Educational Philosophy
" We shouldn't ask: what does a person need to know or be able to do in order to fit into the existing social order? Instead we should ask: what lives in each human being and what can be developed in him or her? Only then, will it be possible to direct the new qualities of each emerging generation… The society will become what young people, as whole human beings, make out of the existing social conditions. The new generation should not just be made to be what the present society wants it to become."
– Rudolf Steiner
At Journey School teachers are committed to educating the whole child and endeavor to foster the unfolding of each child’s full potential. They use pedagogical methods that nurture and inspire creativity, critical thinking, and motivated learning inspired by Austrian educator Dr. Rudolf Steiner. His methodology has come to be known in the private school sector as the Waldorf method, named after the first Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany. Similarly, the Journey curriculum places equal emphasis on a solid academic foundation, artistic expression, social development, and attention to the inner life of the child.
An integrated thematic approach to learning emphasizes a child's relationship to the natural world while promoting respect for the environment and humankind. Teachers nurture the imagination in the early years in order to build a foundation for abstract thinking. The children experience wonder, reverence, and enthusiasm for learning throughout their years at Journey School, and as a result, emerge with a commitment to social responsibility and the potential to impart direction and purpose to their lives. The primary goal of Journey School is to nurture the whole child with the objective of enabling students to become self-motivated, competent, life-long learners. Graduates will move forward on their lifelong journey equipped with an enthusiasm for learning and the courage to meet life’s challenges.
While fully integrated with California State Standards, Journey School adheres to the following educational philosophy:
- A developmental approach.
- A hands-on, creative, Steiner-inspired educational program.
- A classical and innovative curriculum.
- A strong sense of community.
- A high degree of parent participation.
- A close, long-term relationship with teachers.
- A cooperative learning experience.
- A strong focus on respect, responsibility and compassion.