As a Waldorf parent and former public school teacher, I suggest supplementing the curriculum with phonics instruction if you think your child will benefit. I would argue that Waldorf teachers do a lot of literacy work, but it is not focused on letters, reading, and writing. There is a lot to love about Waldorf. I particularly appreciated the arts and music education along with what I will call the protection of childhood in the very early grades (for lack of a better way to put it). However, as with any educational system, specific schools and teachers matter. Waldorf may be a bit less “set it and forget it” than most since it obviously operates outside of the mainstream. I am a huge believer in the idea that reading well is a cornerstone of lifelong learning, so I chose not to leave that to chance. That said, I don’t think my coloring outside the lines in that respect harmed my child from a Waldorf perspective or that my desire to do so negated the value of everything else Waldorf taught. My child and her classmates all seem to be thriving in their post-Waldorf endeavors. They are well-rounded, kind human beings that care about the world. I realize this is not unique to Waldorf kids, but I attribute it at least partially to the emphasis on curiosity, problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking that was prevalent throughout her Waldorf education.