Quotes

“I think that it is not exaggerated to say that no other educational system in the world gives such a central role to the arts as the Waldorf School Movement. There is not a subject taught that does not have an artistic aspect. Even mathematics is presented in an artistic fashion and related via dance, movement or drawing to the child as a whole. Steiner’s system of education is built on the premise that art is an integral part of human endeavors. He gives it back its true role. Anything that can be done to further his revolutionary educational ideals will be of the greatest importance.”

Konrad Oberhuber
Professor of Fine Arts
Harvard University

Handbook

Accreditation Bodies

The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA)

What it Means to You

The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (a.k.a. AWSNA or the Association) works to ensure and improve the quality and integrity of Waldorf education in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It offers guidance, resources and support to its 200-plus member schools, developing schools and initiatives, and advocates for Waldorf education in many settings.

The Chicago Waldorf School is a fully accredited, dues-paying member of AWSNA. Dues are assessed per-family, and are included with tuition payments.

Association Activities

Accreditation: The Association accredits full member schools and teacher training institutes using a process of self study and visits by an accreditation team.

Advocacy: In addition to speaking for Waldorf education, the Association advocates
for the principle of independence in education and the preservation of childhood.

Effective Practices: Successful schools share their effective administrative practices, which the Association coordinates and publishes on its website.

Pedagogical and Organizational Advice: The Association responds to requests from
parents, teachers, administrators, school boards, schools and institutes.

Professional and Community Development: The Association sponsors conferences
and workshops for teachers, administrators, parent organizations and Trustees.

Research: The Association sponsors a variety of pedagogical and organizational research, including the High School Research Project.

Resources: Among the Association’s most popular and useful resources are Renewal (the Journal of Waldorf Education which every parent receives), the Science Bulletin, and science kits for the classroom. It also publishes a wide array of books and pamphlets.

Teacher Preparation: The Association promotes teacher development and training through its program of student loans, as well as by accrediting and supporting the teacher training institutes.

Members of our faculty and staff who serve at the national level include:

Frances Vig, Leadership Council Representative for the Pedagogical Section Council

Colleen Everhart, Great Lakes Regional Representative to the Leadership Council

Carol Triggiano and Michael Holdrege, AWSNA delegates

To learn more about the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America visit www.awsna.org or www.whywaldorfworks.org

The Independent Schools Association of North America (ISACS)

The Chicago Waldorf School is a proud member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) is a membership organization of 230 independent schools from 13 states of the Midwest region.

The purpose of ISACS is to promote the development of strong learning communities characterized by high achievements, social responsibility, and independence of governance, programs and policies. This goal is achieved through a rigorous accreditation process, targeted professional development programs, and focused support services.

To learn more about the Independent Schools Association of North America visit
www.isacs.org.