The story behind the first International Waldorf School in The Netherlands

Our history

The Waldorf School The Hague (De Vrije School Den Haag) was founded in 1923, with the support and blessing of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the first Waldorf school in Germany. Over the years, the school has grown, acquired its own building designed around the aesthetics and philosophy of the Waldorf approach, and seen generations of teachers and children. Throughout the years, it has always managed to stay true to its origins. The International Waldorf School The Hague is created with that same Waldorf spirit and intention.

1919-2019, 100 years of Waldorf education!

Over the years, Waldorf education has spread throughout the world. Today, there are approximately 1200 Waldorf schools in over 70 countries worldwide. In Europe alone, there are nearly 180 000 children who follow Waldorf education. While all schools have celebrated the centenary, we feel we are a living, dynamic movement.

The Hague, an international city

Over the past decades, The Hague has become the international capital for Justice and Peace, host to the International Court of Justice, Eurojust and OPCW. Several multinational companies and institutions have chosen to establish their offices in this beautiful city.

Demand for international education

In 2017, we recognised a clear demand for an International Waldorf School where our pedagogy could be made available to children who move across the world with their parents. After a thorough study, we were granted permission (and funding) by the Ministry of Education in The Netherlands to establish the school.

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About IWSTH

The International Waldorf School of The Hague is a non-profit international primary school with a distinct educational vision. Engagement with societal developments in sustainability, peace, justice and well-being plays a key role in shaping our educational programme.