"My parents were looking for a school that would nurture the whole person. They also felt that the Waldorf school would be a far more open environment for African Americans, and that was focused on educating students with values, as well as the academic tools necessary to be constructive and contributing human beings. ... I think the end result of Waldorf education is to raise our consciousness. There is a heightened consciousness of what our senses bring us from the world around us, about our feelings, about the way we relate to other people. It taught me how to think for myself, to be responsible for my decisions. Second, it made me a good listener, sensitive to the needs of others. And third, it helped establish meaningful beliefs. In all the Main Block lessons -- in history, science, philosophy -- we really probed the importance of values and beliefs. In dealing with a lot of complex issues and a lot of stress, if that isn't balanced by a core of meaningful beliefs, you really will just be consumed and fail."

"The first time I understood the benefit of a Waldorf education was my first week in college. Students around me were flipping out because they were afraid of writing papers. At High Mowing we had at least ten pages to write every night. It was such a big part of our education that I was very confident in my writing. We had to analyze each scene, then write the analysis. I still have my "Faust" main lesson book with me. When I wrote about it, I was able to expand my thinking and make it my own. That's what's so wonderful about Waldorf education. You're exposed to all these different ideas, but you're never given one view of it. You're encouraged to think as an individual."

"The classes were in German. Of course I did not understand much at first. During a stage play I had to play the devil - the role had no lines. But in the end I knew the whole play by heart. I learnt German quickly, and John also still knows some words." "I think that this time in Berlin somehow set the course for my life." (Der Tagesspiegel, Nov. 2, 2004)

"I was always fascinated by acting, but my experience at Rudolf Steiner [school] encouraged me to pursue it as a career." "Steiner was a free-spirited school that encouraged creativity and individualism."

"It was art-oriented, that's for sure. They were very interested in your inner creativity, but at the same time they were instilling a certain amount of discipline to maximise it. And I have, from my Scottish background, a very, very solid work ethic. I'm dedicated to the work, to doing good work and doing things the right way."

"I am deeply grateful for Waldorf education, which woke me up and helped me rediscover my imagination."

For more information on the experiences of Waldorf alumni, we recommend Learning to Learn: this book contains short biographies and relates how Waldorf education made an impact in the lives of twenty-six Waldorf alumni.

See also the International List of Famous Waldorf alumni. (At the bottom this page also lists a number of famous Waldorf parents).