Escuela Waldorf-Steiner Internacional El Farol

*Trigger message - be careful!* This message was originally posted in march 2022 and deleted afterwards. If you think about choosing this school please be aware of the different comments upon the school. You will notice a big gap: some are totally in favor, some report experiences close to humiliation, culture of fear and oppression. We experienced the latter with our kids and had to take them out from one day to another as my daughter was constantly crying at nighttimes and telling me that the owner (which at the same time is teacher - uncommon for Waldorf because Waldorf is always owned by families, teachers and kids!!) was screaming at her and other kids. The house is wonderful: view upon the sea, material is all Waldorf compatible, the festivals and rhythms are too. The outside framework in that sense is totally fine which is why we did not see/saw it too late what the inside world there is like (despite the fact that be both speak spanish/native). We took them out on the 15.3.22 which is why you will read some new positive comments as the owner asked other families to share their experience as in their eyes we were making up all the incidences happening. There are still some families inside that are scared to communicate frankly because of having fear that it will be a disadvantage for their kids inside. Currently, in the background there is a review going on if this school deserves to be called Waldorf as that requires a number of values and standards that many families did not find there. Some even worse: finding a place where the owner has all the power in one hand (the opposite of Steiner pedagogy). An authority figure that is not interested in a collaboration, critics or feedback in order to improve that is forseen in Steiner pedagogy. The teacher should be an example that the kids can copy. In case you value the following things then do not choose this school! >> collaboration and role model education instead of false respect aka fear >> a close relationship with the teacher instead of 0 communication what is going on inside (even therapists are not allowed to be inside) >> an open culture in order to grow as a community versus an authority scaring parents and even talking in a derogatory way when there is something that does not suit her. We come from an anthroposophical background and kids visited before a Waldorf kindergarten in Germany. We were already shocked when we arrived in September 2022 (the way we were treated by the owner, no concept of adaptation, no non-violent communication). We tried hard to accept because we wanted it to work out as we always planned to have our kids in a Waldorf school. The motto of this school describes it very clearly: "This school is for all children, but not for all parents." (School owner). Last comment without wanting to sound superior or dismissive: most families there have not been in touch with Waldorf pedagogy before. Therefore: if you want a Waldorfkindergarten with the respective values you may be better off having a look at the other Waldorfkindergarten or google alternative schools in Malaga. We are devastated and deeply sad about such a negative Waldorf experience as it was the reason for us to come to Malaga. In these 3 years since the Waldorf association in Madrid has asked the school to fulfill some requirements in order to be able to keep the name “Waldorf school”. I know now that what we experienced was not the first incident with the school. About 8-9 years ago there was already a situation with a warning towards the owner. The Lamar Institute in Malaga has had many children from that school in a therapeutic process. Please be careful as we just met a family that has had a similar experience in the last months. Our kids are now in a proper Waldorf school in Cantabria - what a different world!

We are just 5 months on this school. This school is really a warm bath for us after being on other international schools with traditional education for our son of 5. . He was overwhelmed after school, more sick, unhappy and the education did not fit his age. For example: He had to read and write at 4 year. Emotionally he was not ready for it.Even he did it quite good. My opinion is that no child of 4 is ready for this. I saw a lot of children had problems in his class. The Waldorf school understand this, and offer education that fits the age and the emotional needs of a child. Also, he can wear his own clothes instead of uniform, as this support him to develop his own identity. They start the day with a hug of the teachers and a good morning song. This personal approach offer our son a warm and save environment where he feels loved and seen. We see that the teachers really love the children. Because of the small classes there is personal attention and the parent community is amazing! The only thing I miss is more outdoor education in nature, as I think it is very good for children. They should go to the place on mountain every Friday, that is wonderfull. But they often do not go because it is raining a little or it is too warm. But a lot of times it was just 22 degrees for example, so perfect weather to be in nature. And they do not go? So that is my point of attention for this school, but for the rest: an amazing school for children!

If you want to know your children in a familiar environment that teaches values and knowledge, this is the best school in Malaga!
Our children are very happy and after almost 3 years at the school we can now say that we couldn't imagine better care and better teachers and educators! The relationship between children and teachers is intimate, deeply understanding and always relates to the nature of the child!
A clear recommendation!

This school is a breath of fresh air, the perfect place for your child to learn some of the more important things in life. Friendly parents and teachers, we changed our little boy from his school to come here and he is super happy and learning new things everyday.

Great community, great teachers! The support that the families give each other here is unparalleled. The care and attention that the teachers give to the children is truly extraordinary. It goes beyond just a school.