Long before there was The Waldorf School of Philadelphia, it was a dream of two Waldorf teachers to bring Waldorf education to Philadelphia. In 1992, a small group met to discuss the possibility of opening a Waldorf-inspired community center or possibly a day-care facility in the city. In early 1994 this group came to Philadelphia to perform a puppet play for local children and to talk about Waldorf ideas with local parents. Shortly thereafter, a family volunteered their home for a Waldorf parent study group and play group for pre-school age children. In January 1995, the Philadelphia Waldorf Initiative was incorporated with the State of Pennsylvania. A Board of Trustees was formed, by-laws were adopted, and non-profit status was acquired. Efforts were put into opening a school for the Fall of 1996.

Since then our school and our community has continued to thrive and grow. With one nursery, three parent-toddler programs, four kindergartens, eight grades classes, a varied and nourishing program of special subjects and enrollment increasing yearly it is clear that our story is just beginning. We look forward to the next chapter in our story with joy and we look back with gratitude to all the teachers, parents, students and other community members whose love and hard work have brought us to this place.