The Waldorf education was developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 and focuses on the theory that education cannot be fulfilling if the needs of the growing child are not addressed. With this type of education the child learns through experiencing teachings through the heart, the head and the hands. The individual needs of the student are met and stimulated and the teachers working with this method base their approach of the student on helping the student find meaning and a sense of purpose in their lives. Self-awareness and a healthy concern for other human beings as well as respect for the outside world are important factors in the Waldorf way of teaching. Academic subjects are presented to the student in a way that is greatly different from the approach in other types of education. Subjects are taught in a dynamic way in which there is plenty of room for creativity. This pictorial approach helps the student to get involved in the subject matter. There is no need for behavioristic rewards for learning as the student develops the motivation to learn and discover new subjects in a different way.

The student is offered subjects and approaches that are age appropriate according to the different phases in the students life. The phases of development in the child are divided into three segments; from birth to 6 years, from 7 to 14 years and from 14 to 18 years old. Through these phases students are able to relate to what they are taught and are able to make subjects their own.

The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the individual needs of the child. Founded in 1940, this type of education focuses on the ability to inquire as a very important value. Children are observed and encouraged to follow their own interests. When exploring certain topics and activities, new skills are learned.