

  • 2
    Developmental Stages:

    Curriculum is carefully designed to match children's cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

  • 3
    Hands-On Learning:

    Learning through doing and making—from handwork and woodworking to gardening and cooking.

  • 4
    Rhythm and Routine:

    Predictable daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms provide security and support healthy development.

  • 5
    Connection to Nature:

    Outdoor education and seasonal celebrations connect children to the natural world.

Public Waldorf

Desert Marigold School is a proud member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education. As a public charter school, we offer tuition-free Waldorf-inspired education to all Arizona students, making this transformative approach accessible to every family.

Public Waldorf schools adapt the traditional Waldorf methods to meet state standards while maintaining the core philosophy of educating the whole child through developmentally appropriate, arts-integrated learning.

The Three Stages of Child Development

Early Childhood (Ages 0-7)

Learning through imitation and play. Focus on imaginative play, sensory experiences, and developing physical coordination.

Middle Childhood (Ages 7-14)

Learning through feeling. Arts-rich academics, storytelling, and developing emotional intelligence and social skills.

Adolescence (Ages 14-21)

Learning through thinking. Abstract reasoning, independent judgment, and real-world application of knowledge.