For families overseas dreaming of a different kind of education for their child, a Steiner Waldorf school in Aotearoa New Zealand offers a warm continuation of the Steiner Waldorf path, wherever in the world that path began. Families choosing to bring their child here are joining a global movement of Steiner education, one lived out a little differently in each country and each school, but sharing the same heart.

Aotearoa is home to several Steiner Waldorf schools that welcome international students. Each has its own character and conditions: some ask that a parent lives alongside younger children for the whole stay, some require the child to already attend a Steiner school overseas, and some offer homestay options for older students. Fees, minimum stay lengths and age ranges also vary from school to school.

‍As a general guide, families can expect an initial enquiry, a period of discussion with the school, a formal application, an offer of place and tuition agreement, and then a student visa application to Immigration New Zealand. Visa processing and accommodation arrangements take time, so most schools recommend reaching out well ahead of the intended start date. Comprehensive medical and travel insurance, meeting New Zealand's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, is required across every school.

This is why the very first step is always the same: reach out directly to the school that feels right for your whānau (family). Each school’s international student coordinators can walk you through what is possible for your child's age, circumstances and timeline, and help you understand what daily life, learning and community will look like at their kura (school).‍ ‍

We warmly invite whānau (families) considering a Steiner Waldorf education in Aotearoa to get in touch with any of the schools below to begin the kōrero (conversation). An interactive map to understand the locations of Steiner Waldorf schools in Aotearoa New Zealand is here.

• Michael Park School (Auckland) — International Students

• Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School (Auckland) — admin@titirangi.steiner.school.nz

• Waikato Waldorf School (Hamilton) — office@waikatowaldorf.school.nz

• Tauranga Waldorf School — reception@waldorftga.nz

• Te Rā School (Kapiti Coast) — office@tera.school.nz

• Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School (Lower Hutt) — international@raphaelhouse.school.nz

• Motueka Steiner School — international.students@motuekasteiner.school.nz

• Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School — international@ch.steiner.school.nz

• Dunedin Rudolf Steiner School — office@dunedinsteiner.nz

‍Ngā mihi nui, and we look forward to welcoming your family to the Steiner Waldorf community here in Aotearoa New Zealand.