Waldorf education emphasizes thoughtful, intentional and developmentally appropriate technology use. We advocate for an experiential, relationship-based approach in early education, followed by a curriculum for older students that helps them understand tech as a tool, and engages them in conversations around digital ethics, privacy, media literacy, and balanced use of social media and technology. Our approach gives Waldorf graduates the tools and knowledge they need to be independent, creative, and ethical digital citizens.

A recent study focusing on children aged 5 to 18 revealed that outdoor education and activities have a multitude of benefits for students. Not only did students exhibit higher levels of self-confidence, stronger friendships, and a greater sense of belonging, but academic performance in math, science, and language also saw an improvement, coupled with increased motivation to learn. Waldorf education places significant value on diverse forms of outdoor learning and experiences, such as scientific observation and environmental projects, camping, field trips, and free exploratory play.

Waldorf education strives to prepare children for a full and engaged life as change-makers in the world, which is evident in the career paths of its alumni. A 60-year survey of Waldorf graduates showed a diverse array of professions and occupations including medicine, law, science, engineering, computer technology, the arts, social science, government, and teaching at all levels–fields that require the skills and values instilled by Waldorf schooling. The ability to adapt, think creatively, demonstrate kindness, solve problems, communicate effectively, nurture a love of learning, and work collaboratively are just a few of the lifelong benefits of holistic, whole-child education.

With increasingly rapid changes in the nature of work, employers are interested not just in intelligence and social skills, but in an employee’s adaptability quotient–their ability to adjust to new challenges with flexibility, curiosity, courage, resilience, and problem-solving skills. In Waldorf education, we deepen rigorous academics by integrating art, outdoor education, music, theater, practical work, movement and hands-on learning. The depth and breadth of the Waldorf curriculum challenges students and develops crucial capacities that will help them adapt and thrive throughout their lives.

The performing arts help children develop a range of beneficial life skills, such as quick thinking, problem solving, and building self confidence. Theater strengthens empathy by asking a child to embody what their character is feeling and experiencing, and putting on a play also requires students to work as a team. In Waldorf education, students are involved in class plays and musical performances every year. We see the wide-ranging positive impact on our students and the powerful boost to their self confidence that the performing arts provide.

Research shows that students who engage in the arts at school perform better in math, reading, and writing, and have an enhanced social and emotional experience. Waldorf education integrates an array of arts into the curriculum to support academic growth, develop communication and collaboration skills, and give children a well-rounded, joyful educational journey.

Schools around the world face a challenge: how to educate and prepare their students for an uncertain future. Waldorf education is therefore designed to be a global approach that focuses on educating students to learn to work together, across cultures, to solve complex problems that may not have simple solutions. By the time our students graduate, they are equipped with valuable capacities and much-needed skills that will enable them to succeed in their chosen careers and to be able to confidently address future challenges, even those that we can’t even begin to imagine.

A recent study showed that students who went on multiple field trips performed better academically and were less likely to miss school or have behavioral issues than their peers.

Being outdoors helps children develop the curiosity that is the essence of science later in life.

Raising children who will become happy, healthy, thriving adults is one of the most challenging and important roles anyone can have. In Waldorf education, our schools are designed to engage not only the student but their families as well.

Science education in Waldorf Schools starts with a solid foundation of nature-based play beginning in preschool, and uses a hands-on and nature-enhanced approach throughout the grades to engage students in learning.

One of the best scientific predictors for how a child turns out, in terms of happiness, academic success, and meaningful relationships, is whether adults in their life consistently show up for them.

An in-depth study by Stanford University of the Waldorf educational method in place at a public school in Sacramento, CA found that those students outperformed their peers in other public schools in their district in math, with the most gains among African American, Latino, economically disadvantaged students and other traditionally underserved students.

New research suggests that natural elements like mud, sticks, and trees might unlock the imaginative power of play—beating out purpose-built spaces like the neighborhood playground.

Screen time and green time are linked to psychological well-being in contrasting ways.

How the Finnish education model is similar to Waldorf Schools.

New research indicates that access to the outdoors in childhood is strongly associated with happiness, mental health and well-being in adulthood.

Waldorf education emphasizes thoughtful, intentional and developmentally appropriate technology use. We advocate for a low-tech approach in early childhood and the elementary grades, followed by a curriculum in middle [and high] school that helps students understand tech as a tool, and engages them in conversations around digital ethics, privacy, media literacy, and a balanced use of social media and technology. Our approach gives Waldorf graduates the tools and knowledge they need to be independent, creative and ethical digital citizens.

To solve the environmental crisis, or any of the other ecological, economic, social and political crises we face, we need to foster the power of imagination in education.