I’ve been asked why I send my kid to a Waldorf school, and I didn’t have a quick answer so I thought I’d collect my thoughts on why a Waldorf education is the way to go. This is by no means comprehensive, so do your own research.

I think it’s not a question of  ‘why Waldorf’ but rather a question of ‘why not the public schooling system’.
To start, here are few videos by Ken Robinson explain this quite well (much better then I could explain):

Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms | Video on TED.com

The next 2 videos are more in-depth but on the same topic:

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! | Video on TED.com

I’ve read in other sources (can’t find them right now) about how the public schooling system kills creativity in children and since creativity is very important in the development of a young mind my choice is clear.

Just to note  that I don’t think Waldorf is the only system that is a good alternative to the public education system we have.

The other thing that Waldorf education is based around is experiential  based learning. Trying out different solutions until one is obtained is very valuable as it teaches not to be afraid of failure. I strongly believe that fear of failure is one of the top reasons most people are not successful. Most people give up after they try something and fail. The successful try and fail time and time again, without being phased by failure, until they succeed.

What ‘successful’ means to me is being able to be the very best you can in whatever you choose to do in your life. Be it art, athletics, financial endeavors… anything. I don’t just mean having lots of money.

I also don’t believe that education is related to success in life. (Find Source) I believe that being able to overcome obstacles and have a genuine curiosity about how the world works is far more important then what the public schools teach. So much of our ‘education’ happens after we finish school. Having the drive and curiosity to continue to want to learn is certainly not taught in public school.

Anyway, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to choosing an education for your child. Do some research. You’ll understand.