In April of 1919, Rudolf Steiner visited the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, Germany. At the time Germany had just been defeated in WWI and was going through a period of deep social, economic and political chaos. Steiner spoke to the factory workers about the need for cultural and social reforms, and new ways of organizing public life.

Impressed by his discussions, the owner of the factory, Emil Molt, asked Steiner to put his ideas into practice by establishing a school for his employees’ children. Steiner agreed on the condition that he be given authority to set up and operate the school in accordance with his philosophy of education, with minimal interference from Molt or other authorities. Steiner’s Independent Waldorf School opened its doors on 7 September 1919 and began its track record of success almost instantly.

The Waldorf School’s model and methods of education were so successful that they spread quickly, first across Europe and North America and eventually to schools across the world. Despite the fact that many Waldorf schools (including the first one!) closed their doors due to wars or other disasters, Waldorf education continues to be among the fastest growing independent school movements in the world.

"Waldorf education enables young people to be in love with the world as the world should be loved."

– Marjorie Spock

Today, there are already more than 3,000 Waldorf schools in over 90 countries––and the numbers keep growing. These schools exist in large cities and small towns, suburbs and rural communities. No two schools are identical, and each is independent. Nevertheless, a visitor would recognize the many characteristics common to them all. For they all share the basic Waldorf educational philosophy inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s first school.

The Beginning

Beginning at the end of the 19th century, a relatively unknown Austrian philosopher and teacher began to sow the seeds of what he hoped would blossom into a new culture. The seeds were his ideas, which he sowed through extensive writings, lectures and countless private consultations. The seeds germinated and took root in the hearts and minds of his students, among whom were individuals who would later become some of the best known and most influential figures of the 20th century. Since the teacher's death in 1925, a quiet but steadily growing movement has been spreading over the world, bringing practical solutions to the problems of our global, technological civilization. The seeds are now coming to flower in the form of thousands of projects infused with human values. That teacher, called by some “the best kept secret of the 20th century,” was Rudolf Steiner.

Thinking Development

Steiner developed a way of thinking that he applied to different aspects of what it means to be human. Over a period of 40 years, he formulated and taught a path of inner development he called “anthroposophy.” From what he learned, he gave practical suggestions for nearly every field of human endeavor. Art, architecture, drama, science, education, agriculture, medicine, economics, religion, care of the dying, social organization--there is almost no field he did not touch.

Initiatives Across the Globe

Today, there are an estimated ten thousand initiatives across the globe working out of Steiner’s ideas––a truly astonishing network of entrepreneurial ventures, social and political movements, artistic expressions, scientific and research platforms, and community organizations. Contemporary manifestations of Steiner's influence such as biodynamic farming and the Camphill centers for people with disabilities are growing in prominence, but by far Steiner’s most visible and important legacy is the one we are working to keep alive here at the Waldorf School of Jordan: Waldorf Education.