Karl Schaefer was born and raised in Willmette, a suburb of Chicago. After graduating from Loyola Academy, he attended the University of Colorado, followed by the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After working at Le Perroquet Restaurant in Chicago, he and his wife moved to Portland, and in 1980 Karl opened the nationally acclaimed restaurant Le Cuisinier as the chef/owner. During this time, his oldest son was enrolled in the Portland Waldorf School, where Karl served as a board member for 3 yrs. While there, he began a study of early education out of a desire to serve his children and the children within his community.

Karl and his young family moved south of Portland to raise their children and discovered Two Rivers Farm School in 1988. The founder, Annie Lou Staveley, and Karl shared a similar philosophy of educating children, and he was influenced by her extensive experience and understanding of children. Before starting TRFS, Mrs. Staveley had spent many years as a preschool teacher in London, then returned to Portland, where she taught at Catlin Gabel School. In 2003 Karl accepted the role of Head Master at TRFS. Mrs. Staveley’s influence is alive today in Karl’s approach to primary school education.

Karl has a strong affinity for working with young children and remains in contact with many TRFS alumni.

When he is not at the school he is most often found in a kitchen, in his garden, reading, or spending time with his children and grandchildren.