Foundation Program

Full Time Certificate Program

2012 Foundation Program Flier

This program is a creative gateway into the work of Rudolf Steiner and the profound world-view of anthroposophy (the wisdom of becoming human). It is a full-time 3½ day per week, 28-week program of discovery, personal growth, self-transformation and practical activity leading toward professions that renew culture and heal the earth. In the second semester the student can continue to go deeper into the study of Anthroposophy, or begin a semester of Waldorf Teacher Education.

Each of us bears three essential questions in her/his heart: “Who am I? What is my relationship with others? Why am I here on the earth - what is my mission?” The Foundation Program provides insights, tools and pathways of inner and outer work through which each individual creatively begins to find her/his own answers.

Only by working with the whole human being – head, heart, and hands/limbs – can we find meaningful answers to such questions. ‘Abstract’ knowledge serves only the head, not the heart and hands. The Foundation Program balances and interweaves five educational approaches to self-transformation: study, conversation, meditation, artistic activity, and skill-development. In working with others over 30 weeks, the student gains greater certainty in knowing the world, experiences new perceptions and insights, awakens sensitivity in social relationships, develops new capacities to apply in professional development, and becomes more clearly aligned with her/his spiritual individuality and life-task. Like Parzival, all human beings are on a creative quest: we strive to become spirits of freedom and love.

A gateway into many professions, the Foundation Program serves as the first year of Waldorf Teacher Education for those who wish to become Waldorf school teachers in the Grades, Early Childhood and High School. It also prepares the student for further studies in Biodynamic agriculture and horticulture, beekeeping, remedial education, medicine, the arts of eurythmy, drama, speech, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, and social sciences. The Foundation Program at Rudolf Steiner College is known throughout the world for its universality, diversity, and high quality.

Students explore the nature of the human being as body, soul, and spirit, chart the unfolding of their own biographies, seek the deeper meaning of life, grasp the laws of karma and reincarnation, and strive to create new forms through practical work and community building. The Foundation Program opens exciting vistas into the inner laws of nature and spirit, evolution of the Earth and changing human consciousness, the relationships between East and West, the mysteries of the Grail, freedom, love and individual creativity, and the challenges/opportunities facing us in our time.

Designed to foster individual creative capacities, each day begins with enlivening artistic activity in instrumental music, eurythmy movement, speech, or choral singing, followed by seminar study of Rudolf Steiner’s essential works, then lively presentations demonstrating how his ideas deepen our understanding of the individual, earth, and cosmos. Skill-building afternoon activities include biodynamic gardening, gymnastics, painting, form drawing, clay modeling, handwork, and drama.

Classes integrate the arts and sciences along with the inner schooling of consciousness to help bring clarity in thinking, balance in the life of feeling, and strength and direction to one’s will. Because they kindle imagination, flexibility, and inner growth, the visual arts—drawing, painting, sculpture, and projective geometry—form a significant part of the Foundation Program. Intensive work in the performing arts—eurythmy, speech, music, and drama—strengthens self-confidence, deepens artistic perception, develops sensitivities and awakens social capacities. Each student creates an artistic/practical project to share with the community during the year.

Click here for Curriculum Overview

Spiritual science is rightly understood if it is assimilated like a spiritual food, and allowed to grow and mature within. It is rightly understood if in moments of sorrow or happiness, of devotion and exaltation, or when life threatens to fall apart, one experiences the hope, strength and incentive to action it brings.Rudolf Steiner

 

This year of anthroposophical study, self exploration, and grooming of hidden artistic talents has been more satisfying than any previous educational endeavor. Carolyn Peterson, Ph. D., 2005-2006

 

This past year has been a beautful journey and a precious gift. The wise curriculum and loving staff supported me through deep personal transformation, allowing me to live from the place of my greatest potential – the place of my heart. For this I will be eternally grateful. Heather Fields, 2006-2007

 

This is life training. This is about experiencing deeply who you are and why you are here on earth. This is a training that helps you to reach your potential in this lifetime, not only for yourself, but for all of humanity. The support and guidance from my classmates and teachers have made this journey most beautiful and deep. Jennifer De Renzi, 2006-2007

For information concerning Admissions, Tuition and Fees, and Financial Aid, go to our Admissions page or contact us.

Learn More

For more information, download our informational flier: Foundation Program (PDF).