To the Editor:

Re “Vaccine Skepticism Takes Root at Progressive Schools” (news article, June 15):

On behalf of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, I would like to offer a broader perspective on Waldorf education, whose approach to child development, social-emotional health and academic achievement is continuously supported by contemporary research.

First, Waldorf schools believe that scientific advancement is critical to a flourishing society. Our association is not anti-vaccine and our views do not align with the anti-vaccine movement. The majority of students in Waldorf schools across North America are immunized.

Second, Waldorf education does not cater primarily to children of the elite. Waldorf schools strive to serve children from a broad range of class and racial backgrounds and family compositions. Schools in the United States offer financial support or scaled tuition in order to make Waldorf education accessible.

In relation to the education program, our approach is responsive to a changing world and is continuously affirmed by research. Waldorf alumni stand in the world as Nobel laureates, engineers, artists and individuals who are willing to take intellectual risks and carry high ethical principles.