Waldorf vs Montessori
Waldorf and Montessori are Sweden's two largest alternative pedagogies. Here their principles, distribution and the national figures from Skolkoll's data are compared.
National comparison table
Figures are unweighted means across 4,681 active compulsory schools. Article last updated 2026-04-20.
| Metric | Waldorf schools Operating description references Waldorf pedagogy | Montessori schools Operating description references Montessori pedagogy |
|---|---|---|
| Number of schools | 4 | 30 |
| Total pupils | 480 | 3,970 |
| Year 9 final-grade score (avg) | 248.5 | 246.5 |
| Certified teachers (%) | – | 66.4% |
| Pupils per teacher | 9.2 | 11.8 |
| Upper-secondary eligibility (%) | 100% | 98.8% |
Pedagogical foundation
Waldorf pedagogy was developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 and builds on anthroposophy — a holistic view of the human in which the child's development is divided into three seven-year periods. The teaching emphasises artistic and practical work alongside theoretical subjects, with strongly narrative teaching in the early years and reduced use of printed textbooks.
The Montessori method, created by Maria Montessori around 1907, builds on self-directed learning in a prepared environment. The pupil chooses material from a specially designed set and learns at their own pace, often in mixed-age groups.
Similarities and differences
Both methods are child-centred and deviate from the traditional year-group structure. The difference lies in their view of knowledge: Waldorf follows a rhythmic, teacher-led approach with art as a pedagogical tool, while Montessori emphasises individual work with concrete material.
In practical organisation, age grouping and assessment also differ. Waldorf avoids traditional grades in the lower years; Montessori usually works without grades at all during compulsory school and uses observation-based follow-up.
Distribution in Sweden
Waldorf schools gather around the Waldorf Schools Federation and are roughly as numerous as Montessori schools nationally. Both are over-represented in metropolitan regions and are most often run by foundations or parent co-operatives.
The KPI table shows unweighted national means. Read the differences with care — selection effect (active choice of pedagogy by parents with a high education level) is large in both groups.
Frequently asked questions
Do Waldorf and Montessori schools follow the same curriculum?
Yes. All Swedish compulsory schools follow Lgr22 and the same knowledge requirements, regardless of pedagogical orientation. Pupils sit the same national tests and are assessed against the same knowledge goals.
Which pedagogy gives the best results?
There is no clear research consensus. The difference in measured results between Waldorf and Montessori is smaller than the variation between individual schools within each pedagogy. The SALSA value is a better metric because it corrects for pupil background.
Are Waldorf schools allowed to use textbooks?
Yes, but use is more limited than in traditional schools. In the early years pupils often work with their own hand-made workbooks called 'period booklets' (periodhäften) and the teacher narrates rather than reading from a book. Textbooks are introduced gradually in the higher year groups.
Is Montessori stricter than Waldorf?
Different — not stricter. Montessori gives the pupil considerable freedom to choose material but within a clear structure of prepared activities. Waldorf is more teacher-led but with a focus on the child's developmental stages.
How do I know that the school actually applies the method?
For Waldorf: check membership of the Waldorf Schools Federation and verify that the teachers have Waldorf teacher training. For Montessori: the Swedish Montessori Association (Sveriges Montessoriförbund) certifies schools, and teachers should have 1–2 years of Montessori training on top of their regular teaching degree.