Aurora Waldorf School
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School History
The first Waldorf School was revolutionary for its time - open to children from all social, religious, racial, and economic backgrounds, and co-educational. By 1928 it had grown to become the largest non-denominational school in Germany, serving as a model for other Waldorf Schools in Germany, Switzerland, Holland, England, and the United States. Waldorf education continues to change the world every day by preparing children around the globe to meet the future.
1919
On September 19, 1919, the Independent Waldorf School (die Freie Waldorfschule) opened its doors in Stuttgart, Germany. Founded by the Austrian scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner in response to the political chaos of the Weimar Republic, it aimed to set the new generation on a path toward social renewal.
1928
The first Waldorf school was founded in North America, named Rudolf Steiner School of New York City.
1987
A Waldorf Kindergarten teacher published an article on Waldorf education in a local Buffalo newspaper, which planted the seed for the formation of Aurora Waldorf School.
1990
A small group of parents began to study the philosophy of this innovative way of teaching together. In the spring of 1990, they formed the Waldorf School Initiative of Western New York.
1991
Enthusiasm for this new school initiative grew quickly, invigorated by visiting master teachers from all over North America, experts in the field of Waldorf education. Just one year later, on the top floor of a rented church/school building in Orchard Park, 14 Kindergartners, 12 Grade One students, and their teachers celebrated the grand opening of Aurora Waldorf School on September 4, 1991.
1992
A new site for the school became available in the West Falls Elementary School building, still the current location. Amid rolling hills, woods, and open fields, with large sunlit classrooms, a gymnasium, and an auditorium, the site satisfied virtually all of the school's needs, and AWS moved to this new location.
2000
The first Eighth Grade class graduated from Aurora Waldorf school, sending eleven students to local public and private high schools.
2004
Aurora Waldorf School purchased the building and thirteen surrounding acres from East Aurora School District
2009
With more City of Buffalo families enrolling, a daily student bus service was instituted between Buffalo and Aurora Waldorf School.
2011
Aurora Waldorf School celebrates 20 years of educating children.
2019
Waldorf education celebrated its 100th year of preparing students to meet the future. AWS celebrated this milestone with a community picnic.
2020
Aurora Waldorf School is accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools in North America (AWSNA).
2021
Aurora Waldorf School Celebrates its 30th Anniversary with Growth, Grit, and Gratitude!
2022
Aurora Waldorf School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS).
