Below are a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand a little more about our school.

We recognise all children’s needs are unique and we encourage families interested in our school to contact reception and book a school tour. A tour allows you the opportunity to privately meet with the Principal, explore the school grounds and classrooms, and ask any questions you may have.

Steiner (Waldorf) Education offers a unique and distinctive approach to educating children, inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and guided by the globally respected Waldorf pedagogy.

This method has gained widespread recognition for its many benefits, making Waldorf schools the largest and one of the fastest-growing groups of independent schools worldwide.

At The Armidale Waldorf School, we take pride in providing an education unlike any other in the New England region. We work in close partnership with Steiner Education Australia and collaborate with experienced Steiner professionals and schools to continuously enhance our programs, ensuring we deliver exceptional Steiner Education to our students.

Dr. Rudolf Steiner was a respected scholar in science, literature, and philosophy, widely known for his work on Goethe’s scientific writings. Later, he combined his scientific approach with a focus on human spiritual and personal development, becoming a pioneer in applying holistic and forward-thinking ideas to modern education.

Drawing on his knowledge of history, civilizations, and human development, Dr. Steiner created Steiner (Waldorf) Education. This approach emphasizes a deep understanding of human growth and learning, fostering self-awareness and connection to the world, and continues to inspire education globally.

Rudolf Steiner designed a curriculum that responds to the developmental stages of childhood. He thought that schools should cater to the needs of children rather than the demands of the government or economic forces, so he developed schools that encouraged creativity and free-thinking.

“Our highest endeavour must be to develop human beings who are able, of themselves, to impart purpose and direction to their lives”. Rudolf Steiner

The term “Waldorf Education” originated from the first school founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919. This school was established to meet the needs of the working community at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory. The school was officially called the “Freie Waldorfschule” (Free Waldorf School), and the name “Waldorf” became associated with Steiner’s unique approach to education. Over time, the term “Waldorf Education” was adopted internationally and became interchangeable with “Steiner Education.”

We understand the importance of our role in the community, and we hold great reverence for educating and nurturing the whole child—head, heart, and hands—through a balanced, creative, and age-appropriate curriculum. Our approach fosters confidence, emotional intelligence, and a love of learning, preparing children for academic and personal success.

We emphasize creative play, the arts, and hands-on experiences in the early years, laying a strong foundation for cognitive and social growth. Our supportive community values meaningful connections, collaboration, and well-being. By choosing our school, you’re giving your child the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing environment that prepares them for a bright and fulfilling future.

We provide education for children from birth to 18 years, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for every stage of development.

Our small cohort creates a close-knit community where families form meaningful connections with peers and teachers. This personalized approach allows educators to tailor learning experiences to each child’s unique needs, ensuring they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Early Childhood programs include Playtime (ages 0–3), Preschool (ages 3–5) and Kindergarten (ages 5–6). We provide Primary Education for Classes 1–6 (ages 6–12) and Secondary Education for Classes 7–12 (ages 12–18).

The benefits parents report about Steiner Education include:

HUMAN-CENTRED CURRICULUM: We offer an independent, nationally recognised curriculum purposefully aligned with human development.

RESPONSIVE TO NOW: We provide responsive education, grounded in capacities and practices fundamental to healthy humans and society.

INDEPENDENT THINKING: We nurture and challenge our students, developing independent and creative thinkers.

BUILDING WHOLE HUMAN CAPACITIES: We effectively balance and develop the whole person authentically.

SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE: We support students to be balanced, responsible, connected and socially-aware citizens.

GLOBALLY CONNECTED: We form part of globally recognised pedagogy connecting students as world citizens.

We are fully accredited by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA), ensuring our curriculum meets rigorous educational standards. Our Early Childhood programs, including Boongaiai Preschool, are approved by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). As an independent, co-educational institution, we are also members of the Association of Independent Schools NSW and Steiner Education Australia, aligning with national and international standards for Steiner education.

These accreditations reflect our commitment to providing high-quality, holistic education from early childhood through secondary schooling.

Class teachers hold a standard university teaching qualification alongside specialized training from a recognized Steiner teacher training institute. This training, usually one year full-time, includes supervised teaching practice in a Steiner school. Ongoing professional development is provided during school term breaks, and all new teachers are supported by an experienced mentor.

Festivals and ceremonies are a cherished part of Steiner Education, bringing the school community together each term to celebrate the rhythms of nature, the changing seasons, and shared traditions. These regular events create a natural rhythm within the school year, offering meaningful opportunities for families, teachers, and students to connect and foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Through anticipation, preparation, and celebration, festivals create lasting memories for children and their families. They encourage collaboration, joy, and a deeper connection to the school community. By participating in these traditions, families become part of a larger, supportive community that values meaningful connections and shared experiences.

In Waldorf Education, discipline is built on mutual understanding and respect between teacher and student, fostering a caring and supportive relationship. The long-term connection between a class teacher and their students allows time for trust and understanding to grow. Discipline focuses on two key aspects: maintaining an orderly environment and guiding children toward self-mastery.

Discipline in Steiner schools is both constructive and restorative, aiming to support personal growth and repair relationships when needed. Our school has a Behaviour Management Policy that further outlines our approach to discipline and provides clear steps to ensure a balance between structure and individual development.

Steiner schools are non-sectarian and work to inspire a true morality through the development of gratitude, reverence, and love for the world. While the study of the history of civilisations acquaints the children with spiritual leaders of humanity such as Buddha, Christ, Moses and Zarathustra, the school leaves the question of religion strictly to the family.

Wholistic seasonal festivals are celebrated, and children of all religious backgrounds attend Steiner schools.