Girl playing violin. The image is framed with a ring of rainbow tissue paper, and a ring of a leaf texture.

Educating Head, Heart, and Hands for 25 years

At the Waldorf School of Philadelphia, students are engaged learners, a diverse community surrounds the children with love, and dedicated teachers cultivate capacities like curiosity and compassion, which distinguish our graduates in high school, college, and throughout their lives.

We’re a creative, friendly, diverse place with a reputation for success.

The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is proud of our reputation as a vibrant learning community where education is based on a deep understanding of the developing child. Our interdisciplinary approach develops our students’ ability to think critically and to make a difference, as leaders with a strong moral compass.

We apply the innovative educational philosophy and curriculum developed by Rudolf Steiner in a contemporary context, and offer a comprehensive liberal arts education. We uphold a standard of excellence and integrity in academics, arts, and human relationships. 

Our school honors and values each child and family and actively celebrates and works to deepen diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our community, through self-study, collaborative work, and a robust financial aid program. We strive to deepen our understanding of each other and the world through the lenses of heritage, identity, and social justice. 

The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is a full member of AWSNA, the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, and WECAN, the Waldorf Association of Early Childhood in North America. Learn about the seven principles of AWSNA here. 

We are also accredited by the Middle States Association and a member of ADVIS, the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools.

Large stone building with peaked roof and cathedral windows.

“I commend and support the school's efforts to maintain a well-organized, safe, socially distant school environment during the pandemic. My child returns home happy, sharing her new songs and new experiences. She wakes up ready to return, looking forward to what the day may bring. She enjoys learning.

—Anyta Thomas, Lower School Parent

Our Mission

A group of kindergarteners, all dressed in snow gear, holding hands in pairs and walking down the sidewalk.

The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is a vibrant learning community where education, based on a deep understanding of the developing child, integrates the intellectual with the artistic, the practical with the beautiful, fostering the ability to engage fully in the world.

We achieve our mission by:

  • Applying the innovative educational philosophy and curriculum of Rudolf Steiner in a contemporary context

  • Upholding a standard of excellence and integrity in academics, arts, and human relationships

  • Honoring and valuing each child and their unique gifts

  • Cultivating dynamic working relationships with and among the faculty, the board, the administration, and the community of families

  • Striving for cultural diversity within an urban setting, with a commitment to the importance of nature and its stewardship