The School of Spiritual Science is the active esoteric centre of the anthroposophical movement. The centre of the School is at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland but members of the School work within New Zealand and throughout the world.

The School of Spiritual Science is often referred to as the First Class. Rudolf Steiner had intended to develop three Class levels, with only the first being founded before his death. The School was set up in order to further the work of those who are prepared to be responsible for and to be active in the anthroposophical cause.

Anyone may seek admission to the school who has made themselves acquainted with anthroposophically oriented spiritual schooling paths and has formed for themselves a clear picture of the task of Anthroposophy. It is expected that members of the School maintain as close and lively a connection as possible with other representatives of anthroposophical work.

There is a process whereby members who wish to deepen their spiritual knowledge and take responsibility for the Society apply to and are admitted to the First Class of the School of Spiritual Science.

When a person makes the decision to join the Anthroposophical Society they may wish to know what responsibility this brings with it. Rudolf Steiner wanted the Anthroposophical Society to be open and available to all human beings striving towards spiritual development.

It is only on choosing to become a member of the School of Spiritual Science that a member takes on responsibility for the Society. The School of Spiritual Science offers a path of inner development that brings with it knowledge and understanding that we, as human beings, carry responsibility for the world, the cosmos and its future. We have the possibility to consciously work with the Spirit Being of our Time, Michael, who can only act on our initiative and action. In the words of Heinz Zimmerman, "Michael is a spirit of initiative. Michael is active when we have presence of mind. Michael is a risk taker!"

To participate in the First Class is to work actively with meditation, self knowledge and spiritual science.

Though there is no official time that a person is a member of the Society before applying to the School of Spiritual Science, it is normal to wait two years before joining the First Class. This gives each individual the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the writings and meditations given in books and lectures by Rudolf Steinersuch as ‘Occult Science; An Outline', ‘Knowledge of the Higher Worlds: How is it Achieved?' and The Philosophy of Freedom (also known as The Philosophy of Spiritual Activity).

Application for membership is made through a Class holder in the local area. In an interview the Class holder outlines the conditions of membership. It is important that the applicant, through the conversation, be enabled to make as conscious a decision as possible. The application is then forwarded to the leadership of the General Section at the Goetheanum in Dornach. The following list of Class holders welcome all conversations of interest or intent.