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If you’ve never visited the Waldorf School of Baltimore, you may be struck by an almost magical quality that permeates the campus. Based on the educational approach of Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education goes beyond conventional methods, embracing a philosophy that sees each child as a blossoming individual with diverse gifts waiting to unfurl. At the heart of Waldorf Education lies the recognition that a child’s intellectual, emotional, and spiritual dimensions are interconnected.
For those who have been charmed by the world of Bluey, an animated Australian preschool series created by Ludo Studio and loved by kids and parents alike on Disney Junior, Waldorf education will be easy to envision. That’s because rumor has it that Bluey’s school, Glasshouse Primary, is based on Glass House Mountains State School, a real-life Waldorf/Steiner school nestled near Brisbane, where Bluey is set. Whether it’s true or just a delightful coincidence, the parallels are hard to ignore, especially for those of us who cherish the gentle, imaginative approach of Waldorf education.
Bluey’s playful spirit, deep connections to nature, and celebration of the small yet significant moments of childhood speak directly to the heart of Waldorf philosophy. But even if you aren’t familiar with the adventurous blue pup, there’s much to explore when looking at a Waldorf education.
Imaginative Play at Its Finest
Waldorf education lets kids be kids, and nothing encapsulates this better than imaginative play. It’s where creativity blossoms and where a simple stick becomes a magic wand, a boat, or a sword. It’s pure, unfiltered fun—the kind that Waldorf educators know is the true work of childhood.
Learning Life’s Lessons, the Fun Way
Forget about sitting still at a desk all day—Waldorf students learn by doing. Life’s big lessons—like how to share, solve problems, or practice empathy—are learned through play and everyday adventures. Educators don’t tell kids what’s right and wrong; they show them how to draw their own conclusions. It’s experiential learning at its best, the kind that lasts a lifetime.
The Great Outdoors as a Classroom
Waldorf schools have long known the value of the great outdoors. In fact, Waldorf School of Baltimore is a leader in the area of sustainability. A Maryland Green School since 2010, Waldorf School of Baltimore is also an official Eco-School and Certified Wildlife Habitat and was honored this summer as a 2024 Green Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education – the highest national honor for environmental education and land stewardship. But the real magic is how kids interact with nature through their Waldorf education. The school has Baltimore City’s only forest kindergarten program – where children spend their days exclusively outdoors in all weather conditions and seasons. Nature isn’t something you visit; it’s something you’re a part of, and that’s a lesson every Waldorf school holds dear.
A School Where Family and Community Matter
Waldorf education teaches that learning happens best when it’s woven into the fabric of family and community life. Our school community is filled with loving parents, supportive neighbors, and friends who feel like family. (Similar to the world of Bluey.) Education doesn’t only happen in a classroom—it’s something that thrives in every interaction, every shared meal, and every laugh.
Respecting Childhood
Another Bluey comparison: Much like the school in the program, Waldorf School respects the pace of childhood. There’s no rush to grow up, no pressure to perform. This is very much in line with Waldorf’s belief in letting children develop at their own pace.
You don’t need to watch Bluey to understand what makes Waldorf education so special. Like its fictional counterpart, The Waldorf School of Baltimore is a place where imagination reigns, where nature is a beloved teacher, and where the rhythms of family life shape the way we all learn and grow.
Learn more about The Waldorf School of Baltimore, at waldorfschoolofbaltimore.org.