Where is Waldorf schools in Croatia?

Alternative Education: What is the difference between Waldorf and Montessori schools? Which one is best for what?

• This is a follow-up question to and . I'm doing a pro/con analysis of the two schools, like "Waldorf/Montessori school is better for... and worse for...", regarding not only intellectual, but also psychological side, and would appreciate your opinions!

• Answer:

  Montessori and Waldorf schools are similar in many ways and different in many ways.  Both educational systems are in many ways child directed and generally rely on quality materials and quality teachers.  Waldorf in particular has a general aversion to technology although Montessori elementary classrooms will treat computers as a way to provide access to information that a child is interested in learning.  Both systems place value on independence, creativity and the child's needs.  They address each individual child where they are developmentally, academically and socially.  This is fundamentally different from traditional public schools where there is a defined curriculum.  In traditional public schools there is certain material that must be covered, certain ways to support children that are not learning the material, but the class must move on. Maria Montessori founded the Montessori Method which is the basis of the Montessori education movement over 100 years ago.  She was an Italian doctor and her educational method was based on scientific observation of what actually worked with children.  The Waldorf method was formed by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian spiritual- scientific researcher when he opened the first school in Germany in 1919.  Today there are over 7000 Montessori schools worldwide and over 600 Waldorf schools in 32 countries. (Best statistics I know) The Montessori Method is based fundamentally on the following: A carefully prepared environment which contains a wide variety of interesting and developmentally attractive materials that the child is drawn to.  These materials help develop a wide array of skills and academic abilities as the child is ready. A teacher that is trained in observation and can give individual lessons that attracts a child to materials that are appropriate. A mixed age classroom where a child learns from older children and acts as a leader to younger children. Long work periods where a child gains the ability to concentrate and work at their own pace. The Waldorf system emphasizes the unity, the child and movement.  One teacher often stays with a class from kindergarten through elementary school and can prepare lessons for that group of children.  The earliest years are much more play based with a belief that children learn through their senses and imitation.  Academic subjects are not formally taught until 1st grade or later.  The program is designed with a longer lesson in the morning, but often with a great deal of movement.  For example- playing catch while learning math facts. The fact that both Montessori schools and Waldorf schools both emphasize the child, independence and creativity make them great programs for many families.  For those families that prefer rigid academics and strict structure, neither program might be the best choice. Note:  I'm very familiar with Montessori, but my knowledge of Waldorf comes only from the books that I have read on the subject.  I have not had the opportunity to visit any Waldorf schools.