Waldorf education offers students an intentional, holistic approach to learning that emphasizes the whole child’s development. It nurtures children by introducing academics through developmentally appropriate methods, ensuring that students are not just memorizing facts but truly understanding and applying their knowledge in meaningful ways.
Nature, Play, and Experiential Learning
Waldorf education is known for its alignment with nature and play-based learning. All students spend time outside year-round, jumping in puddles in their rain gear, sledding down snowy hills, and exploring the verdant banks of the Susquehanna River. While it’s easy to see that nature and play are core components of a Waldorf education, what makes it truly special is how they enhance academic learning. Time spent in nature fosters curiosity, creativity, and resilience, qualities that are deeply integrated into the curriculum.
The Waldorf approach to academics stands in stark contrast to traditional education. It emphasizes experiential learning, integrates art to support learning across disciplines, encourages social and emotional development, and fosters a lifelong love of learning in students. Unlike public and private schools that follow rigid curriculum standards, Waldorf education is highly adaptable, evolving to meet the developmental needs of each student.
Great care is taken to craft a curriculum that meets students developmentally rather than forcing them to meet standardized benchmarks beyond their readiness. For example, Waldorf early childhood education prioritizes social-emotional learning before age seven while actively laying the groundwork for reading, writing, and language skills. Oral storytelling in early childhood builds vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar skills. Repeating familiar stories enhances memory and narrative structure. These foundational skills help prepare students for the more formal academic instruction that begins in first grade.
In first grade, Waldorf educators introduce language skills through active and engaging methods. Children draw pictures from letters (like capital B as a bear with a big belly) to connect visual imagery with letter sounds. This aligns with research showing that phonics-based instruction is highly effective for teaching reading. Through songs, movement, and storytelling, children develop a strong foundation in language arts that prepares them for independent reading and writing.
“In first grade, we’re planting seeds of what’s to come,” said Waldorf Educator Rochelle Dietz. “Students recognize patterns later on and connect the songs they learned in first grade to concepts in geometry in middle school … Learning is not just happening in their heads … It’s a whole-body experience: head, heart, and hands.”
Learning comes to life in a Waldorf classroom, engaging and exciting students in meaningful ways. To witness a Waldorf student learning is to witness joy.
The Importance of Nature and Movement
At every level, Susquehanna Waldorf School prioritizes movement and time spent in nature. All students experience recess twice a day, ensuring they have ample opportunities for unstructured play and physical activity. In addition to recess, nature walks and outdoor learning are integral parts of the curriculum, even in middle school. These experiences support physical health, cognitive development, and emotional well-being, reinforcing the connection between mind and body. By integrating movement and nature into daily routines, Waldorf students develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them while enhancing their ability to focus and engage in academic work.
What Do Students Learn in a Waldorf Curriculum?
Public schools often emphasize standardized test preparation, while Waldorf education offers a broad, integrated curriculum that fosters critical thinking and creativity. Core subjects include:
- Language Arts: Phonics, reading, creative writing, grammar, public speaking, and literature study. Younger students learn to write before reading, forming letters through artistic storytelling.
- Mathematics: Introduction of four mathematical processes in Grade 1, progressing to fractions, decimals, geometry, business math, and algebra in middle school.
- Science: A hands-on approach covering nature studies, botany, zoology, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physiology.
- Social Studies & History: Rich storytelling introduces students to ancient civilizations, mythology, local geography, U.S. history, and world history, following the development of human consciousness.
- World Languages: Spanish, Mandarin, and Latin are taught through song, movement, and conversation. Celebrating festivals enhances cultural awareness and appreciation.
- Practical Arts & Handwork: Watercolor painting, drawing, sculpting, knitting, sewing, woodworking, carving, and other craft-based skills to develop fine motor abilities, hand-eye coordination, and creativity.
- Music & Performing Arts: Singing, instrumental music (recorder, string instruments), choral work, and drama performances.
- Physical Education & Movement: Eurythmy (a form of movement unique to Waldorf education), cooperative games, running, balance exercises, and traditional sports.
Interdisciplinary Learning Across Grade Levels
Each grade level in a Waldorf school offers hands-on projects that integrate multiple disciplines, reinforcing knowledge retention and fostering creativity. Field trips are an essential component, allowing students to experience real-world connections to their studies.
1st Grade: Fairy Tales & Handwork
First grade marks the beginning of the second developmental phase, spanning ages 7 to 14. This phase focuses on the idea that “The world is beautiful.” Imagination flourishes, and students learn best through stories, art, and experiential learning.
Fairy tales and nature stories spark curiosity and wonder. Painting, drawing, and storytelling lay the foundation for writing, while math is introduced through engaging narratives. Unlike traditional schools, Waldorf introduces all four mathematical operations in first grade. Spanish and Mandarin are taught through song, movement, and games. Other subjects include Music and Eurythmy.
Curriculum Summary:
- Language Arts: Storytelling through fairy tales and nature stories; introduction to writing through painting and drawing; active instruction in letter sounds and phonics concepts.
- Math: Introduction to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through imaginative stories.
- World Languages: Spanish and Mandarin are taught through song, movement, and games.
- Other Studies: Nature exploration, music, form drawing, movement-based learning.
2nd Grade: Fables & Legends
In second grade, children become increasingly self-aware and begin to explore the complexities of their world. The curriculum provides tools to engage with newfound independence and navigate social conflicts. Second graders explore Aesop’s fables, which help develop moral reasoning and literacy skills. They also study animals, comparing their characteristics and behaviors to human traits. Students in all Grades create illustrated morning lesson books, reinforcing both artistic and language skills.
Curriculum Summary:
- Language Arts: Aesop’s fables and stories of heroes reflect students’ social-emotional growth.
- Math: Expansion of arithmetic, rhythm-based multiplication learning.
- Science: Hands-on exploration of nature and simple scientific observations.
- Other Studies: Artistic work (painting, drawing, modeling), world languages, movement games.
3rd Grade: Farming & Self-Sufficiency
Third grade is a “doing” year, focusing on practical knowledge. As third graders learn about measurement, time, and self-sufficiency, they participate in gardening and farming projects. They might construct a small shelter or bake bread, applying math and science concepts in a practical setting. A field trip to a working farm solidifies these lessons, immersing students in an environment where they see food cultivation in action.
Curriculum Summary:
- Practical Studies: Farming, cooking, measurement, shelter-building.
- Math: Practical applications—telling time, measuring, handling money.
- Language Arts: Introduction to grammar, continued storytelling, and illustration.
- Music: Introduction to C-flute and string instruments.
- Experiential Learning: Multi-day farm trip for hands-on agricultural and practical life skills.
4th Grade: Norse Mythology & Local Geography
Fourth grade marks a developmental shift, as children leave early childhood behind and engage more critically with the world. Fourth graders explore Norse mythology, bringing ancient stories to life through storytelling and drama. They also study local geography, mapping their communities and learning about regional history, reinforcing their sense of place. A field trip to a historical site or nature reserve deepens their connection to their environment and local geography.
Curriculum Summary:
- History & Mythology: Norse mythology parallels students’ adventurous spirits.
- Geography & Science: Local geography and zoology.
- Math: Introduction to fractions and more complex problem-solving.
- Arts & Music: Form drawing, part-singing, orchestra.
5th Grade: Ancient Civilizations & the Pentathlon
Fifth grade is known as the “Golden Age of Childhood,” a time of balance and harmony. Students explore human history from ancient India to Greece, recognizing the interconnectedness of civilizations. The study of ancient cultures in fifth grade culminates in a Greek Pentathlon, where students embody the athleticism and philosophy of ancient Greece. Training for this event integrates history, physical education, and even art. Students might recreate artifacts or jewelry from Ancient Egypt. A visit to a history museum deepens their appreciation for the artifacts and stories of early civilizations.
Curriculum Summary:
- History: Ancient civilizations from India to Greece; comparative Mythology.
- Math: Decimals, fractions and geometry.
- Science: U.S. geography, botany, woodworking.
- Athletics: Greek Pentathlon celebrates strength and agility.
6th Grade: Introduction to Cyber Civics & Geology
Sixth grade marks the dawn of reason and perception. The study of astronomy and geology expands a student’s awareness of their place in the universe. Students at SWS often take a trip to New York City to explore the Natural History Museum and the architecture of historic churches and buildings. Physics is hands-on, engaging students with experiments in acoustics, magnetism, and electricity. The curriculum continues to be experiential, allowing students to participate actively in their learning.
Technology is intentionally delayed in Waldorf schools to encourage creative and critical thinking without reliance on screens. In sixth grade, students are introduced to the Cyber Civics curriculum, which teaches digital literacy, online safety, and responsible technology use.
Curriculum Summary:
- History: Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages.
- Science: Physics (light, sound, magnetism, electricity), mineralogy, astronomy.
- Math: Business math, geometry, and algebra introduction.
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on physics experiments to foster inquiry and critical thinking.
7th Grade: Renaissance & Mechanics
Seventh grade is a year of exploration and self-discovery as students transition from childhood to adolescence. The curriculum mirrors this transformation by studying the Renaissance, engaging in perspective drawing, and learning about the impact of art, science, and exploration. Perspective drawing and world geography encourage students to see the world—and themselves—in new ways.
They also delve into mechanics and simple machines, constructing working models of pulleys and levers in Physics. A visit to Philadelphia’s museums provides an opportunity to learn more about American History.
Curriculum Summary:
- History: Renaissance, Age of Exploration.
- Science: Chemistry, physiology, advanced physics.
- Math: algebra, geometric perspectives.
- Language Arts: Creative writing, poetry.
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on physics.
8th Grade: Capstone Project & Final Trip
Eighth grade is a year of deep inquiry and synthesis. Students explore complex historical and scientific concepts, such as revolutions, electromagnetism, and organic chemistry. They also read and perform Shakespeare and analyze poetry, refining comprehension and vocabulary skills.
A highlight of the year is the Eighth Grade Project, a culmination of each student’s independent research and creative effort. This project reflects each student’s personal interests and integrates various disciplines. These projects, presented to the school community, serve as a testament to students’ growth and achievements.
In addition, an eighth-grade trip serves as both an educational and celebratory experience, reinforcing the bonds formed throughout their journey in Waldorf education and providing a meaningful transition to high school.
Curriculum Summary:
- History: Reformation to Revolution.
- Science: Organic chemistry, fluid mechanics, electromagnetism.
- Math: Algebra, advanced geometry.
- Language Arts: Shakespeare, historical literature.
- Capstone Project: Eighth Grade Project—an independent research and presentation project marking their transition to high school.
The Waldorf Approach
Research supports the effectiveness of Waldorf education. A study conducted by the Stanford University School of Education found that Waldorf students excel in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving compared to their peers in traditional schools. Another study published in the Journal of Educational Research and Evaluation indicates that Waldorf graduates report high satisfaction with their education, noting that the interdisciplinary and experiential approach prepared them well for higher education and careers.
By focusing on developmental readiness, hands-on learning, and real-world connections, Waldorf schools cultivate lifelong learners who retain their knowledge far beyond their school years. By meeting students at each developmental stage, SWS ensures they grow into well-rounded, confident individuals, ready to thrive in any high school setting and beyond.