Waldorf Education is a holistic teaching approach founded by Rudolf Steiner. It emphasizes the overall development of the child—intellectual, artistic, social, and physical—based on developmental stages. Please enjoy an episode of our podcast where our Head of School Dr. Brad Kershner answers this question in full.

Art is seen as a crucial tool for self-expression and understanding the world. Waldorf education believes that integrating arts into the curriculum enhances learning, fosters creativity, and aids in the development of the whole child.

Waldorf and Montessori education share a focus on child-centered learning but differ in their teaching methods. Waldorf integrates arts and creativity, while Montessori emphasizes self-directed learning with structured materials. For more information, please read on here.

In Waldorf schools, formal reading instruction generally starts around age 7, in first grade. This approach is based on the belief that children should be developmentally ready for the reading process, and that preparation for reading is supported by activities such as movement and imaginary play. To read more about the Waldorf approach to literacy in our blog, click here.

Waldorf schools typically emphasize hands-on, sensory experiences over screen time, especially in the early years. Electronic media is introduced thoughtfully and at older ages, based on the belief that direct experiences foster deeper understanding and connections. Technology is incorporated in class for middle school and high school students as a tool for learning.

A Waldorf school day often begins with a “Main Lesson”, an extended block where a specific subject or theme is explored in depth for several weeks. The day also includes subject-specific classes, artistic activities, and movement.

“Looping” allows teachers to deepen their understanding of each student’s learning style, strengths, and needs. This continuity can foster a strong teacher-student relationship and provide a consistent learning environment.

Eurythmy is a movement art unique to Waldorf schools. It links movement with speech sounds and music. It supports children’s spatial awareness, coordination, concentration, and an understanding of language and music’s underlying essence. To view a KWS Eurythmy performance, click here.

Waldorf schools typically prioritize descriptive feedback over traditional grades in the younger years. Narrative reports and teacher observations provide insight into a child’s development. Letter and numerical grades are gradually introduced. High school students graduate with traditional transcripts with letter grades beginning in 9th grade.

Waldorf schools are non-sectarian and non-denominational. They educate all children, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. Waldorf schools are not part of any church. They espouse no particular religious doctrine but are based on a belief that there is a spiritual dimension to the human being and to all of life. Waldorf families come from a broad spectrum of religious traditions and interests. (AWSNA) 

KWS does not offer special education services and has limited support beyond what is offered to all students within the instructional model.  The program requirements include students having a level of self-regulation and independence as well as academic skills that are close to, on, or exceeding grade level. We do have staff members who specialize in academic support, working with students one-on-one as needed. If we see your child experiencing challenges, we work in conjunction with your child’s school district to determine if or how your child’s needs can be met.

No. Many students join Kimberton Waldorf School without previous Waldorf experience. Our teachers provide thoughtful support—especially in the early weeks—to help students acclimate to new rhythms, learning styles, and expectations. Younger children typically adjust quickly, and older students receive additional guidance during the transition.

Most students adapt well to the hands-on, relationship-based Waldorf approach. Teachers offer orientation, regular check-ins, and individualized support. New students are paired with classmates who help them learn routines, build friendships, and feel at home in their new learning environment.

Waldorf education cultivates academic rigor, strong executive functioning, creativity, and independent thinking. Kimberton Waldorf School graduates attend a wide range of colleges and universities, and they are known for their ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and approach challenges with confidence and curiosity. Our alumni are thriving, with over 90% attending a 4-year university after graduation, and finding a job within six months of college graduation. You can find our alumni in successful careers in Law, Medicine, Agriculture, and more.

Discipline in Waldorf education is rooted in strong relationships, clear expectations, and respect for the child’s developmental stage. KWS uses restorative, developmentally informed practices to guide behavior. Teachers work closely with students to build social awareness, healthy boundaries, and responsibility within the classroom community.

Kimberton Waldorf School recognizes that children learn in different ways. Our teachers incorporate movement, arts, storytelling, and practical experiences to reach a wide range of learners. While we do not provide special education services, we strive to support individual needs within the scope of the Waldorf curriculum and classroom environment.

Outdoor time is embedded throughout the school day. In the early grades, children spend significant time outside in play, nature walks, and outdoor learning. In the grades, students enjoy multiple recesses, gardening, farming classes, and nature-based science lessons. High school students work on sustainability projects, physical education, and campus-based land stewardship.

Beginning in 1st grade, students study two world languages—German and Spanish—through immersive, conversational, and artistic methods. This strengthens cognitive flexibility, cultural awareness, and long-term language learning skills.

KWS celebrates time-honored Waldorf festivals that mark the rhythms of the year, including Michaelmas, the Lantern Walk, Winter Assemblies and Winter Spiral, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and May Fair. These celebrations nurture community connection, gratitude, and a sense of wonder.

Homework in the lower grades is minimal and developmentally appropriate, focusing on healthy habits rather than volume. Assignments increase gradually in middle school and become more academically rigorous in high school, preparing students for college-level work while maintaining balance and well-being.

Families are an essential part of the school community. Parents can participate through volunteer opportunities, festival support, classroom involvement (as appropriate), field trips, special event committees, and community gatherings throughout the year.

Yes. Kimberton Waldorf School offers need-based tuition assistance to qualifying families. More information, including timelines and application details, is available on our Tuition webpage.

Class sizes at KWS are intentionally small to support individualized attention, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of classroom community. Ratios vary by grade but generally range from 6:1 to 18:1.

At a time when Artificial Intelligence is being promoted in almost every sector of society and is having a significant impact in schools, we believe it is our responsibility to help students, teachers, and parents understand what AI is and how it impacts human learning and experience. We strive to establish clear boundaries about how and when to use AI, while also helping our community to consider the broader issues and ramifications of AI adoption in a world where human attention, human intelligence, and human capacity are our most essential resources. 

Students must not use any generative AI tools for creating arguments, gathering evidence, or drafting assignments. Submitting any work that is not your own without proper citation is a form of academic dishonesty. The use of any Generative AI programs (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Poe, Grok, or others) without referencing how you have used the tool would thus be considered plagiarism and will be taken seriously. Please listen to an episode of our school podcast on this topic HERE.

Rationale:

1. Generative AI can produce seemingly polished compositions, but leaning on it for core tasks like reasoning, evidence gathering, or synthesis, can stunt a student’s ability to develop independent creative, observational, or analytical skills. Rationalizing your own thoughts in the forming of arguments, the weighing of evidence, and the articulation of your ideas is a muscle that grows through practice, not shortcuts.
2. AI can sometimes generate wildly inaccurate or fabricated information, often referred to as “hallucinations”. By doing your own reasoning, you will learn to verify sources and build arguments grounded in reality, a skill critical for both the academic and the real world.
3. Crafting your own ideas hones your ability to think critically, to question assumptions, and to express your unique perspectives. These are lifelong skills that AI, while helpful for certain tasks, cannot replicate or develop for you.

There are a multitude of differences between public schools and Waldorf schools, but it must be acknowledged that all public schools and Waldorf schools are unique in their own policies, staffing, campus, etc. Please listen to an episode of our school podcast on this topic HERE. Outlined below are some core differences you will find when comparing public and Waldorf schools:

Educational Philosophy
Waldorf Schools: 
Based on the educational ideas of Rudolf Steiner, who believed that education should nurture the whole child — head, heart, and hands (thinking, feeling, and doing). The goal is to support each child’s intellectual, artistic, and practical development in a balanced way.
Public Schools: 
Based largely on state or national standards, focusing on academic achievement and measurable outcomes through standardized testing.

Curriculum and Teaching Approach
Waldorf Schools: 
1. Emphasize imagination, creativity, and the arts. Subjects like music, painting, storytelling, drama, and handcrafts are integrated into daily learning. 
2. Academic learning (reading, writing, math) often begins a bit later — typically around age 7 — to align with the child’s developmental stage. 
3. Lessons are taught in multi-week thematic blocks (“main lesson blocks”), allowing deep exploration of topics. 
4. Technology (screens, computers) is limited or avoided in the early grades.
Public Schools: 
1. Follow a standardized curriculum determined by the state. 
2. Academic instruction begins earlier (usually by age 5). 
3. Teaching is often divided by subjects and periods rather than immersive blocks. 
4. Technology use is typically encouraged and integrated early on.

Teachers and Class Structure
Waldorf Schools:
1. One teacher often stays with the same class for multiple years (sometimes grades 1–8), building deep relationships.
2. Class sizes may be smaller, and learning is collaborative rather than competitive.
Public Schools:
1. Students usually have a different teacher each year.
2. Emphasis on testing and assessment, often using grades and standardized exams.

Environment and Materials
Waldorf Schools: 
1. Classrooms are warm, artistic, and natural — with wooden toys, beeswax crayons, and handmade materials.
2. Seasonal rhythms and festivals are celebrated throughout the year.
Public Schools:
1. More institutional settings, with standard desks, textbooks, and technology.
2. Focused primarily on academic calendars and benchmarks rather than seasonal rhythms.