Vegan Schools Around the World: Hagaskolan

by Annika Lundkvist | June 7, 2019

In Spring 2019, Raise Vegan had the opportunity to visit the school and meet with Ulrich John- chairman, and Veronica Blixt Myrsell- school principal, as well as tour the beautiful environment of Sweden’s first vegan school, Hagaskolan Waldorfskolan I Nationalstadsparken.

Vegan Schools Around the World: Hagaskolan

Hagaskolan was originally founded in 2006 in Stockholm city center and turned vegan in 2018 when it was moved to its current lush, green location by Haga Park. The school is run as a nonprofit, enrolls students age 6-15 and employs 28 staff (3 of whom are vegan, several more vegetarian).

As a vegan & Waldorf school, Hagaskolan is modernizing the ecological mindset of the well established Waldorf educational philosophy with 21st century environmental concerns. Waldorf philosophy already employs an ecological mindset but to evolve it to a completely plant-based one is truly modern and innovative.

Inside one of the classrooms- **Vegan Schools Around the World: Hagaskolan**
Photo: Annika Lundkvist

Sample Weekly Menu:

Monday:

Potato wedges, samosas, chili mayo, corn & daily small dishes

Tuesday:

Pad Thai with wok & tofu & daily small dishes

Wednesday:

Mac & cheese, spring rolls & daily small dishes

Thursday:

Pea soup, pancake with jam & daily small dishes

Friday:

Hamburgers with sweet potato fries, onion rings & daily small dishes

Chef Carlos preparing the lunch buffet
Photo: Annika Lundkvist

Day’s Lunch: Falafel with Couscous, Spring Rolls, Samosas, Soy Schnitzel
Photo: Annika Lundkvist

Always served with lunch are an assortment of veggies
Photo: Annika Lundkvist

Chef Carlos preparing a lunch plate
Photo: Annika Lundkvist

Lunch at Hagaskolan
Photo: Annika Lundkvist

The vegan ethos of school: For health and climate reasons. This year, the school has the theme “Sustainability and Health”. The next academic year, the theme continues with the addition of ethics.

Unique programs offered: Waldorf school specializing in crafts and music.

What Sets Hagaskolan Apart?

“In addition to being the first school in Sweden (perhaps all of the Nordics) that serves a completely vegan menu, we have more music and crafts on the schedule than other schools. We have a safe, family environment and visitors usually point out that there is a very warm atmosphere at the school. When the students move on, we want them to have developed into free-thinking, responsible people who can make a difference!” -Veronica Blixt Myrsell, Principal of Hagaskolan