LOCATED AT ROSEMARY HILL FARM

The Kindergarten, The Waldorf School and The High School are all located on Rosemary Hill Farm. The Waldorf School was originally established in Pretoria in 1972, and relocated to Rosemary Hill in 1978. During the 80s and 90s, the focus was primarily on development, farming & education, driven by a passion for nurturing both minds and land.

In recent times, the second generation of the founding family has taken the reins, bringing forth a harmonious blend of commercial growth, enhanced hospitality, and an array of leisure activities that continue to draw countless visitors to the farm.

At Rosemary Hill, tradition seamlessly intertwines with modernity, honouring cherished values while embracing contemporary offerings. Today, visitors can wander around and discover experiences that capture the essence of the farm.

ROSEMARY HILL FARM OFFERINGS

Working Farm

Three Schools

Girls Hostel

Boys Hostel

Guest Accommodation

Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Picnics & Outings

MTB & Hiking

Horse Riding

Photo & Video Shoots

Padel Courts

Events Venue

Working Farm

Three Schools

Girls Hostel

Boys Hostel

Guest Accommodation

Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Picnics & Outings

MTB & Hiking

Horse Riding

Photo & Video Shoots

Padel Courts

Events Venue

ABOUT THE WALDORF SCHOOL

Our Heritage and Philosophy

Founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf Education emphasizes holistic learning through intellectual, emotional, and practical development. Based on Steiner’s Anthroposophy, it follows three developmental stages: early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Our curriculum integrates arts, crafts, and creativity with academics, delaying formal education until around age seven. With over 1,000 schools worldwide, Waldorf education promotes imagination, critical thinking, and a connection to nature, nurturing the whole child—head, heart, and hands.

Our Commitment to Diversity

During apartheid, our school welcomed children of all races, fostering cultural and racial diversity. Our learners are well-equipped to take on the challenges of our young democracy and help build a society that reflects our country’s true potential.

Our Journey

Dr. Max Stibbe, a Dutch educationalist, co-founded the first Waldorf School in Pretoria in 1972. He was also a founder of the first Waldorf School in The Netherlands. Dr. Stibbe taught our first learners well into his seventies, mentoring and inspiring our original teachers. After two years of renting Brooklyn Scout Hall, the school relocated to Kameeldrift, north of Pretoria, and was renamed in Dr. Stibbe’s honour after his death in 1973. In 1977, the school found a permanent home on Rosemary Hill farm at Mooiplaats, East of Pretoria, adding boarding facilities and a daily bus service.

Our Evolution

The class of 1988 was the first to complete the full 12-year journey from grade one to matric. In 2003, we ceased offering Grades 10-12, preparing students to integrate seamlessly into conventional schools at Grade 8 or Grade 10. In 2016, we rebranded as The Waldorf School at Rosemary Hill, aligning with the international Waldorf educational system.

Looking Ahead

In 2023, a new high school was launched following the IEB curriculum, and in 2025, there will be a Matric Class for the first time in over 20 years. Join us in continuing our proud heritage and innovative approach to education.

A GLIMPSE INTO OUR SCHOOL’S HISTORY

WHY WALDORF?

Class Teacher Approach

At The Waldorf School, each classroom resembles a family. Following the Waldorf Way, a teacher stays with the same group of children throughout primary school, from Class 1 to Class 7. This approach builds close relationships, a supportive atmosphere and stability, which enhances the learning experience.

Holistic, Child-Centered Education

Waldorf education nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It focuses on age-appropriate learning, tailoring the curriculum to each child’s developmental stage. In early childhood, the emphasis is on creative play, imagination, and hands-on activities, fostering social, emotional, and practical skills. As children grow, the curriculum engages their intellect, imagination, and critical thinking, balancing academics, arts, and life skills.

Key Strengths:

Creativity and Arts: Daily lessons integrate music, painting, drama, and handwork, cultivating creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience.
Close Teacher-Student Relationships: Teachers often stay with the same class for multiple years, creating deep bonds and trust.
Connection to Nature: The curriculum fosters respect for the environment and a deeper understanding of the world.
For parents seeking a nurturing, balanced, and thoughtful education, Waldorf schools offer a compassionate, creative alternative to conventional education. Our approach ensures that children develop holistically, preparing them for future challenges with confidence and resilience.

Our Vision

To facilitate the unfolding of the unlimited potential in each individual; of academic, social, artistic, practical and spiritual nature.
To advance the facilities of head, heart and hands.
To prepare children for life’s challenges by gaining the perspective of an inclusive world view and to celebrate diversity by encouraging respect for humanity and a reverence for nature.
To demand continuous teacher enrichment, resulting in originality, creativity, excellence and unfailing enthusiasm for our work.
Create an environment where kids love to learn.

Our Mission

To impart the best knowledge, skills and personal development according to each individual’s potential and pace.
To maintain a true interest in all children from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
To provide an excellent education with a holistic approach.
To be accountable to learners, parents and all other stakeholders.
To uphold a beautiful, safe and supportive environment.
To develop and improve educators’ self-development and qualifications with the principal of lifelong learning.
To encourage active participation and involvement in the spirit of ownership.

Our Mission

To impart the best knowledge, skills and personal development according to each individual’s potential and pace.
To maintain a true interest in all children from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
To provide an excellent education with a holistic approach.
To be accountable to learners, parents and all other stakeholders.
To uphold a beautiful, safe and supportive environment.
To develop and improve educators’ self-development and qualifications with the principal of lifelong learning.
To encourage active participation and involvement in the spirit of ownership.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The Waldorf School is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within its community of staff, students, and parents. The school emphasizes multiculturalism, non-racism, non-sexism, and acceptance of all religions and sexual orientations. With a focus on embracing African identity across both academic and cultural spheres, The Waldorf School promotes the Waldorf values of progressive, inclusive, and affordable education that nurtures individual initiative, freedom, responsibility, and personal worth.

THE HEART OF THE WALDORF SCHOOL

Hayley
Davis

Academic Manager

Natalie
Dougall

Business Manager

Thea
Voges

School Bursar

Carné
du Plessis

Class 1 Teacher

Marguerite
de Clercq

Class 2 & 3 Teacher

Danielle
Swart