Frequently asked questions

A teacher who provides loving guidance for the whole child.

A sense of wonder and reverence at the center of the learning experience.

Deep connection to, reverence for, and exploration of the natural world.

Intellectually rigorous.

Meaningful experiences of the natural world and our place in it.

Experiential learning of science and mathematics.

Art and music integrated throughout the curriculum.

Nurturing social development.

Character-building work and stories.

Rhythmic versus scheduled.

Waldorf education has its roots in the spiritual-scientific research of the Austrian scientist, philosopher and artist Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). According to Steiner's philosophy, the human being is a threefold being of spirit, soul, and body whose capacities unfold in three developmental stages on the path to adulthood: early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence.

Steiner’s work was not only in education, but also in a wide range of fields such as medicine, agriculture, nutrition, social renewal, and the environment. One of his beliefs was that humanity needs to work organically in co-operation with nature, not against it.

He sounded prescient warning bells about many issues, such as sustainability and depletion of human and natural resources.

In addition to these beautiful contributions to humanity, Steiner also made some racist statements. We acknowledge and denounce these statements. They were harmful when they were written and they are harmful now.

We interrogate the curriculum for underlying racism and white supremacy, and (for older children) expose those teachings as an opportunity for our children to see how racism and white supremacy can thrive undetected in even our most beloved traditions and institutions.

In our experience, traditional Waldorf curriculum disproportionately elevates male and masculine archetypes. We seek out opportunities to also include and lift up female and gender-diverse archetypes and to support images of maleness and masculinity in its full spectrum of expression and beauty.

Waldorf education comes from Germany and therefore, curriculum and festivals tend to offer a white, Eurocentric view of the world. We will seek to expand our curriculum through the study of other traditions and methods of learning and knowing. Whenever possible this will happen through hiring leaders from communities who bring diverse traditions and ways of approaching learning, spirituality, and development.

“Studies show that outdoor learning delivers many benefits — reducing stress, improving moods, boosting concentration, and increasing a child’s engagement at school.”

“New research shows that engagement with nature can help enhance attention and memory in school children which are critical for learning”

“Outdoor Lessons Double Students’ Attention Span, Study Finds”

“The Perks of a Play-in-the-Mud Educational Philosophy”

“Outdoor learning makes lessons more memorable”

“Play supporters point to improved literacy, fewer achievement gaps, and better motor skills for students”

“Children Learn More Through Play Than From Teacher-Led Instruction”

NPR also has a great article about rethinking how preschool is taught (which has great parallels and thoughts valid for rethinking elementary education as well)

Thank you for asking! Meadowlark is inspired by the work of many people who teach us how to live in awe of and in connection with the natural world, as well as those who are working to build a world of love and liberation. Here are a few of those who are the inspiration behind our school.

• Mary Oliver

• adrienne maree brown

• The Okee Dokee Brothers (especially Brambletown and Songs for Singin’)

• Beyonce (especially Renaissance)

• Robin Wall Kimmerer - Braiding Sweetgrass

• Ocean Vuong