In late 1998, a group gathered at the Minnesota Waldorf School to discuss how to satisfy the growing interest in adult education on the philosophy behind Waldorf schooling and for teacher training. In May 1999, an invitation went out to the larger community welcoming participation in what was then named Minnesota Foundation Studies.Nineteen participants met one Saturday each month for the first year, doing Biography work in the morning and spending time with a Visiting Teacher in the afternoon. During the lunch hour, we worked together to collaboratively run the program. Evening classes were offered by local teachers throughout the year.

Over the past seven years, from 35 to 55 people each year have participated in the year-long classes, with even more attending the Visiting Teacher workshops, summer sessions, book studies, and Teacher Training Curriculum courses.

Initially, a volunteer steering committee offered coordination. In January 2001, a Visioning day was held to plan for the future. In 2003, the name was officially changed to Novalis Institute, and we incorporated in the state of Minnesota as a non-profit organization, gaining 501(c)(3) status the following year. As the course offerings grew, the running of the program became more formalized; and in May 2003, a part-time coordinator became our first paid, non-teaching position.

Planning for a Teacher Training Program began in 2002 with the larger anthroposophical and Waldorf community. Two years later, we offered our first summer institute, and the following year, we teamed with the Arcturus Program in Chicago to provide Teacher Curriculum courses.

The development of courses has always been based on community interest and need, as intuited by those who work most closely with participants. This continues to give Novalis Institute a sense of currency and vitality. We welcome your participation at whatever level is appropriate for you: from an evening lecture or year-long class, to a series of courses to satisfy the foundational base for Waldorf teacher education. We also welcome your service as a volunteer or in a position of leadership.