Where is Waldorf schools in Croatia?

What do you think: If my child goes to a Montessori preschool then goes to a Waldorf elementary...?

• These schools aren't totally Montessori schools or Waldorf Schools... their philosophy is loosely based on them. Like I said, the preschool is more Montessori, and the elementary I'm stoked about is based on Waldorf approach. Do you think it'll be fine of I go forward with the plan to integrate them, so to speak?

• Answer:

  I have taught in both types of schools multiple times. Since you say that they are only loosely based on their purported philosophies, you will have to look at each school and see how you feel about the individual schools. They may work well together, but honestly, they probably won't. The two philosophies, although often seen as similar to the general population because they are both different from traditional education, are actually very different from each other, and at times, diametrically opposed. In the Montessori classroom your child will been seen as an individual with her/his own strengths, interests and learning styles. The teachers will individualize her/his instruction to meet her/his personal needs, and will adapt the curriculum as your child's needs change. S/he will not only learn to ask questions, but will be given the skills to learn how to answer them with the most up to date and historically accurate information available. S/he will also learn how to make choices, how to synthesize and analyze information, and to solve interpersonal problems with conflict resolution skills. Then, in the Waldorf classroom, your child will be seen as a soul that has not completely incarnated into human form and needs very specific things at very specific times to insure complete incarnation. S/he will be sorted into one of 4 "personality types" and everything s/he experiences from then on in their school, from where they sit in the classroom to the words and materials given them, will be based on what Rudolf Steiner said 100 years ago their personality type should experience at their age. Personal interest and ability, the very things which were fostered in their Montessori experience will not be considered at all. In fact, many things, like reading or learning about history and science at an early age, will be seen as an interference with the incarnation process by the Waldorf teachers. (Waldorf teachers believe that an ancient demon named Ahriman inhabits technology and brings forth intellectual development. They also believe that he hardens the soul against incarnation. This is why they are very specific about what activities are allowed at different ages.They don't want "Ahrimanic forces" around your child at an early age.) Additionally, playground conflicts will be seen as your child working through previous incarnation problems, and so the conflict resolution skills your child will have received in their Montessori pre-school will also be seen as an interference to their incarnation. Yes, it is probably quite obvious which form of education I prefer, but if you are still "stoked" about putting your child in the Waldorf system after you make sure that you really understand their philosophy, I vote for consistency. Go either both Waldorf, or both Montessori if at all possible. It will be less confusing and disruptive to their education.