Waldorf-Steiner education began in 1919 from the philosophy of renaissance man, scientist, and philosopher, Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). He was born on Feb. 25, 1861, in Donji Kraljevec, a town that was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Europe. The first Waldorf-Steiner school was established in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany for the children of the Waldorf-Astoria Factory employees. The owner, Emil Molt (1816-1936) approached Steiner to ask him whether Anthroposophy can be applied to education. His desire was to educate children with a different mindset and view of the world in order to avoid more wars and strife.
Rudolf Steiner developed a unique unhurried approach where a child can discover the joy and love for lifelong learning. His ideas have continued to inspire a worldwide movement of Waldorf Steiner schools, along with renewed ideas in medicine, agriculture, and societal transformation. There are over 1,200 independent Waldorf Steiner schools and kindergartens all over the world. In 2019, Waldorf Steiner schools worldwide marked the centennial 100th year anniversary of Waldorf Steiner education, with the theme “Waldorf 100”.
