How are publicly funded, Waldorf-inspired charter schools different than private, tuition-funded Waldorf schools?
Waldorf-inspired charter schools, such as Mountain Oak, must walk a fine line between Waldorf principles and state-mandated standards. As such, we almost represent a “third way,” in that we offer a Waldorf-inspired curriculum, at no cost to parents, while ensuring that our students and our school meet or exceed state standards. Most Waldorf schools charge an annual tuition of between $3,500 and $8,000. The main difference, however, lies in the inherently spiritual nature of Waldorf education in the private sector. Typically, private Waldorf schools have their pinnings in a general Christian tradition that honors its historic festivals, as well as those of other major world religions, but formal religious education is not part of the Waldorf curriculum. Children from all religious backgrounds attend Waldorf schools and thrive there in an accepting atmosphere. Rather than emphasize one religion over another, Waldorf’s spiritual roots seek instead to awaken a child’s natural reverence for
