Waldorf Education in the Netherlands

The research question of this study is: How has Waldorf education in the Netherlands developed since the foundation of the first Dutch Waldorf school in 1923? The aim of this chapter is to identify and describe the discourse about Waldorf education in the Netherlands. Currently, there are over 18,500 students at 97 Waldorf primary schools and 27 Waldorf secondary schools in the Netherlands. With solid national rankings, Waldorf education has, in the last decades, been seen by parents as a good school with room for creativity and broad personal identity development of children. What is unique in the Netherlands is that both public and non-public schools are fully financed by the Dutch government. Waldorf education has gained popularity over the years and is accepted in Dutch society. Especially in the last decade, the number of Waldorf schools and students increased. In terms of worldview or the role of anthroposophy, Waldorf education has developed in the last century towards multiple perspectives and interpretations of the core principles or concepts of Waldorf education. The role and interpretation of anthroposophy varies within and among Waldorf schools.