WALDORF SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
There is no better advocate for a school than those whose lives have been enriched by their educational journey there. Bella and Fern, 2022 graduates of Waldorf, vividly capture what has made their time here so extraordinary: a nurturing community that makes Waldorf feel like family, a creative and hands-on approach to teaching that makes learning fun, the campus’ inherent beauty, and a culture of kindness.
WHAT MADE YOU FEEL PROUD TO BE A STUDENT AT YOUR SCHOOL?
BELLA: I have been to many different schools throughout my life, from a public school to a Catholic school. Out of all the schools I have attended, Waldorf has had the strongest sense of community. Everyone treats each other like family. People at Waldorf, faculty and students alike, show kindness to each other. The kids in my classes have grown up together, and some have even known each other since preschool. We genuinely care for each other. The kindness the school embodies is what makes me proud to have been a Waldorf student.
FERN: The sense of community and the welcoming demeanor makes me proud. There is so much love and respect that flows through the colorful halls, and it brings me much joy. I think that the connections that teachers are able to have with students is a big difference from other schools. At WSB, some teachers teach us every year for all eight years. This allows a deeper connection with the students.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS?
BELLA: The view from the top of the main stairwell is breathtaking. If you stand on the top of stairs and stare straight out of the giant glass window, you can see all of downtown Baltimore in the distance. The view is even prettier at night because the city comes to life and lights up. In the mornings, as you walk up the stairs, the light from the rising sun pours through the windows. You get a beautiful view of the sun rising above the forest of trees that surrounds the school. Reds, oranges, and soft blues fill the sky. It’s an amazing view and a good way to begin the day.
FERN: My favorite place is definitely the woods. It is such a peaceful and beautiful spot to learn about nature and wildlife. It has always been a delight to play in and be one with the forest.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE?
BELLA: It is okay not to be perfect. We will have challenges in life that we can overcome and conquer, and some that we still need to work on. Waldorf taught me to be forgiving to myself and others. Waldorf taught me to be honest. Waldorf taught me to be kind. Waldorf doesn’t want their students to walk away from the classroom with a handful of dates and names memorized, they want them to understand what they are learning about and how it connects to the current world around them.
FERN: WSB has taught me how to find a way to be creative in anything I do. Whether it’s drawing pictures to help learn history, or folding paper to help learn math, I love that I have been taught how to make learning very enjoyable.
