Raheen Wood Steiner National School
and
Raheen
Wood School
Steiner Waldorf
Pre-school and Primary Education in East Clare
Raheen Wood is the founding Steiner Waldorf School in the Republic of Ireland and has been offering a multi-denominational, child-centred co-education since 1986. The school is situated in mature woodlands near the village of Tuamgraney in County Clare. We cater for children from kindergarten age (4-6) through the primary classes (7-12) and now also a Class 7/8 for 12-14 year olds. There is also the option of the ALFA project in nearby Scariff for ongoing secondary level Steiner education. The families attracted to the school represent a wide range of nationalities as well as a rapidly growing number of born and bred Irish families.
We offer an academic and practical education for the whole child, and are part of a rapidly growing international school movement of over 800 schools worldwide. Based on the work of scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, the education began in 1919 with the founding of the first Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany in the aftermath of the Great War. On the initiative of industrialist Emil Molt, Steiner helped to develop an education for social renewal to meet the growing challenges of modern times. An innovative curriculum and way of working was developed that is rooted in a deep understanding of the human being, strengthening the connection to the rhythms of nature and the faculties that distinguish our humanity.
The
education combines solid
academic values with a sense
of wonder for the world
around us that truly speaks to the child's emerging personality, and
equips him or her with the imagination, flexibility
and
inner strength to face a fast-changing world.
For a detailed overview of frequently asked questions about Steiner Waldorf education, see this ISWECA page
Beautiful Lough Derg. The school nestles in woodland near its shores.