The Waldorf approach to education began in the early 1900s with the work of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Steiner believed that children should be taught in a way that addressed their individual needs and abilities and that education should aim to foster the child’s overall development.
Waldorf schools are based on this philosophy and offer a unique and innovative approach to education. If you’re interested in starting a Waldorf school, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Who Started the First Waldorf School?
So, who started the first Waldorf school? The first Waldorf school was founded in 1919 by Emil Molt, a German industrialist, and Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher who developed the educational philosophy on which the schools are based. The school was initially located in Stuttgart, Germany, but there are now Waldorf schools worldwide.
The first Waldorf school started with just 12 students, but today there are more than 1,000 Waldorf schools and over 2,000 early childhood education centers worldwide. In the beginning, Waldorf schools were only for children of employees of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory, but they are now open to all children.
Steps to Start a Waldorf School
Now that you know a little bit more about Waldorf schools, you may be wondering how to start your own Waldorf school. Here are the main steps for how to create a Waldorf school:
#1: Research the Waldorf Approach
When starting a Waldorf school, you must have a good understanding of the educational philosophy behind the school. Take some time to read about Rudolf Steiner and the Waldorf approach to education. You can also check out some books about Waldorf education, such as “The Spirit of Waldorf Education” by René Querido and “The Challenge of the Waldorf School” by A. C. Harwood.
#2: Find a Location
Every school needs a location. When deciding on a location for your Waldorf school, there are a few things to remember. The school should be in a safe neighborhood with plenty of space for outdoor activities. It should also be close to public transportation and have easy access to the highway.
#3: Create a Budget
Before starting your Waldorf school, you need to create a budget. This will help you determine how much money you need to raise and how much you can spend on your school.
Some of the expenses you’ll need to consider include:
– Salaries for teachers and staff
– The cost of renting or buying a building
– Utilities
– Insurance
– Curriculum and supplies
– Marketing and advertising
#4: Write a Business Plan
Once you’ve created a budget, you need to write a business plan. This will help you determine how you’re going to finance your school and what your goals are. Your business plan should include:
– An executive summary
– A description of your school
– Your marketing plan
– A financial plan
– Your management team
– A SWOT analysis
Also, consult an attorney to ensure your business plan is complete and accurate.
#5: Find Funding
Now that you have a business plan, it’s time to start looking for funding. There are a number of ways to finance a Waldorf school, such as grants, loans, and private donations. You can also hold fundraisers to help raise money for your school. It is essential that you have a solid plan for financing your school before you start.
#6: Hire Teachers
Hiring teachers is one of the most important aspects of starting a Waldorf school. Waldorf teachers need to have a deep understanding of the educational philosophy and be able to adapt it to their own teaching style. They should also be able to create a warm and nurturing environment in their classrooms.
When you’re hiring teachers, make sure to conduct thorough interviews and reference checks. You should also consider a trial period with each teacher before making a final decision.
#7: Purchase Supplies
Now that you have a location and teachers, it’s time to purchase supplies. You’ll need things like desks, chairs, books, and art supplies. You can either buy these items new or try to find them used. There are several online resources that sell Waldorf school supplies, such as The Schoolhouse and The Wigwam.
#8: Promote Your School
Once you have everything in place, it’s time to start promoting your school. Create a website and social media accounts. You should also make sure to put up flyers in your community and distribute them to local businesses. You can also hold open houses and tours of your school.
By following these steps, you can start your own Waldorf school. However, it’s important to remember that starting a school is a lot of work.
Waldorf School Administration Best Practices
Finally, here are a some of the Waldorf school administration best practices:
– Create a clear and concise mission statement.
– Hire teachers who are passionate about Waldorf education.
– Train your teachers regularly.
– Purchase high-quality supplies and materials.
– Promote your school in your community.
– Evaluate your school regularly to ensure that it meets your students’ needs.
You’ll be well on your way to starting a successful Waldorf school if you follow these tips.
Starting a Waldorf school is a big undertaking. However, it can be a very rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can ensure that your school is successful!
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