Independent schools receive complete or partial funding in much of Europe, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe. In countries outside of this region, funding for independent schools varies widely. Waldorf theories and practices are often modified from their European and Christian roots to meet the historical and cultural traditions of the local community. Examples include Waldorf schools in Israel and Japan, which celebrate festivals drawn from these cultures, and classes in the Milwaukee Urban Waldorf school, which have adopted African American and Native American traditions. Though Waldorf schools are autonomous institutions not required to follow a prescribed curriculum there are…