Waldorf education was developed at the beginning of the 20th century by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Steiner’s education approach is inspired by his philosophy and teachings, called anthroposophy. The first Waldorf school was established in 1919 in Germany.
Waldorf education and teaching methods are designed to stimulate and nurture both the academic and creative capacities and abilities of a child. The curriculum nourishes the intellectual growth, physical movement, and artistic interests of a child. Through this, Waldorf cultivates each child’s unique contribution to the future through the unfolding of courage, compassion, and knowledge.
Waldorf Curriculum
Lower Class
Waldorf schools, including Nairobi Waldorf School, are non-sectarian and include students from numerous ethnicities, nationalities, paths of life, and abilities.
Waldorf schools don’t subscribe to the beliefs of a particular religion, nor are any particular religious or philosophical teachings taught.
However, Waldorf education is implicitly infused with spirituality. The fundamental tenet underlying Waldorf schools and community is the recognition of the human spiritual dimension, and an appreciation for the earth and all living things. It is this sensibility that guides our education with spiritual guidance aimed at awakening the child’s natural reverence for the wonder and beauty of life.
In our classes we welcome families/parents of any and all religions and cultural heritages, and encourage you to share your personal experiences. A key point to remember for Parents is that Waldorf education is based on the spiritual nature of each child, and that your family’s particular beliefs will be respected.
Upper Class
Waldorf schools, including Nairobi Waldorf School, are non-sectarian and include students from numerous ethnicities, nationalities, paths of life, and abilities.
Waldorf schools don’t subscribe to the beliefs of a particular religion, nor are any particular religious or philosophical teachings taught.
However, Waldorf education is implicitly infused with spirituality. The fundamental tenet underlying Waldorf schools and community is the recognition of the human spiritual dimension, and an appreciation for the earth and all living things. It is this sensibility that guides our education with spiritual guidance aimed at awakening the child’s natural reverence for the wonder and beauty of life.
In our classes we welcome families/parents of any and all religions and cultural heritages, and encourage you to share your personal experiences. A key point to remember for parents is that Waldorf education is based on the spiritual nature of each child, and that your family’s particular beliefs will be respected.
Keep in mind that each of us is special because we are different, we have come together because we have our differences to bring to each other, so listen to the other, as the other listens to you, and we will hear ourselves grow into the realisation of expanding mutual respect. – Karl König.
Waldorf Admission
Enrollment Process
In order to formally apply for a place as a student in Nairobi Waldorf School, a Student Application must be completed and submitted along with a non-refundable application fee of KShs 5,000/- per child. These must be submitted together with the application form before the school will undertake the initial assessment of the child for admission.
We strive to honour all requests for admission, but final admission and placement decisions are based on space availability, as well as the School’s/classes’ ability to provide the education and support required for the individual child, which is a decision made by the teachers.
With increasing interest in Waldorf education, we are experiencing more requests for placement than there is space available, particularly in the Kindergartens. As a result, Nairobi Waldorf School will commence with conducting interviews with parents/guardians of those requesting placement. The purpose of these interviews is to ensure that the parent’s expectations are congruent with what we offer as a School and in addition in the case of older students assess his/her ‘readiness’ for the class for which they have applied.
Broad Criteria for Admission
Kindergarten
The Kindergartens accept children from the age of eighteen months. They are generally grouped into: toddler group – eighteen months to two-and-a-half years; playgroup – two-and-a-half to four years; and kindergarten group – four to six years.
Reception Group
Within their last year of Kindergarten, students become part of the ‘Reception Group’. The Reception Group are given more challenging and directed activities with a focus on the development of all the pre-learning skills required to enter Primary School with additional support from the teacher. Students join the Reception Group when they are in their last school year prior to moving onto Primary School.
Class One
Admission from Kindergarten to Primary School is not automatic. Any child turning six years of age on or prior to the 15th of August of the given year will be automatically assessed for Class One readiness during term II of the current school year. Upon successful assessment, the child will then be admitted to Class One commencing usually in late August/early September of that given year. Should a child turn six after the 15th of August, but prior to or on 15th October of a given year, upon request of the parent/ guardian, an assessment may be carried out following consultation between the respective Kindergarten teacher, the Class One readiness assessment team and the parent/guardian. Should an agreed upon assessment reveal Class One readiness for this particular child, then admission may be granted to Class One. Any child turning six years of age after the 15th of October of a given year will not be assessed for Class One readiness for that year and will not receive Class One admission for that year
For children coming into the Waldorf Primary School from a different Kindergarten the same assessment procedure applies.
Class Two and Beyond
For students wishing to join the School in Class 2 or beyond, for optimal grade placement, a series of interviews, observations, and assessments will be made.
How to Apply
Use application form below to apply
Waldorf Fees
PLEASE NOTE: On direct deposits or electronic fund transfers, school fees are considered unpaid until the parent provides proof of payment to the Nairobi Waldorf School Trust in adherence with the above stated deadlines
Contact details
KAREN CAMPUS
Miotoni Road
+254 722 823 463
Email: info@nairobiwaldorfschoolac.ke
LAVINGTON CAMPUS
Mageta Road
+254 728 617 423
Email: lavington@nairobiwaldorfschool.ac.ke
Also see
Nairobi Waldorf School Admission