Mission and Philosophy Our mission statement reads in part: Aurora Waldorf School provides a strong academic, artistic and practical curriculum taught in a way that fosters students' capacity to become independent, able to respond to life's challenges and the needs of others with creative intelligence, courage and love. Aurora Waldorf School, committed to the educational philosophy of Austrian educator, scientist, and artist Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), is an independent, non-sectarian school serving the greater Buffalo and Western New York community.   Encounter, Feeling, Idea The uniqueness of the Waldorf curriculum lies primarily in how and when the children are taught, rather than what is taught. In presenting material, first comes the encounter, then encounter becomes living feeling, and out of this feeling experience crystallizes the concept. Encounter, feeling, idea: three steps in a genuine learning process that prepares the intellect for abstract and conceptual thinking. In a truly balanced educational program, each student will find many ways for his or her gifts and talents to shine. And even a very bright child who can zoom through "reading, writing and arithmetic" needs a school that provides real challenges for growth in other dimensions. At AWS, students can do their best in the academic core and find their balance in a rich program of gymnastics, sports, drama, speech, German, painting, clay modeling, instrumental music, singing, creative writing, knitting, crocheting, woodworking and so much more.   "The advent of the Waldorf schools was in my opinion the greatest contribution to world peace and understanding in the century." Willy Brandt, Nobel Prize Winner,  Former Chancellor of West Germany