Waldorf vs. Public School

Oh, my dear, dear friends -- I really want to hear every view!

What are your experiences and opinions on Waldorf schooling vs. Public Schooling?

Thanks! ;)

My only experience is with public schools so I cannot really comment. I will say that I think a major factor is parental involvement. The more parents are invested in their child's education, the better the results. It's a combination of factors from teachers, parents and administration. When all three are working well, I think any system can work well. It's what you put into it. I am a product of public schools, went to a state university, and now teach at a public school. I don't think I turned out so bad. :p

Thanks Gen, I think you turned out pretty well, as well!

I am planning on waldorf for my son, but I think you make a great point! :D

I had my oldest son in a Waldorf school in Germany. I liked a lot of the things that they did - the way that they taught math, for example, so that the information was interesting, fun, easy to learn and easily retained. That was great. When we moved back to the states, he went to both public and private schools, but mainly public schools. I don't know if any of it made any difference. I think my son is just a perfectionist in everything he does; he graduated summa cum laude from the university he went to and had all kinds of honors, was always on the Dean's list and all that stuff (I just hope that his 3 brothers have as much dedication).

I think that what Gen wrote was excellent advice;) She summed it up well!

Wow, I didn't expect this to be 50/50 in the polls...

What are your opinions on one vs. another?

Hi Lynn, this should give you some idea -- this is the Rudolf Steiner college closest to me:

http://www.steinercollege.org/waldorfed.html

And another link, for the U.S. Waldorf schools nationally:
http://www.awsna.org/