The Hague has been home to a Dutch Waldorf school for over 90 years. Since 2018, it also boasts an international, English-language one, aimed at children of kindergarten and primary-school age.
Based on Steiner’s principles, the school offers children a balanced education, combining social, personal and cognitive development in equal measure. The International Waldorf School was founded to make Waldorf-style education (also known as Steiner education) available to children who travel the world with their parents.
The main aim of Waldorf schools is to create a warm and welcoming environment in class, explains Schieman. “We want children to look forward to going to school. We strongly believe they need intrinsic motivation for learning, not just extrinsic reasons like seeing their friends or being rewarded for getting good grades. So we create an atmosphere where curiosity and creativity are nurtured. And by discovering and appreciating each other’s differences, they learn to exist peacefully together.”
