5. It is commonly known that Waldorf schools do not formally introduce reading and writing until Class 1 (primary). Will my child be disadvantaged by not being able to read and write before the age of 6?
We refer to the three Rs... readiness, readiness, readiness...! Our curriculum carefully matches the age and natural development of the child. By teaching experientially and taking time to lay the foundation - writing before reading for example - reading emerges quickly and easily for most children.
"In many continental European countries formal schooling does not begin until age 6 or 7 years, yet these same countries often achieve significantly higher educational standards than Britain."
Dispatches, 'The Early Years'; Channel 4 TV, January 1998.